2012 Fiat 500: Devoted following

In 1957, as Italy was slowly and arduously recovering from the Second World War, Fiat unveiled a small car that would give Italians the means to get around. The 500 – the Cinquecento, as the Latins say – helped get both the country and the national economy rolling again. As an aside, note that a first 500, the Topolino, had already been produced between 1936 and 1955.

Thanks to its sensual charm, the 1957 500 had thousands, even millions of fans eating out of the palm of its hand. Even today, this 500 is practically an object of worship for many Italians and people of other nationalities too, Canadians included.

Nostalgia works... and the designers know it!

The brand-new Fiat 500 (new for us, but the Europeans have been driving it since 2008) is fortunate to have been inspired mainly by the silhouette of the second generation. However, that’s where the comparison ends. The engine is now in front, the doors open in the right direction, and the equipment is complete, while the dashboard of the “real” 500 is almost barren.

While the body is reminiscent of the old version, so too is the passenger compartment, especially the dashboard. It turns out to be much more complete and the large dial just in front of the driver and the large plastic plate in the same colour as the body will make you nostalgic for the good old days.

The little engine that could

Under the 500’s hood is a modern engine, to say the least. The 1.4-litre four-cylinder Multiair features 101 horses and 98 lbs-ft of torque. Multiair refers to the variable valve timing activated thanks to an electrohydraulic system. This system, which seems reasonably complex, directly controls air flow independently for each cylinder and for each cycle. The effect of this is to increase the engine power, its torque and, especially, to diminish CO2 emissions. For more information, please take a look at this video.

Right from the get-go, there’s a surprising lack of power in low gear, but don’t forget that it has only a very small 101 horsepower engine, so you’ll have to cut it a little bit of slack. We couldn’t do any acceleration tests, but I imagine that it’s unlikely to go from 0-100 km/hr in less than 10 seconds. Two transmissions are offered for the 500, a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. We liked the first more than the second since it’s easier to use a better power range. Thus, in vigorous conditions in a mountainous area, you can keep the rpm at the reasonably high level of about 5,000 rpm. As for the automatic, it seemed, at least on the unit we test drove, a little abrupt between gears when decelerating. Otherwise, its output is very respectable. Its manual mode is interesting but none of the versions, including the Sport, has shifters behind the wheel. Too bad...

The steering is surprisingly lively and responsive. The suspension is very comfortable and offers inspired handling, although there’s a little too much stroke on the Pop and Lounge versions. The Sport version features an even bigger surprise with its suspensions, which are a little firm but not uncomfortable and its 16-inch tires, compared to 15 inches for the two other versions, turn the handling up a notch. On the dashboard, a “Sport” button slows gear changes and makes steering less precise, but it doesn’t radically change the car’s performance.

Fun to drive, the 500 also turns out to be easy to live with. Frankly, the amount of interior space is impressive for such a small car. The front seats are comfortable, although I had trouble finding a good driving position at first. I didn’t find the steering wheel particularly nice-looking, and to be honest, it was out of place in such a stylish environment. The front visibility is excellent, unlike the rear where it’s another story altogether. Fortunately, the left rearview mirror is equipped with a convex part that helps you see cars that would otherwise be in your blind spot. The trunk is large but don’t look for a spare tire under the floor. It’s only offered on option!

Too beautiful to be true?

For several years, the manufacturers have been offering versions priced to defy both the competition and, often, logic. To do so, they’re offering a bare-bones model, but the slightest option increases the price quickly. We’re not talking about the Ford Fiesta here... The already well-equipped Fiat 500 Pop starts at $15,995 while the more posh version, the Lounge, goes for $19,500, which, you’ll agree, remains slightly more realistic than the asking price for its sportier direct rival, the Mini Cooper. Sure, the interest rate, the transport and preparation costs, and the 500’s options are as yet unknown, but it’s reasonable to believe that it will be possible to get a Fiat 500 for $25,000 taxes included.

The star

It’s beautiful, incredibly sexy, competent and affordable. To date, the reaction to the 500 has been very, very positive. But it remains to be seen if people will continue to be as passionate about it a few years from now. Remember how sales of the Volkswagen New Beetle, after a dazzling debut, declined quickly.  The same goes for the smart. As for the Mini, it’s still attracting interest, mainly because of the numerous trim levels unveiled at regular intervals. For now, we know that the 500’s sport version, the Abarth, will arrive next year, while a convertible model will debut before the summer. The 500 will be available beginning in mid-February at certain dealerships. We’ll see if its reliability has been improved, because since its 2008 launch in Europe, the Fiat 500 hasn’t pleased everyone...

The 500 built between 1957 and 1975 became an object of worship. We wish the new 500 the same fate.