Cars like the Fiat 500
Searching for cars like the Fiat 500? Take a look at these small city cars that rival the icon
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By Tia Harrison-North
Last updated: 13 June 2025
Cars like the Fiat 500 have a lot to live up to when you know what an icon the miniature model is.
With a loyal army of followers, the Fiat 500 boasts an instantly recognisable design, and a driver stereotype that’s become part of pop culture.
Still, it might not be right for everyone – and there are some worthy rivals that still have plenty to offer.
Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor, said: “The Fiat 500 is a modern classic and ideal whether you’re shopping for a first-time driver or just need a cool city run-around.”
See our favourite alternatives below.
cinch rating: 3/5
Interior: 6/10
Performance: 6/10
Practicality: 6/10
Running costs: 6/10
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Our top 10 cars similar to the Fiat 500
Mini Hatchback
Vauxhall Corsa
Abarth 595
Toyota Aygo
Kia Picanto
SEAT Mii
Hyundai i10
Dacia Sandero
Citroen C1
VW Up!
Cars like the Fiat 500
Mini Hatchback
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The Fiat 500 we typically see on UK roads is a fresh take on the classic that first appeared in 1957 – keeping much of its quirky styling.
Another car that offers the same experience is the Mini Hatch – it's inspired by the Mk1 Mini from 1959.
The Mini is the chunkier car but it’s still comfortably compact, with a 211-litre boot in the three-door model. That’s larger than the 185-litre boot from the 500.
The interior also feels more premium in the Mini than the Fiat, possibly due to the BMW influence. The circular infotainment system is a real eye-catcher, while the Fiat set-up can feel a bit budget.
cinch rating: 4/5
Interior: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Practicality: 7/10
Running costs: 6/10
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Vauxhall Corsa
 "Vauxhall Corsa front three quarters")
If we’re going by stereotypes, the Vauxhall Corsa is to new men drivers what the Fiat 500 is to new women drivers. It’s a coveted car that really nails a particular demographic.
The Corsa has remained popular among its audience for its sporty looks, nippy performance and slick interior.
By 2025 it was on its sixth generation, and the 1.2-litre turbocharged engine that’s available in these models is smooth and surprisingly feisty. The 100hp and 205Nm of torque it puts out feels a lot beefier than it is on paper – giving it the edge over the 500 when it comes to power.
cinch rating: 4/5
Interior: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Practicality: 8/10
Running costs: 9/10
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Abarth 595
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Let’s get the confusion out the way – the Abarth 595 and Fiat 500 are not the same car. Abarth essentially takes the Fiat 500 shell and overhauls it to have enhanced suspension and engine components, making it the ideal performance car.
Its dinky size means it’s speedy and nimble, but it doesn’t run away from you on the road.
The official engine stats say 165hp from the 1.4-litre four-cylinder unit and a 0-62mph of 7.3 seconds. That knocks out the Fiat 500 and its 1.0-litre 70hp engine, but that’s no surprise.
cinch rating: 3/5
Interior: 6/10
Performance: 7/10
Practicality: 4/10
Running costs: 5/10
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Toyota Aygo
 "Toyota Aygo exterior")
If the Fiat 500 was built to be practical and great value for money rather than cute and dinky, it would be the Toyota Aygo.
It does everything the Fiat 500 can, but it’s typically cheaper to purchase on the used market and is rated better for reliability.
The Aygo does have a slightly smaller boot at 168 litres, but the cabin feels roomier than the 500.
The Aygo also has the ability to go up to a ten-year warranty if you keep up with the service schedule.
cinch rating: 3.5/5
Interior: 6/10
Performance: 6/10
Practicality: 6/10
Running costs: 8/10
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Kia Picanto
 "Kia Picanto driving")
The Kia Picanto is a real gem. It’s one of the highest-rated models on this list and smashes a 10/10 running cost rating.
Ben Welham, our motoring journalist, said: “The Kia Picanto is a car that just makes so much sense.
