Fiat 500 options...and- anyone own the MHEV out there?

[brownspeed]

Looking to replace Mrs B's 65 plate Abarth with something newer. Given that she doesn't really need 140bhp, I was considering a more standard option 1 or 2 yr old 500. Most on offer appear to be the MHEV....
I was wondering if anyone out there in PH land has experience of these, or indeed any of the non Abarth options and could impart some advice to me. TIA!

[Om]

Not ownership but I have driven a couple of the 1.0 hybrids (and a Panda with the same engine/setup) - hire cars.

To be honest I thought they were the weakest part of the car and compared to the old 1.2 were worse in every way. Slower, relatively gutless low down and less refined but seemed no more economical than the 1.2. A full battery can be depleted in a mile driving up hill. The gearbox also seemed worse than I recall - and you need to use it A LOT. Such a shame as the 500 is a hoot to drive otherwise - or at least they used to be. Makes it feel like a cheap rubbish car which is a tragedy.

Just to add I drive a Skoda Fabia 1.2 daily which has less power than the 500 and weighs more but is faster in every situation - and more pleasurable to drive.

[Crumpet]

I recently had one of the base spec low-powered 500s as a hire car. I think she’ll miss the 140bhp as it was utter misery to drive - and bordering on dangerous on the motorway. Very hard work.

[brownspeed]

Thanks to both of you. I'll dismiss the MHEV and see if I can find a 1.2 to test. any idea when the 1.2 ceased production?