Our 500TA is very sharp in braking.
I reckon it's too sensitive. Too sharp and sudden, and would be better if it were more progressive.
Compared to my dad's Corolla, my TA85 brakes very well. At first I felt the same as you did, that the braking effect was too sharp and sudden. I've gotten used to it now (I rather like it), and the brakes haven't let me down.
I reckon that the handbrake/rear brakes are fine for normal use, it's just that we have a 1in4 driveway by the gate. Fairly level by the house, but we REALLY have to use the handbrake when we open/close the gate.
At first I had a problem with the handbrake as well, even after getting it adjusted at the mechanic's, it wasn't holding on a steep hill when fully applied. Then portland_bill suggested stomping down really hard on the brake pedal before applying the handbrake, and that totally solved the problem for me. Holds with confidence on steep hills where other cars don't even dare park.
Someone else started a thread about this handbrake quirk recently, they haven't yet returned to post their results AFAIK.
https://www.fiatforum.com/500/424573-fiat-500-dualogic-steep-parking-station-ramp.html
My dad's Corolla never had this quirk.
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