fiat-500

Review: 2015 Fiat 500C 1957 Edition

April 5, 2016 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

2015 Fiat 500 1957 Edition Cabrio

Here at The Garage, it’s a safe assumption no one has a more irrational admiration for everything Fiat than myself (that I just bought a 1981 Fiat 124 Spider speaks to my insanity, but that’s another post). So when the opportunity came up to climb back in a 500C, I was not going to let the fact that it was winter stop me.

The 500 has been zipping around the US since 2012, and we loved it then, but what has Fiat been up to with the tiny Italian since then? As it turns out, not very much. There is a revised front passenger seat for improved headroom, an available armrest (a feature lacking in ’12 cars I was not happy about), an upgraded instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and an improved center console with an additional USB port. Although our test car was a 2015, 2016 models are about the same with one exception: until now, if you wanted GPS in your 500, you were relegated to a TomTom unit that plugged into the top of the dashboard, and easily the worst GPS system I have ever encountered. Fiat has finally addressed that glaring problem.

But, that’s it? Yes, that’s it. The 500 is so impossibly cute, it seems sacrilege to mess with the styling. So we’ve seen a smattering of minor improvements along the way, as well as the addition of the higher performance 500 Turbo and bad boy 500 Abarth.

To keep things interesting with the ‘regular’ 500, in 2014 Fiat introduced the 1957 Edition. Available in hardtop and cabrio form, Fiat takes its top-spec Lounge model (the posh 500, as opposed to the edgier Sport) and adds the 1957 Edition as an option package, intended to honor the original Cinquicento.

What sets the 1957 Edition apart? Most noticeable is a choice of four retro colors: Bianco (white), Latte Menta (light green), Verde Chiara (green) or Celeste (light blue) offset with 16″ retro body color wheels, white capped mirrors, exclusive Avorio (ivory) interior with gorgeous Marrone (brown) leather seats, leather steering wheel, retro Fiat badging, driver/passenger front seatback pockets, and a retro fascia with chrome accents.

Otherwise, this is the same 500 we know and love. Power comes from a 1.4L four rated at 101hp, with a choice of a five speed manual or six speed automatic. That’s a very modest figure by modern standards, but thankfully the 500’s small size and light weight allow for a fun, if not quick driving experience. The five speed is what you want to squeeze the most fun out of the car, but even equipped with the automatic, as our test car was, the 500 will still put a smile on your face. Scooting down tight, twisting roads, one is reminded that a lot of horsepower is not always the recipe for driving fun.

2015 Fiat 500 1957 Edition Hatchback and Cabrio

Since all 1957 Edition 500’s start out as the Lounge model, standard features include cruise control, premium audio with XM satellite radio, steering wheel mounted controls, halogen projector headlights, fog lamps and chrome exhaust tip. Our Fiat 500C 1957 Edition came with one sole option, the automatic transmission. Including destination, our test car retails for $27,030. The 1957 Edition package added $1,900 to the price of a 500C Lounge. That’s a premium price for a small car, but there is no arguing the car’s charm.

So, the 1957 Edition takes everything we love about the 500C and adds even more charm and character. And what we don’t love-unremarkable fuel economy (27/34mpg city/highway), no trunk space, ridiculously tiny rear seat, and laughable rear visibility. But if you want a car that encapsulates all the romance of ‘Roman Holiday’ and 1950’s Italy in a modern package, your car has arrived.

Fiat Adding Automatic to the 500 Abarth

April 11, 2013 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

Ah, come on, we all saw this coming, didn’t we? In an article from Wards, the good word is there will be an automatic offered in the Abarth. In an interview with Fiat North America president Tim Kuniskis, the company didn’t perceive any demand for an automatic Abarth, but that has not been the case. The vast majority of Abarth sales are to males, but with the upcoming drop top 500C Abarth, it is expected the car will win over more interest from women buyers, most of whom may not be interested in shifting for themselves.

That may be true, but the reality is fewer and fewer drivers know, or are interested in rowing through the gears. At a racetrack gathering of the automotive press, I saw a young man gaze longingly at the row of cars Honda and Acura brought along. He sighed, and said to his companion: “This stinks, all the cars they brought are manuals. And this is from a car journalist! If an automatic keeps the already strong selling Abarth going, then who can complain. After all, no one threatened to riot when the MINI Cooper S had an automatic offered all along.

