We review the Fiat 500 1.2 Pop (2008) from price to economy and all its features

The quirky original clocked up nearly four million sales between 1957 and 1975 – evoking memories of times when Italy was the height of cappuccino coolness.

And the new model will be perfect for the new Starbucks generation. Like the new Mini, it has grown, yet still looks compact. But it has out-Italian Jobbed the Mini for style.

It has been inspired by the original and has the same cute, curvy lines, prominent round headlights and no grille.

At 132in long, it’s 6in shorter than a Mini, and that makes it one of the easiest cars to drive and park.

It’s just as funky inside where buyers can opt for their own colour schemes and personalise the car – much like the Mini.

Fiat say there are a staggering 500,000 combinations – with 15 interior trims, nine types of wheel trim, 100 in-car accessories and even three different fragrances. The interior cleverly manages to make retro styling look up-to-date, with bare metal paint and a big speedo in front of the steering wheel.

But it’s also thoroughly modern, with gizmos such as MP3 and phone connections, a navigation system and USB port. And the quality of the materials is a big leap forward, although some of the plastics below the dash have a flimsy feel.

I drove it around the back streets and countryside of Bolzano in northern Italy and the 500 isn’t as dynamic or classy to drive as the Mini, but it’s still competent.

The 500 was made for busy city traffic yet it’s capable of cruising long distances with any of its engines – a 1.2-litre petrol, 1.3 turbo-diesel or a 1.4 petrol. All three are also big on economy. The 1.2 is capable of more than 50mpg and the diesel hits nearly 60mpg. Prices start at £7,900 for the 1.2 Pop.

What to look for when buying a used Fiat 500

Fiat quality has been improving since its darkest days, but the 500 has not been without problems.

To date four recalls have been issued on the 500, and six on the Abarth model, ranging from potential airbag problems to steering faults.

It is important to check that these faults have been put right; a dealer will fix them without charge.

Recalls aside, owners report a few annoying problems such as a creaking front suspension, peeling body stripes, and glitches in Bluetooth connectivity and iPod integration.

There have also been reports of engine management lights flickering on.

An extended warranty on your second-hand buy might well be worth it.