2012 Fiat 500: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

2012 Fiat 500: What Is It?

The 2012 Fiat 500 marks the return of this Italian brand to North America. Fiat S.p.A. entered into an alliance with Chrysler in 2009 to form the Chrysler Group LLC, and the 500 is sold in brand-specific showrooms at approximately 130 major-market Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealers.

The Fiat 500 is a Eurocentric car of decidedly subcompact dimensions, and decidedly modest horsepower with its base engine. However, its expressive, heritage-themed styling (reminiscent of the 1957-1975 Fiat Cinquecento [500]) and fun-to-drive character place it in our sporty/performance car category.

2012 Fiat 500: What’s New?

For U.S. buyers, everything is new.  Though the basic Fiat 500 was launched in Europe for 2007, the 2012 model year marks the car’s debut in North America.

2012 Fiat 500: Model Lineup, Features, and Options

Fiat offers the 500 as a 2-door hatchback or 2-door convertible. Note that the convertible is not a “true” open-air ragtop. It has fixed roof rails that span the area above the doors and side windows; the fabric top powers down between them.

The 2012 Fiat 500 model lineup ascends through base Pop, athletic Sport, upscale Lounge, high-end Gucci, and high-performance Abarth models.

Air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, and cruise control are among the features standard on all 500s. Sport versions have a sport suspension, specific exhaust tuning, and unique interior and exterior trim. Lounge hatchbacks have a fixed glass roof. A wireless cell-phone link is optional on the Pop hatchback and standard otherwise. Heated front seats are optional on the Lounge and Sport models equipped with the automatic transmission. Leather upholstery is optional on the Lounge and Abarth while the Gucci has a leather/cloth blend. Rear-obstacle detection is standard on all convertibles and optional on the Lounge hatchback. A sunroof is standard on the Gucci hatchback and optional on all non-convertible 500s.

The Abarth model receives a host of performance-oriented upgrades, among them an exclusive sport suspension, uprated brakes, optional 17-inch wheels, and unique high-performance-themed interior and exterior styling touches.

2012 Fiat 500: Engines, Transmissions, and Drive Wheels

All Fiat 500s are front-wheel drive. All, save the Abarth model, are powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder with 101 horsepower and 98 pound-feet of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 6-speed automatic is optional.

The Abarth has a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder with 160 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. No automatic transmission is offered on the Abarth; the lone gearbox choice is a 5-speed manual.

2012 Fiat 500: Fuel Economy:

EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2012 Fiat 500 is as follows:

Manual: 30 city/38 highway

Automatic: 27 city/34 highway

Abarth (manual only): 28 city/31 highway

In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission model averaged 34.4 mpg with slightly more highway driving than city use. No opportunity yet to measure fuel economy with an automatic-transmission model or an Abarth. Fiat recommends premium-grade gas for all 500s.

2012 Fiat 500: Safety Features

Safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, front-side airbags, and a driver-knee airbag

Note: Our evaluation of the Abarth model is based on preview test drives.