2012 Fiat 500

The 2012 Fiat 500 ushers in the return of the Fiat brand to North America. There was once a car so small it made the Mini seem like a Big. A 2012 Fiat so cute the animators of the movie Cars did little to transform one into the adorable "Luigi." A car that if you saw one on the streets, you’d swear it was a child’s scale replica. That car was the Fiat 500, or Cinquecento en Italiano, and it left such an indelible impression during its 18-year lifespan that Fiat performed a Mini-like resurrection to it three years ago. Now, with Fiat purchasing Chrysler last year, the 500 has been chosen to be the pioneer model to reintroduce the Fiat brand to North America.

The 2012 Fiat 500 is a two-door subcompact hatchback available in Pop, Sport and Lounge trim levels. Standard equipment on the 500 Pop includes 15-inch steel wheels and chrome-trimmed wheel covers, keyless entry, full power accessories, heated mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-only steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a trip computer and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack.

The Convenience package adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Fiat’s Blue&Me Bluetooth phone connectivity and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Fiat 500 Sport gains 16-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, retuned steering, slightly different styling, a roof spoiler, foglamps, sport seats, cloth/vinyl sport upholstery and the Pop’s two optional packages. Satellite radio is a separate option, however. The Safety & Convenience package (automatic transmission required) includes automatic climate control, a compact spare tire and heated front seats.

The 500 Lounge reverts to the Pop’s mechanical tuning and includes its optional packages as well. Also included are 15-inch alloy wheels, exterior chrome accents, foglamps, a fixed glass roof and upgraded cloth upholstery. The Convenience Group adds rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and heated front seats. The Luxury package adds leather upholstery and upgraded trim. Dealer-installed accessories like interior ambient lighting and exterior graphics are also available.

The 2012 Fiat 500 is powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 101 hp and 98 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the Pop and the Sport.

The 2012 Fiat 500 comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, a driver knee airbag, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.

While the Fiat 500′s retro styling screams "Mini fighter," its interior raises the decibels even further. It also has a more straightforward control layout than the form-over-function Mini. If there is one clear demerit for the Fiat it is interior quality that isn’t quite up to the Mini’s level, but certainly strong for other cars in its modest price range.

Other than the Smart Fortwo, the Fiat 500 is the smallest car sold in the United States. Nonetheless, the high-mounted front seats allow for an impressive amount of legroom even for tall drivers (though it would be nice if the steering wheel telescoped for a better driving position). Backseat legroom is understandably modest compared to other small cars, but it is more generous than what the Mini Cooper offers.