The city car price is, for once, right: Fiat are pitching in the new 500 at under £8,000 when it arrives here next January.

That buys the 1.2-litre Pop, at £7,900, then all other models, 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrols, or 1.3-litre diesels, powering eight versions in all, are priced at either £9,300, or £10,700, depending on what kit level is chosen.

All 500s come with anti-lock brakes, driver, passenger, side, and driver's knee airbags, a radio/CD/MP3 player, power steering, and electric mirrors as standard.