This JTD Lounge variant has the best road manners of Fiat’s retro chic 500 we have driven. Its relatively torquey 1.3-litre turbocharged diesel, mated with sweet-shifting five-speed manual, upsets the sibling 1.4-litre petrol for drivability. Coupled with compactness (3.5-metres long), the JTD is well equipped to handle the vagaries of big city traffic. Even around town we averaged 6.1–litres/100 km (the ADR figure is 4.2).
The driving position is an acquired taste, however. Although the only 500 variant to include a height-adjustable driver's seat as standard, the lowest position still seems abnormally high and the pedals slightly offset. But then, it is called the Lounge.
Safety: seven airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, front seat belt pretensioners, five-star NCAP crash rating, Isofix preparation.
Key Features: climate control air conditioning, fixed sunroof, chrome highlights, Bluetooth phone connectivity, fog lights, MP3 compatibility, one-touch power windows, heated rear mirrors.
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