Review: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

October 15, 2012 by Tom Williams 3 Comments

With the lovable MINI Cooper, parent company BMW has shown that you can effectively market and sell a small, fun to drive, retro chic car in North America and find a captive, loyal audience. “Hold on”, you may be thinking, “isn’t this about a Fiat?” Of course it is. My point here is that Fiat is borrowing heavily from MINI’s marketing playbook. And how can you blame them? It worked. MINI showed that you can build a brand around one iconic car reborn as a modern conveyance, yet still full of character. Fiat started with the standard 500, then added the 500C with its clever peel back canvas roof. The third member of the Fiat 500 family is the Abarth, and trust me, if you have an enthusiast bent, this is the one you want.

When the Fiat 500 arrived here in 2011 as a 2012 model, hopes were high-50,000 cars sold in the US high. It didn’t happen. At the end of 2011, just under 20,000 500’s found homes in America. What happened? Well, blame history. See, the Mini Cooper was officially imported for a small period of time in North America, and poof, it was gone. Just a memory of an endearing car. And MINI returned to North America with parent BMW, so confidence was high. Fiat left North America in disgrace in 1980 with a horrible reputation for rust and reliability issues. In other words, the buying public just wasn’t sure what to expect-so they hesitated.

So along comes the Abarth-the high performance, and costliest Fiat 500 available. With a reality check from last year sales, Fiat went ultra-conservative on sales predictions, with maybe 1,000 takers for the year. When Fiat started taking orders in April, boom-1,000 orders. Fiat tripled to max capacity of the Abarth at its Mexico plant to 3,000 cars. And after a mere two months on the market, Fiat announced the 500 Abarth was sold out for 2012.

So, you may ask, what is the attraction? To the casual passer-by, you might not be able to distinguish the Abarth from lesser 500’s. The Abarth sits lower, and features its own unique front fascia (to make room for the intercoolers). Every inch a 500, Fiat has still managed to take out the cute chic retro car features. Note the lack of chrome, and ultra cool mod paint colors to choose from. The chrome is more subtle, and colors are restricted to white, grey, black or red. Our test car’s black 17″ alloys, offset by red brake calipers looked most proper here, and leaves no mistake this is not the cutesy Fiat 500 for twentysomething fashionistas.

Inside, the 500 Abarth appears similar to other 500’s, but closer inspection reveals some subtle, but noteworthy differences. The Abarth leather steering wheel is a joy to hold, and the red stitching on the wheel, shifter, e-brake handle and dash cap add a sporty and luxurious touch to the cabin of what started life as an economy car. In addition to the turbo boost gauge, you will also notice Fiat has ditched the retro font for the center gauge cluster in exchange for a more modern look. The gorgeous and supportive sport seats on our test car was icing on the cake. But as in all 500’s, you do have a high seating position, and sit fairly upright. I had no problem getting comfortable at the helm, however.

So we’ve confirmed the Abarth looks the part inside and out, but that’s nothing if the performance isn’t there to back up the promise the package offers. The Abarth is powered by a 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged four, rated at 160hp. A five-speed manual is the only available transmission, so if you can’t work three pedals, you don’t get to play. At 160hp, that may not sound like much, as cars like the MINI Cooper S and VW GTI easily surpassing that figure. Keep in mind the Abarth is smaller and lighter, and that makes up for a lack of horsepower. Fuel economy figures of 28/34 MPG city/highway are impressive for a hot hatch.

But talking about the numbers here misses the point completely. I make a terrific alfredo sauce, and I could show you the recipe. You would see the ingredients and measurements, yet never know how it tastes. And so it is with the Abarth. Turn the key and the car emits a glorious bark, settling into a tense idle. It is perhaps the greatest sounding four cylinder engine I have ever heard. In the Abarth, it is nearly impossible to resist blipping the throttle, downshifting when you don’t really need to, just to hear that exhaust note. Yes, the Abarth is quick off the line, offers plenty of grip and a firm, but hardly bone-jarring ride. Sure, the GTI will likely run circles around the Abarth, but in comparison, the execution is so clinical. The Abarth is not perfect, but is so full of soul and character it is impossible to resist its charm, and that seductive siren of an exhaust note.

So, what is the price of admission for this mini Italian hot hatch? A very reasonable $22,000USD, and well-equipped. Our test car added Performance Leather seats, the Safety & Convenience Package (auto climate control, XM satellite radio, alarm), red mirror caps, TomTom GPS navigation (skip this) and 17″ painted alloys. Including delivery, our Fiat 500 Abarth rang in at $26,200. If we’re comparing, a GTI and MINI Cooper S start at a good $2,000 more than the Abarth’s base price.

