Fiat 500 Cult Special Edition Review

Since the Fiat 500 is one of the most successful cars Fiat has ever made, it makes sense for them to release special editions to boost its appeal with the build up to an update. The 500 range has now been updated with new engines and trim levels, one of which is Cult trim.

Cult trim is the new range-topping trim level. Standard equipment in this car includes leather seats, a TFT digital display, 16-inch alloys, gloss black rear light detailing, climate control, rear parking sensors, a fixed glass sunroof and a multi-function leather steering wheel.

Engine wise, the 0.9-litre turbocharged petrol is still the pick of the range, but it has now been updated to develop a little more horsepower. The power plant now produced 104 bhp, which is 20 more than before. Whilst torque remains the same, at 107 lb /ft, the extra horsepower allows the 500 Cult to shift its extra equipment around nicely. Officially, this car will sprint from 0 – 62 mph in 10 seconds flat, but it feels much perkier than that in-gear thanks to the sharp throttle response.

This version of the 500 is also equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. This adds an extra dimension to the way the 500 drives – it is now a refined cruiser. Stick it in sixth on the motorway at 70 mph and the rev needle doesn’t raise above 2500 rpm. Very nice indeed.

In terms of styling, there’s little to separate Cult trim from any other, which is a shame, given it is the top dog. Having said that, this model is distinguishable to the trained eye thanks to gloss black detailing on the rear lights and unique alloy wheels. Step inside, and the leather seats add a touch of class to what is a very snazzy cabin. The cabin upfront is still awash with hard plastics, but as always, these are more funky than low-quality and in the end, this is no Mercedes-Benz; it’s a city car with charm and a dollop of good fun.

Out on the road, equipped with the 0.9-litre TwinAir engine, the 500 Cult is economical. It has a CO2 output of 99 g/km which qualifies it for free annual road tax and it’ll return a combined fuel economy of 67.3 miles per gallon according to Fiat.

Bristol Street Motors is extremely excited by the arrival of hotly anticipated 500 Cult. The extra power of the engine and the six-speed manual gearbox have given the 500 a touch of class that it has lacked before, and Cult trim, thanks to generous equipment, makes you feel special.

On-the-road, the Fiat 500 Cult costs £15,060. Now I know what you’re thinking – that that’s a lot of money for a runabout. But now that the engine pulls so well, and the six-speed gearbox adds refinement, this can be more than just a runabout.

For the first time in 500 history, there is a 500 that doesn’t look out-of-place anywhere.