2021 (211) Fiat 500l

Considering this topsy-turvy history of automotive reinvention, the outstanding triumph of the Fiat 500 is all the more impressive. With hugely successful small cars such as the Panda, Uno and Seicento nestling in the Fiat back-catalogue, the 500 had a lot to live up to. It was released in 2007 amid great fanfare and quickly heralded as one of the best designs of the decade thanks to its cute retro looks. The 500 l is an enlarged version of the 500 for those looking for a bit of extra room. The boot is larger, with a low load lip and easily folding split rear seats. The interior of the 500 l certainly feels more 'grown up' than its smaller cousin, with a soft-touch dash, part leather seats and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. Visibility is excellent and the driving experience is enjoyable thanks to the 1.6 diesel engine most Irish buyers plumped for thanks to it's fine mix of frugality and finesse.