The Fiat 500 is a fantastic little city car with an unmistakable identity, low running costs and a real fun factor.
While the dinky Fiat is an icon, there are a few other cars you might consider if the 500 isn’t quite the right choice. Here are 10 of our favourite alternatives.
Make sure you also check out our in-depth Fiat 500 review and browse our hand-picked collection of used Fiat 500s for sale before you choose something else.
Mini Hatchback
Better than the 500 for: driving fun
The Fiat 500 and the Mini have been jostling for small car supremacy since the late 1950s, and continue to trade blows now. There are plenty of similarities – funky retro styling, petrol or electric versions, lots of character and a small boot – but the Mini pips the 500 for interior quality and driver appeal. Few cars are more fun down a bumpy British back road than the agile Mini. The 500’s cheaper, though.
Shop used Mini Hatchback cars for sale or read our review of the 2014-2024 Mini Hatchback
GWM Ora 03
Better than the 500 for: something new
While the 500 has been regularly updated to keep customers coming back, the basic car has been on sale continuously since 2007. The 500 is instantly familiar, but perhaps it’s time for something new. Enter the GWM Ora 03, a retro-styled electric supermini with two extra doors and a five-star safety score. We just wish it was still called the Funky Cat; that was a much better name.
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Vauxhall Corsa
Better than the 500 for: value for money
The 500 is already pretty strong value for money – you’ll find used examples at Motorpoint for under £7,500 as we write this. But the Vauxhall Corsa is arguably even better value, as it’s a bigger car and comes with more equipment.
Shop used Vauxhall Corsa cars for sale or read our Vauxhall Corsa review
Toyota Aygo X
Better than the 500 for: warranty cover
The Toyota Aygo X comes with rufty-tufty SUV styling, even though it’s barely bigger than a matchbox and will be just as easy to park as the Fiat – especially as a reversing camera comes as standard in the Aygo X. Keep the Aygo X serviced at a Toyota dealer and you’ll enjoy up to 10 years or 100,000 miles of warranty cover.
However, if you’re still keen on the 500, you could take out an extended warranty for extra peace of mind once Fiat’s factory warranty has expired.
Shop used Toyota Aygo X cars for sale or read our Toyota Aygo X review
Abarth 595
Better than the 500 for: performance
The Abarth 595 is a Fiat 500 that’s been on the protein shakes and has its running trainers on. It has a much more powerful engine than the standard 500, as well as a host of performance upgrades and a naughty sports exhaust. On the road, it’s a bundle of fun and used versions aren't drastically more expensive than an equivalent 500.
Shop used Abarth 595 cars for sale or read our Abarth 595 review
Hyundai i10
Better than the 500 for: technology
The Hyundai i10 goes above and beyond for technology in a small car. Every new i10 gets a big touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even digital driver's dials. There’s also a host of driver assistance features including lane-keep assist and a reversing camera. Somehow, despite squeezing in all that tech, there’s still room for four adults inside.
Shop used Hyundai i10 cars for sale or read our Hyundai i10 review
Citroen C3
Better than the 500 for: comfort
Thanks to its ‘airbumps’ and friendly face, the C3 feels almost as funky as the 500. Comfort is the C3’s main priority – this isn’t a car to drive fast – and it’s one of the very best superminis for soothing out pothole jolts and stop-start traffic.
Shop used Citroen C3 cars for sale or read our Citroen C3 review
Dacia Sandero
Better than the 500 for: space
The 500 certainly has the Sandero soundly beaten for appeal, but the rational Sandero is worth a look if you want a bit more space for roughly the same money. It’s a substantially bigger car than the 500, with rear passenger doors and a surprising amount of rear-seat space.
Shop used Dacia Sandero cars for sale
Fiat 500X
Better than the 500 for: boot space
What’s better than a 500? An SUV that rides off the 500's charm. The 500X shares a lot with the 500 hatch, but with more usable rear seats and a boot that’s getting on for double the size of the standard 500. So, if you’re struggling to fit all your shopping in a 500, the 500X might be the next best thing.
Shop used Fiat 500X cars for sale
Suzuki Ignis
Better than the 500 for: 4x4 toughness
You might think a city car with off-road ability would be a niche too far, but Fiat sells its own with the Panda 4x4! The Panda is a fun thing, and so’s the Suzuki Ignis with its toy car looks and willing engine. Surprisingly spacious and surprisingly capable on or off-road, the Ignis is a strong choice if you need a bit of extra grip without a bulky SUV body. Clever sliding rear seats help maximise the Ignis's practicality.
Shop used Suzuki Ignis cars for sale or read our Suzuki Ignis review
Big savings on thousands of cars
Motorpoint has a huge range of nearly new and used cars available to drive away today. For more great choices, see the best city cars on sale.
