Top 12 Cars Similar to the Fiat 500 You’re Sure to Like

The modern Fiat 500, with its roots in the charming 1950s classic, has really become a standout on the roads. Its unique design, fun colour options, and playful spirit make every drive feel special.

The 500 does a great job of holding its value compared to its many rivals. However, it’s not without its quirks. So, we’ve put together a list of some nice alternatives. It doesn’t matter if you want a car that captures the same vibe or one with similar features; you’ll find exciting options here to check out!

1. Kia Picanto

Launched in 2017, the third-gen Picanto may be Kia’s smallest car, but it packs a lot into a small package. With a surprisingly spacious interior, budget-friendly price, and low running costs, it’s a great choice for city driving. However, it does face some stiff competition.

The Picanto’s interior might be mostly plastic, but it’s both sleek and sturdy. There’s room for three in the back, though fitting three adults could be tight. The boot’s bigger than you’d expect, and Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty is a major bonus for peace of mind.

2. Hyundai i10

The i10 is Hyundai’s fun little city car, and it’s more comfortable and refined than you’d think. With its compact size, tight turning radius, and light steering, it’s super easy to manoeuvre around town.

But don’t underestimate it just because it’s small — the interior is surprisingly spacious and packed with great tech, like wireless smartphone connectivity and plenty of safety features. Just keep in mind that if you want extras like air conditioning or an upgraded infotainment system, the price will go up a bit.

The standard petrol engines are really fuel-efficient, but if you want something with a bit more flair, the sporty i10 N Line is a great choice.

3. Dacia Sandero

The Dacia Sandero is an excellent option for those who want practicality without spending a fortune. Even with the higher-spec models, the low running costs keep it budget-friendly. The mid-range Expression model really shines with its nicer materials — like stylish cloth accents on the dashboard, comfy armrests, and a soft-touch steering wheel.

The Fiat 500 has a bit more flair, but the Sandero is a solid choice if you need more space without paying extra. It’s bigger than the 500, with rear passenger doors and plenty of room in the back for family or friends.

4. Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa has been a familiar sight on our roads since 1993, and it’s come a long way since then. The 99bhp engine is a smart choice. It surprises you with its lively performance while also being fuel-efficient.

Inside, it feels modern and well put together, with an infotainment system that ranks among the best and avoids any cheap looks. If you want to spend a bit more, there are some great upgrades, but the prices are still fair. The Vauxhall Corsa might just be a better deal than the Fiat 500, as it’s larger and comes with more features.

5. Vauxhall Adam

The Vauxhall Adam is one of three small cars you’ll find at their dealerships. It fits right above the Viva and shares some components with the Corsa. What makes the Adam different, though, is its fun design.

While cars like the MINI and Fiat 500 have leaned into retro styles, the Adam goes for a more modern look, similar to the Audi A1. No matter which version you pick, you’ll get a petrol engine, front-wheel drive, and a manual gearbox. There used to be an automatic option, but those models are pretty rare now.

6. Suzuki Ignis

The Suzuki Ignis is a great example of offering a lot for a reasonable price. Even though it’s small, it has a surprisingly spacious interior. It’s light and quick, which makes it perfect for city driving, but it might not be as comfy as some other city cars.

You might think an urban car that can handle off-road is unusual, but the Ignis pulls it off well. With its fun, toy-like look and peppy engine, it’s fun to drive. It works well on and off the road, so it’s a smart choice if you want a good grip without the size of an SUV. Plus, the sliding rear seats make it even more practical.

7. Škoda Citigo

The Citigo is often called the sister car to the Volkswagen Up because they share the same platform. What highlights the Citigo is its lower price and the choice of three- or five-door models, unlike the Fiat 500. Even though it was discontinued in 2020 for the electric Citigo e-iV, it’s still a great option on the used market.

It has a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. It’s not all that fast, but it’s eager and perfect for getting around town. It’s also quiet and comfy on faster roads, and it handles well. Overall, it’s a joy to drive.

8. Renault Twingo

Built in collaboration with Smart, the Renault Twingo takes a fun twist by placing the engine at the back and driving the rear wheels. This is different from most compact cars, which usually have the engine up front. The idea is clever: having the engine at the rear opens up more space for passengers while letting the front wheels handle the steering.

The Twingo shines when it comes to city driving. Thanks to its unique design, the interior feels surprisingly spacious for a small car. Four adults fit comfortably, with plenty of head and legroom both in the front and back.

9. Peugeot 108

The Peugeot 108 is a fun little car that offers a lot without costing too much. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a chic ride, with many options for personalising it. You can choose between three-door and five-door versions for either a sporty look or more space. The canvas roof is a nice touch for sunny days.

Driving the 108 around the city is easy. Its small size and tight turning radius make it simple to get through traffic, and the controls are light and easy to use. The suspension handles bumps well, though it bounces a bit on rough roads.

10. Citroën C1

The Citroen C1 is eye-catching with its unique split-level headlights and bright colour options. Inside, it feels cheerful and fun, especially in the post-2014 models that have extra features.

The soft suspension and light steering make it a bit wobbly in corners, but it’s great for city driving. Also, its small size makes parking easy. If you’re choosing between models, the five-door version is a better option for not much extra. All models, except the base Touch, have a seven-inch touchscreen that connects to Android smartphones.

11. Volkswagen Up

The Volkswagen Up is a charming little car that packs in a lot of sophistication. It’s comfy, feels stable on the road, and is genuinely fun to drive. The Up is perfect for city streets, plus it can also handle the occasional motorway trip, even if the long gearing can make things a bit tricky.

You can choose between three-door and five-door versions, and even the base model comes with VW Connect. Though it was discontinued in 2023, the Up is still a great pick if you’re looking for a used car.

12. Toyota Aygo

The Toyota Aygo is a great little city car that comfortably fits four adults. It has a fun three-cylinder engine, and you can personalise it in many ways.

You can pick between three-door and five-door models. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet with low maintenance, fuel, and insurance costs — ideal for budget-conscious drivers. Even though it’s small, it has a classy, SUV-like design that makes it look good on the road. If you keep up with servicing at a Toyota dealer, you’ll enjoy a warranty of up to 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Conclusion

In the end, finding the right car is all about matching your personality and lifestyle. Maybe you’ll decide to stick with the iconic charm of the Fiat 500, or perhaps you’ll explore one of the great alternatives we’ve highlighted. In any case, enjoy the journey of discovering your next ride!