Service Bay 2010 FIAT 500 1.2

Equipment required

› jack › axle stands (or ramp) › oil tray › oil filter strap › sockets/spanners 8-32mm and 16mm spark plug socket › screwdrivers › wheel brace › breaker bar › pry bars › battery tester › antifreeze hydrometer › hammers › wire brush › soft brush › spray grease › brake grease › penetrating fluid › petroleum jelly › copper grease › brake cleaner › brake fluid tester › tyre pump › torch › torque wrench › rags for cleaning › gloves › syringe › clean jug and funnel.

There can’t be many cars that were introduced more than thirteen years ago and are still in production today, but that, basically, is what Fiat’s retro-styled baby has achieved. It’s also been a much-needed success story for a manufacturer which, it has to be said, didn’t have much to shout about in the early noughties; remember the Fiat Stilo?

Introduced in 2008, the 500 has, of course, been developed since, but it’s been a case of continual, ongoing improvement rather than replacement ‘Mk2’ models. The biggest changes were the roll-top convertible arriving in 2009, improved suspension from 2010 and in 2015, a restyle including new front and rear lights and a new dash layout including a touchscreen. Oh, and earlier this year an all-electric version was introduced.

Engine-wise there’s a choice