2026 Fiat 500 Hybrid revealed

Fiat has released the first images of the 2026 Fiat 500 Hybrid, also revealing its long-awaited replacement for the ancient combustion-powered 500 will come with the option of a six-speed manual.

Releasing pictures of early-build prototypes ahead of production beginning at the Italian Mirafiori plant this November, it’s clear the new Fiat 500 Hybrid will share its looks with the current battery-electric Fiat 500e on which it’s based.

Differences include a larger reworked grille needed to feed air to and cool the electrified combustion engine.

Inside the cabin, the 500 Hybrid gets a high-mounted infotainment that sits above a small cubby. Like the current Fiat light hatch, the new Fiat gets an elevated gear lever that looks like it will feature six forward gears.

Under the bonnet, Fiat is likely to offer the 500 Hybrid with the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Firefly engine currently used in the outgoing 500 and Fiat Panda.

It’s thought that while the Stellantis 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid PureTech engine will fit, it won’t be used as it is not offered with a manual transmission in Europe.

On sale in Europe before the end of this year, the arrival of the 500 Hybrid could signal the first time a bespoke electric car has been retrofitted with a combustion engine.

Motivating the switch back to combustion power for the 500e – which was supposed to be an eventual replacement for the ancient 500 – was slow uptake for both the electric hatch and the sporty Abarth 500e, which led to multiple pauses in production for both cars in 2024.

Fiat has been forced to end production of the Fiat 500 because, despite consistent demand, it could no longer be updated to meet the latest emission regulations in Europe. It was cheaper to re-engineer the 500e than to further tweak the outdated hatch that was first introduced back in 2007.

As well as the new Fiat 500 Hybrid, the Stellantis-owned brand is also readying a comprehensive makeover of the regular 500e, with the car set to offer both more range and faster charging while being more affordable than the current car.

Fiat boss Olivier Francois said the new model would only broaden the 500’s appeal.

“The 500 Hybrid offers affordable electrification and iconic style, proof that social relevance is at the core of the brand mission.

“With the 500 Hybrid, we are strengthening production at Mirafiori to ensure the plant’s productivity and meet the demand. Our roots are in Italy and it’s no coincidence that the two most iconic Fiats are made here: the Panda in Pomigliano and the 500 in Mirafiori.”

The lasting appeal of the Fiat 500 in Australia speaks for itself, with the small hatch only dropped from Fiat’s line-up last December.

Expect an announcement on the new 2026 Fiat 500 Hybrid’s fate Down Under shortly, with the electrified hatch likely to be unwrapped in coming weeks.

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