What is it about Italian cars that make them so…bellisimo?
While Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Maseratis, are virtually rolling works of automotive art, even the most common models to come from the boot-shaped country possess an unmatched sense of style and sophistication.
Case in point is the new-for-2012 subcompact Fiat 500 coupe and Cabrio convertible, which mark the iconic brand’s re-entry into the U.S. market after more than a quarter of a century’s absence. After a week’s test drive we can attest that the “Cincequencnto,” as it’s called in its homeland, indeed delivers on its promise of fun-on-a-budget for both entry-level buyers and those looking to downsize their rides but not the automotive expectations.
Borrowing heavily from the MINI Cooper’s playbook, the Fiat 500 features a rounded neo-retro look that harkens back to the go-go 1960’s. The styling theme carries over seamlessly inside the cabin to just about every element an owner can see and touch. These include an oversized speedometer and fashionable but functional pods of buttons and dials for the audio system and climate control at the center of the dashboard. The overall look is engaging without falling into the too-clever-for-its own-good ergonomic nightmare that is the MINI Cooper’s interior.
Though the Fiat 500 is only 139.6 inches long, it actually feels larger inside than its exterior proportions might indicate. At least for the driver and front passenger, that is, as back seat room is virtually nonexistent. The front seats are both comfortable and supportive and there’s plenty of legroom to accommodate taller motorists. There’s only 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space, but at least it can be expanded to a useable 30.1 cubic feet with the rear seat cushions folded flat.
The Fiat 500 comes in Pop, Sport and fully configured Lounge models. Buyers can choose among 14 exterior paint treatments across the line and as many seat color and material choices, along with a long list of dealer-installed accessories for a customized look.
Our tester was a Cabrio Lounge version that featured a large folding cloth roof. In reality it’s more like a coupe with a panoramic sunroof than it is a bona fide convertible, with the power-operated top able to open partially, or retract fully behind the rear seat. One benefit to this design is that because it retains the roof frame the 500 Cabrio also maintains the coupe’s structural integrity, which means it avoids the shakes and shudders suffered by many convertibles. Unfortunately, the Cabrio has even less cargo room than the coupe, with storage limited a small trunk-like compartment.
The Fiat 500 packs an economical (30-city/38-highway mpg) 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that, while it generates only 101 horsepower, is sufficient to get this piccola auto (small car) up to speed nicely. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard on Pop and Sport models, with a smooth and sophisticated six-speed automatic optional there and standard with the Lounge for those who favor convenience over control. The automatic includes a selectable sport mode that adjusts the transmission’s shift patterns and engine responsiveness for livelier performance.
The car’s handling is energetic and entertaining, though it’s not necessarily as slot car-like as the MINI Cooper. While the Sport model comes with specific suspension tuning to give it additional cornering abilities, this comes at the expense of a slightly rougher ride.
As befits its youthful intended audience, the 500 offers a full range of high-tech features, including Fiat’s innovative eco:Drive application, which allows owners to track the car’s environmental performance and receive recommendations on how to modify his or her motoring habits to help reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
With an MSRP that ranges from $15,500-$19,500, the Fiat 500 is an affordable alternative to far blander subcompact cars, but without the budget-busting sticker price of a MINI Cooper. Unfortunately, those who require amenities like a useable back seat and more than just token cargo room will have to look elsewhere.