I feel the success of the Abarth in North America is a well-deserved boost of confidence to Fiat as it still is finding its way on the other side of the Atlantic. I understand this is the car the real Italian car fans were holding out for, us ex Fiat and Alfa Romeo drivers who appreciated that Italian driving goodness could be attained in an affordable package. Fiat was smart to recognize the Abarth name would only resonate with car geeks like myself in America, so why not hire bad-ass Charlie Sheen and Romanian supermodel Catrinel Menghia to promote their hottest ride? And, it worked. The 2013 Abarths will soon be available. My advice? Take your place in line, and you will thank me the moment you turn the key. It’s that good.

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2012 Fiat 500 Abarth-Sold Out!

June 4, 2012 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

When Fiat brought their retro-chic 500 to America in 2011, their goals were highly optimistic with projected sales at 50,000 cars. Fiat left America in the early 1980’s with a poor reputation of unreliability and cars easily susceptible to rust. As an untried brand in the US for decades and with a dealer network still in development Fiat fell far short of that lofty figure. When Fiat unveiled the 500 Abarth, just the opposite happened.

According to The Detroit News, Fiat is unable to accept anymore orders for the Abarth for 2012. You can still order one, but it will be a 2013 model, which won’t be available until Fall. With the Abarth, Fiat went very conservative with its sales projections. When the car went on sale in late April, there were already over 1,000 orders for the car, which is what Fiat thought they would sell for the entire 2012 model year. Based on the enthusiastic response to the Abarth, Fiat tripled production to 3,000 cars, but claims that was as many as they could build.

Powered by a 1.4L turbocharged four cylinder producing 160hp, paired to a five-speed manual with subtle bodywork and sport tuned suspension and steering, the Fiat 500 Abarth makes an interesting alternative to the MINI Cooper. The base price of $22,000USD certainly helped, and any Italian car fan worth his salt would be drawn to the Abarth mystique. So, if you want one, get in line.

Review: 2012 Fiat 500 Sport

April 1, 2012 by Tom Williams 1 Comment

It is no secret that The Garage is excited about the return of Fiat to North America. While we have already spent valuable seat time and reviewed the 500C (C for Cabrio), we were still interested in spending a week with the stronger-selling standard 500 hatchback-especially a Sport model with a manual transmission. While it is true that Fiat 500 sales have not quite met company expectations, but from my perspective, it is not because of anything to do with the car itself. Instead, the slow build-up of exclusive Fiat Studios (do not call them dealers) and a wait-and-see approach by wary American car buyers are more to blame.

Business aside, the Fiat 500 looks fantastic, especially in Sport guise. To be sure, it is one of the smallest cars sold in the US, but at first glance it is easy to see the 500 is a far more practical choice than the Smart ForTwo or Scion iQ. As petite and cute the 500 may be, as a guy I never felt silly or self-conscious of myself driving or arriving anywhere in it. Quite the contrary. The 500 Sport features serious-looking 16″ alloys, red brake calipers, chrome exhaust tip and a rear spoiler to set it apart from plainer 500’s. While I have never cared for the color olive on any car, our 500 Sport finished in Verde Oliva (Olive Green) simply captivated me. While I joked that against the red brake calipers and center wheel trim the car recalled a rolling martini olive, the truth was I was in love with the looks of the 500. The mix of Italian retro with just the right amount of sport added, wrapped up in a color that was all about 1960’s mod and attitude pushed all the right buttons with me.

Opening the door to our 500 Sport test car, the Mod theme was still in full swing. With a huge swatch of the dash in olive green contrasted to gray and tobacco brown sport seats, the amount of style and swagger packed into such a tiny space impressed me to no end. If the cast of Mad Men needed an urban runabout, they would all buy Fiat 500 Sports that looked just like our test car. You feel just a little cooler than you really are just by being inside the 500.

The 500’s gauge cluster features one binnacle with a tachometer being the largest, with a smaller speedometer inside that, with an LCD display at the center. It’s a little unconventional, but fairly easy to get used to. I was disappointed that on the Sport, Fiat chose a rather plain, nondescript font for the numbers on the dials instead of the cool retro font I saw on our 500C. In the 500, the driver sits up high, sort of like in the original Saab 900. The Sport seats were comfortable and well-bolstered. The small, one-line LCD stereo display is only capable of displaying a limited amount of info, especially when you are tuned to SiriusXM satellite radio. Without a proper center armrest/console, the 500 lacks any option to conceal any belongings except for the glovebox. To make matters worse, the glovebox of our test car was already half full with an optional TomTom GPS navigation unit that pops into a port on top of the dash. It is easily the worst GPS unit I have ever come upon, and was essentially useless.

