42: Fiat 500 – charming supermini is the backbone of the brand these days

To call the Fiat 500 'evergreen' is to frankly underestimate it. The 500 makes a Scots Pine looks like a six-month old Christmas tree that's been left behind the shed.

Every time we think it’s getting a bit long in the tooth (and it’s been around since 2007) Fiat gives it a small update, a quick tweak, and we remember how gosh-darned appealing it is.

This year has been no exception, and the mild round of updates to the 500 (new lights, updated cabin, improved infotainment) have just amplified our affection for the car. Yes, it’s tiny in the back and the front seats make you feel like you’re sitting on a bar-stool, but it is genuinely engaging and enjoyable to drive, and you can’t help but look back it on the driveway once you’ve parked up. 1.3 diesel engine has serious thrust, but more basic 1.2 is actually the better choice.

Abarth versions are staggeringly fast, and staggeringly expensive (which is why they’re special order only here). Special 60th Anniversary edition has just been launched.