2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio Review
There once was a car so small it makes the Mini looks like a large. A car so cute movie Cars leaders did little to transform one into the lovely "Luigi". A car that if you saw one on the street, I swear it was full-scale replica of a child. This car was the Fiat 500 Cinquecento or Italian, and left a lasting mark on the history of 18 years Fiat has made a resurrection as the Mini-three years ago. Now, with the purchase of Chrysler Fiat last year, the 500 was chosen as the model pioneered the reintroduction of the Fiat brand in North America.
The Fiat 500 2012 certainly has the potential to be the next big thing (or rather small). While the original 500 was the size of a small and cozy Tikes Coupe, the Nuova 500 looks much more like a normal car - even if small. Compared to a Mini Cooper is 6 inches shorter in length and 2 inches narrower. However, it is also more than 4 inches taller, allowing a high seating position not only increases visibility, but creates the inner leg. The result is a cabin that is surprisingly broad, with more legroom on the contrary that his British rival (not that is saying a lot).
Initially, there is only one engine available: a 1.4 liter 101 hp four-cylinder coupled with a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. No, sounds like a lot of energy (and not), but only 2350 pounds, weighs 218 pounds to 121 hp Fiat base Cooper, who manages to be reasonably optimistic. However, we will keep our hopes of heat in Europe the 500 Abarth and the incredible twin turbo twin cylinder, which promises fuel savings of around 57 mpg.
Like the Mini, the Fiat 500 2012 promises a lot of character customization in the price range is usually not known for that. There are 14 paint colors, various two-tone interior colors and a variety of graphics of the body (such as Italian green, white and red stripes on the sides). It is also equipped with the competition, but you can leave the dealership with a reasonable choice for almost 500 basis of two Grand Prix unless the Mini. The 500 peaks of only $ 23 000 when loaded to capacity. Of course, cars like the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and the Mazda 2 has more space for less.
However, as sunny as the sky can appear in the new Fiat 500 2012, there is a huge cloud hanging over him. Italian cars are known for their reliability, and Chrysler. An Italian car built by Chrysler in the same factory in Mexico, who built the K-Car, the Neon and PT Cruiser? It sounds like a recipe for long and trouble-free product. However, the 500 was sold in Europe long enough to work some kinks, so who knows? Let's keep our hopes and our ears open for reviews at first, but buyer beware.
500: limited-based Chrysler dealer network is still to define, but when the car begins to seep into the crowded streets of America, this is a nice sedan could enjoy the reaction inspired by the Mini-remember five years ago. Of course, the 500 is an increasingly impressive list of other cars cheap and cheerful small that are competing against the country. But even if the 2012 500 is spacious and reliable, it certainly has characteristics of "cute" and "wonderful" down pat.
Body styles, trim levels and options
In 2012, Fiat 500 is a subcompact sedan with two doors available levels Pop, Sport and Lounge trim. Standard equipment on the Pop 500 includes steel wheels and 15-inch chrome hubcaps sound system, keyless entry, full power accessories, heated mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering wheel alone, an adjustable driver's seat height, a trip computer and six speaker audio with CD player and more. The Convenience Package adds a leather steering wheel with audio controls, Fiat Blue & Me Bluetooth phone connectivity and an iPod interface / USB audio. Premium Bose audio package adds satellite radio with six upgraded speakers and subwoofer.
Fiat 500 Sport gains 16-inch alloy wheels, stiffer suspension tuning, steering should be a slightly different style, roof spoiler, fog lights, sport seats, cloth / vinyl upholstery sports and pop two optional packages. Satellite Radio is a separate option, though. Safety and Comfort Package (requires automatic transmission), includes automatic climate control, compact spare wheel and heated front seats.
The show returns to 500 Pop mechanical tuning and includes its optional packages together. Includes alloy wheels with 15 inch chrome exterior, fog lights, fixed glass roof, upgraded upholstery fabric. The Convenience Package adds rear parking sensors, auto-dimming mirror and a heated front seats. The Luxury Package adds leather upholstery and trim improved. A sunroof and an integrated TomTom navigation system is optional on Sport and Lounge. Dealer-installed accessories that ambient lighting inside and outside decorations are also available.
Engines and performance
In 2012, Fiat 500 is powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 101 horsepower and 98 lb.-ft. of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the pop and Sport. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on the living room and optional on other rocks. Performance is likely to be disappointing, with a 00 under 60 km / h time of about 10 seconds. Data from the EPA fuel economy was not published at the time of writing, but based on the European reports on the 500, we believe it will likely get a combined average mpg in the mid 30s.
Security
2012 Fiat 500 comes standard with stability and traction control, ABS, driver's knee airbag, front side airbags, curtain airbags and a half.
Interior Design and Special Features
All the retro Fiat 500 shouts' Mini fighter ", the interior decibel extra trips. He did not many customization options and accessories, as its British rival, but the 500 does not offer stylish two-tone many colors and themes of some intelligent design. It also has a control layout simpler than the form of mini-feature. The manual air conditioning consists of four rotary controls and stereo are high-mounted and easy to read from a look. If there is a clear inability to Fiat is the quality of the interior is not quite the minimum level, but certainly high for the other cars in its modest price range.
In addition to the Smart Fortwo, Fiat 500 is the smallest cars sold in the United States. However, high-mounted front seats allow a significant amount of legroom, even along the driver (although it would be nice if the steering wheel tucked riding position better). Legroom in the back seat is understandably small compared to other small cars, but is more generous than the Mini Cooper offers.
Behind the rear seats, you will find only 6.5 cubic foot trunk, but again, it's more than what is offered by Mini. Lower the rear seat, and you will find a small place, less floor space, but it's still good enough to carry the bulky item strange.
Driving Impressions
We have yet to conduct a US-Spec 2012 Fiat 500, but based on reports from Europe, do not expect the same kind of entertainment at the wheel like a Mini or Ford Fiesta. The direction is rather the lack of meaning and agile type of reaction is expected of a car that seems not, if the director seems to have been retouched in North America for better stability at high speed winds through of. The suspension was also modified to our shores with the comfort-oriented ride, which could be a good thing since the 500 euros of the specifications is on the firm side can react unsophisticatedly over bumps. The Europeans are a little spoiled when it comes to the many sub-compact quality to them, so maybe we'll have a more sunny 500 when you can finally be proven.
Price $ 19,500
