Fiat 500 is likely to be the car to be seen in during 2008

But where the original version of VW's coupe and the classic Mini have a place in my heart, the old Fiat 500 didn't. Which means it has to be sensational for me to love it, writes Stuart Milne.

The original Fiat 500 was a massive success for the Italian marque. At less than three metres in length, it was the perfect answer for growing congestion in post-war Italy.

Priced at 465,000 lire, the 500 was within the grasp of many Italians throughout its 18-year life.

And its rear-mounted 479cc two cylinder engine meant it was capable of buzzing around the streets and reaching a not-so-dizzying top speed of around 60mph.

I can appreciate why it has a legion of fans though. It’s a piece of Italian motoring nostalgia in the same way a classic Ferrari is.

But like the other classic 'peoples cars', the Volkswagen Beetle and Citroen 2CV, I've never loved them.

So I didn't pay too much attention when I heard Fiat was bringing the baby 500 back to live.

Until I saw it.

Its cutesy retro looks are spot-on; with its doe-eyed face enchanting all who see it. And its side profile remains true to the original.

In fact, if Volkswagen hadn't used the phrase for their 'Singing in the Rain' Golf GTi advert, I'd say it was The Original. Updated.

Fiat first teased the motoring public with a new 500 in 2004 when it pulled the wraps off its Trepiuno concept. At the time many remarked on its similarities with the Mini, but unlike the Mini, the Fiat 500 is huge value for money.

The entry level 'Pop' is priced at less than £8,000; and for that you get a 69bhp 1.2-litre engine, ABS, driver and passenger airbags, power steering, a MP3-compatible CD player and electric door mirrors.

That's kit the original never could have dreamt of.

It's not all in the 500's favour though. The Fiat 500 – in its normal guises, at least – is by no means a hot rod, and there have been reports of a jittery ride. I've not had a chance to get behind the wheel yet, so I'll reserve my judgement.

But the majority of buyers will look beyond this, seeking out the car for its sensational design.

Those seeking faster thrills will probably want to wait for the hot 155bhp Abarth version, which will give the Mini Cooper S something to worry about.

Insiders are predicting a 7.5-second 0-62mph sprint with a brash bodykit that'll emphasise the 500's curves. And there's even talk of a tuning pack that'll take the bug-eyed Fiat to around 180bhp.

L.A.T.W.O.T. Video of the Week

Fiat hasn't been shy in marketing the 500, so its no surprise there's a cool official trailer…