The 2012 Fiat 500 is well-positioned in the affordable small car class, with a competitive MSRP range of $15,500 to $23,500. Reviewers have been kind to this transplanted mini car from Italy, and the mileage rating of 30 mpg city and 38 highway should play well with buyers. Add to those qualifications a downright cute exterior design and this is a little car that could make a big splash.
The Mini Cooper is the Fiat 500's major competition and does have a more powerful engine. The 500, however, has a better price ($4,600 less) and better cargo space, a whopping 30 cubic feet compared to just 24 on the Cooper. Another potential strike against the Mini is the fact that it requires premium gasoline, something recession-strapped buyers don't like these days.
The Mazda2 is also a strong choice in this class, standing out for a larger interior and really strong fuel economy at 29 city, 35 highway. The Mazda comes in at about $1,300 less than the Fiat, which will also be a draw. (If you're really in a mood to run around and take test drives, don't miss the Honda Fit and the Ford Fiesta, two highly competent hatchbacks.)
There are three trims for the Fiat 500 the Pop, Sport, and Lounge. Under the hood there's a tiny 1.4-liter four-cylinder putting out just 101 hp and 98 lb. ft. of torque, incredibly minimal compared to the Mini Cooper's 121 hp. Still, in a car of this size, the ride feels more powerful as you zip in and out of traffic. Out on the highway, the Fiat is, frankly, inadequate, coughing and wheezing its way up to 70 mph and above. In town? It's a fun, sporty ride. On the Pop and Sport trims a five-speed manual transmission is standard, with the Lounge model picking up an automatic.
In terms of external customization, buyers can have a lot of fun, playing with fourteen color options, various available graphics and decals, and racing stripes. The 500's design has been described as bubble like, but the overall impression is flair and an appealing chunkiness. Reactions to the interior are mixed. Nobody wants to crawl in the back seat, but this is a "run around" kind of car not a "take long road trip" ride.
On the base, Pop trim you get a basic audio unit with an auxiliary jack, power windows and locks, and power heated mirrors. For an extra $2k, buyers can add a premium Bose audio deck, hands-free cell phone interface, and a leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls. On the Sport trim, buyers get all that plus a USB port and iPod integration. Bump up to the Lounge and the major changes are a sunroof and Sirius.
The federal government hasn't tested the 2012 Fiat 500, but it does have an impressive list of safety features, including: seven airbags, electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. The European model earned a five-star safety rating from the European NCAP, which is a good benchmark indicating how well-built the Fiat really is for a car this size.
European small cars stand a fighting chance in the U.S. now due to fluctuating fuel prices and the ongoing economic recession. The 2012 Fiat 500 looks good, offers zippy in town performance, and is offered at a nice price point. This one could well emerge as a top contender in the class and is certainly worth a test drive.
