Fiat 500 Hybrid 2026 First Look — with manual gearbox

Fiat has unveiled the first images of its new 500 Hybrid, showcasing an updated interior design and the inclusion of a six-speed manual gearbox.

Photographs of a set of pre-release prototypes reveal that the new 500 Hybrid will have the same appearance as the electric 500e, with the only noticeable difference being a redesigned front grille, aimed at providing additional airflow to the petrol engine.

Inside, the dashboard has been updated with a larger, square-shaped storage cubby, and the gearlever is positioned higher, next to the steering wheel, reminiscent of the design found in the previous petrol-powered 500 model.

Fiat has not yet confirmed the exact powertrain for the 500 Hybrid, but it is anticipated to feature the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid Firefly engine that powered the previous 500 and Fiat Panda models.

The inclusion of a manual gearbox eliminates the possibility of the 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid Puretech engine, which is used in various models across the Stellantis group, including the new Fiat Grande Panda. This engine has been offered exclusively with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Production of the 500 Hybrid is set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, marking an earlier start than the previously anticipated deadline of early 2026, as initially set by Fiat.

The decision to retrofit an electric car with a combustion engine is unprecedented in the European automotive industry.

Several reports in March 2024 indicated that this bold move was driven by two key challenges.

The first challenge was the need to increase production at the Mirafiori factory due to sluggish sales of the 500e and its Abarth 500e hot hatch counterpart, which had caused Fiat to halt production several times last year.

At the same time, Fiat ceased production of the previous petrol-powered 500 model, which had accounted for the majority of 500 sales. The 17-year-old model was no longer compliant with new EU cybersecurity regulations, necessitating an expensive rehomologation process.

Fiat CEO Olivier François acknowledged these challenges, stating in a statement that the 500 Hybrid will help increase production at the Mirafiori plant “to ensure the facility’s productivity.”

He further explained that the launch of a new combustion-engined 500, in response to declining sales of the electric vehicle, demonstrates “proof that social relevance is at the core of the brand’s mission.”

Fiat had previously announced plans to invest around €100 million (£85 million) into the 500e, with the intention of redesigning its platform to accommodate new battery technologies, ultimately aimed at enhancing the vehicle’s affordability.

This suggests that an update for the electric 500 is also expected around 2026.