“It’s nippy, characterful, not overly complicated, cheap to buy, cheap to run and cheap to insure. It’s the same price as some optional extras are on high-end luxury SUVs, for crying out loud.”
Kia claims you’ll get up to 52.3mpg, while Ben averaged 51.1mpg during 425 miles of mixed driving.
cinch rating: 4.5/5
Interior: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Practicality: 6/10
Running costs: 10/10
 "Kia Picanto review banner")
SEAT Mii
 "SEAT mii design")
If you read a lot of cinch reviews, then you’ll probably know that this writer loves a SEAT Mii. I’ve been driving my used model for nearly three years and it’s been reliable, cheap to run, and weirdly spacious.
The boxy shape of the car means you can really pack it up to the roof, and the ample head space makes up for the fact your legs might get a bit cramped in the rear.
The 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine reckons it can get up to 62.8mpg, and that doesn’t sound too over-egged to me. I’ve found fuel economy to be so good that I haven’t felt the need to calculate my average.
cinch rating: 3/5
Interior: 7/10
Performance: 6/10
Practicality: 5/10
Running costs: 7/10
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Hyundai i10
 "Hyundai i10 driving")
The Hyundai i10 feels a lot like the Fiat 500, if not just a bit more grown-up. The 500 is cheap to run, easy to drive and very cute, and the Hyundai is all of those things with a softer touch on cuteness.
If you want something small like the 500 but don’t spend all your time in urban environments, the i10 is a good shout.
The entry-level 1.0-litre engine with 65hp gets up to 53.3mpg, though there are other engines that are more powerful and slightly less efficient.
The boot is bigger than the 500’s offering at 252-litres, so it’s a nice step up for extra space.
cinch rating: 3.5/5
Interior: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Practicality: 6/10
Running costs: 7/10
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Dacia Sandero
 "Dacia Sandero front")
The Dacia Sandero deserves more love. It launched as the cheapest car in the UK and this probably earned it a reputation as a car to avoid – an injustice for such a box-ticking hatchback.
Another one that beats the Fiat 500, the Sandero brings a spacious 328-litre boot that can extend to 1,108 litres with the seats folded down.
Fuel efficiency isn’t anything to sniff at either, with the SCe 75 1.0-litre engine getting up to 55.4mpg. The Fiat 500 can average over 60mpg in some iterations, but that will depend on how you drive it.
cinch rating: 4/5
Interior: 7/10
Performance: 6/10
Practicality: 9/10
Running costs: 8/10
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Citroen C1
 "Citroen C1 front")
The Citroen C1 is likely the most on-par with the Fiat 500 when it comes to personality. Both are cheeky looking cars with a lot of flare, and they feel level for quality.
The Fiat 500 is also the pricier option, so it might be worth opting for the C1 to save some money while still getting a quirky little car.
Both have a similar feel on the inside. The Fiat 500 is quite iconic for its colourful interior plastics, often designed to match the exterior, and the C1 does something similar. It doesn’t feel quite as fashion-forward as the 500, but it’s still a fun touch.
cinch rating: 3/5
Interior: 4/10
Performance: 6/10
Practicality: 5/10
Running costs: 7/10
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VW up!
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If you like the SEAT Mii but brands matter to you, the Volkswagen up! Is another fun alternative. It’s neat and compact, but has a roomier interior and that VW badge.
The up! also has the advantage of being virtually the same car as the Mii and Skoda Citigo, so parts are easy to come by and inexpensive.
Just like the Mii, the boxy dimensions are ideal for getting properly packed up with luggage or passengers and making use of every corner of space. The boot is 251 litres, so quite a lot bigger than the Fiat’s.
cinch rating: 3.5/5
Interior: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Practicality: 6/10
Running costs: 7/10
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Fiat 500 alternatives
If you’re in the market for cars like the Fiat 500, this will give you a good place to start.
There are so many small, quirky hatchbacks on the market that it can be hard to know which one suits your needs.
The Fiat 500 has a cult following for a reason, but there are worthy alternatives that can be just as fun to own.
Take a look at our full range of used small cars to find your match.
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