The Fiat 500 (Generation 312) is an iconic retro-styled city car that single-handedly revived the Fiat brand. Launched in 2007 and receiving a major facelift in 2015, it shares its platform with the Fiat Panda and second-generation Ford Ka. While predominantly sold with petrol engines suited for urban environments, Fiat also offered the 1.3 MultiJet diesel engine. This diesel variant is a paradox: it offers exceptional fuel economy and torque for highway commuting but suffers from severe reliability issues (DPF, EGR, oil dilution) if used strictly as a city car. Overall, the 500 is charming, cheap to run, and highly customizable, but buyers must carefully match the engine choice to their driving habits.
The Fiat 500 is a fantastic, characterful city car, provided you buy the right version. If you are buying a 500 for city driving, absolutely avoid the 1.3 MultiJet diesel. The urban environment will clog the DPF, destroy the EGR, and snap the timing chain due to oil dilution. For city use, the 1.2 FIRE petrol is the undisputed champion: it is virtually indestructible and dirt cheap to maintain. However, if you have a long daily highway commute and simply want a stylish, economical cruiser, a well-maintained 1.3 MultiJet (preferably the later 95hp version) can be a great buy. Regardless of the engine, avoid the Dualogic automatic gearbox at all costs and opt for the manual.