Fiat Announces 500 Hybrid With Six-Speed Manual Transmission

Later this year, the Italian automaker will begin production of the new Fiat 500 Hybrid, a mild-hybrid version that will slot in under the all-electric 500e. Built at the Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, the 500 Hybrid should help significantly ramp up output at the facility, which has been struggling since the 17-year-old previous-generation 500 was discontinued due to new EU cybersecurity regulations.

Visually, the 500 Hybrid mirrors the all-electric 500e nearly panel for panel—the revised front grille for cooling the combustion engine is really the only change. Under the hood, Fiat has equipped the 500 Hybrid with its 1.0-liter three-cylinder Firefly 12-volt mild-hybrid engine, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Despite the small size, the hybrid system adds start/stop functionality and helps the combustion engine achieve minor efficiency gains.

Inside, the 500 Hybrid again borrows heavily from the 500e’s tech-forward cabin, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch digital driver display, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The only real interior change is a revision to the lower console to accommodate the manual gear lever.

The automaker says it will offer the 500 Hybrid in three body styles—classic hatchback, a new 3+1 setup with a rear-hinged third door, and a cabriolet.

Production of the 500 Hybrid begins this November at Fiat’s Mirafiori factory in Turin, where over 100,000 units are expected to be produced annually. Pricing hasn’t been confirmed, but Fiat is aiming squarely at the budget-conscious buyer. We could see it land in North America at some point, although the tariff situation between the United States and Europe makes it less likely.

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