The 500 Sport is powered by a 1.4L four cylinder rated at 101hp. So no, you’re not going to impress the guys at Muscle Car night. But the 500 fires up with a hint of attitude, and equipped with our car’s standard 5-speed manual transmission, the car was a pleasure to scoot around town in, with just enough torque off the line and pep to enjoy yourself. On the highway you have to work the engine a bit, but it never complains, and the five-speed manual was a pleasure to shift. While I enjoyed our automatic-equipped 500C Lounge, the 500 Sport is easily my favorite, with quicker steering, firmed up suspension and the manual tranny making for a very rewarding experience at the wheel. And while I complained the 500C’s gas mileage was pretty unremarkable, our 500 Sport offered far more impressive EPA mileage figures of 30/38 MPG city/highway.

While the base Fiat 500 Pop starts at $15,500USD, the mid-range Sport with its appearance and handling enhancements start at $17,500. Standard equipment includes remote entry, cruise control, Bose stereo, Blue&Me hands-free communication, steering wheel audio controls, and trip computer. Our test car was optioned with the Safety & Convenience Package (auto climate control, alarm), Safety & Sound Package (SiriusXM satellite radio, and the gorgeous gray/brown interior), and the awful TomTom navigation. For the $400 Fiat is charging you for the nav, do yourself a favor and buy an iPhone. As equipped, and including destination charges, our Fiat 500 Sport cost a total of $19,000.

For buyers seeking a low-cost, frugal sub-compact car, the choices seem to be multiplying year by year, while in the past North American buyers seeking such a car were met with very limited choices, and not particularly great choices at that. But with the Fiat 500, we have a very good, and quite interesting choice. For sure, you can make your case that the Honda Fit or Nissan Versa offers far more practicality, and I would agree with you. For a subcompact driver’s car, the Mazda2 is a compelling, and cheaper alternative. Yet none of these cars come close to the charisma and character the 500 Sport has on tap. And compared to the equally charismatic MINI Cooper, the 500 is an absolute steal. In sum, you would be hard-pressed to find a car packing so much fun and personality at this price than the Fiat 500.

Sure, first year sales fell far short of Fiat’s expectations. But as any Italian will tell you, the perfect tomato sauce takes time, and being a newcomer in North America, the recipe for success is right, it will just take time.

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Fiat 500 hauls cargo Canadian style!

November 1, 2011 by Gary Grant Leave a Comment

Yes, that is indeed 9 cases of empties stuffed into the back of a Fiat 500, plus a few 6 packs. We could easily have fit another 4 or 5 in there too!

Back In the Berkshires!

October 9, 2011 by Tom Williams 2 Comments

Longtime readers of The Garage may recall that the month of October is not complete for me without our annual trip to the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts. It is an autumn rite of passage for me and my family, and this year was no exception. Thanks to our friends at Lexus, we were provided with a Lexus HS250h for our annual pilgrimage this year. An easy two hour drive from our home in Connecticut, the Berks are one of the most popular fall destinations in New England, and is an easy drive for those of you in southern Canada as well, so put it on your bucket list.

Foodees that we are, we do not skimp when it comes to eating. Once there, we always start out with lunch at the historic, and reportedly haunted Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. The Red Lion is the cornerstone of the Norman Rockwell, post card perfect town, and has served visitors since 1773. After a satisfying lunch at Widow Bingham’s Tavern, one of my greatest pleasures is to grab a Steel Rail Ale by Berkshire Brewing Company and enjoy it on the expansive porch at the Red Lion Inn and people watch. Pure bliss. On a gorgeous and unseasonably warm day, watching my son play on the enormous pumpkins outside the entrance, it was paradise. Once finished, I hit an indie record shop, and picked up an Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong CD, which would prove to be the perfect music companion for the rest of the trip.

As lovely as Stockbridge is, we were eager to head off to Great Barrington, but before we hit downtown, we had to check in at Windy Hill Farm, who arguably makes the best apple cider ever made. I came to know Great Barrington back when I was a teenager, and staying at the local church with my choir. The town’s beatnik style has always held a strong appeal to me, and I truly feel at home each time I visit. Though my son would argue the toy stores are the talk of the town, for us it is Rubiner’s, the town’s famous cheesemonger. Housed in a former bank, vault still intact, Rubiner’s is a must visit. Out back is Rubi’s, a bar/coffeehouse that also makes gourmet sandwiches. Guests can eat/drink outdoors or in the converted bank’s boardroom, complete with fireplace and wood-paneled walls. The ambience is nothing short of spectacular.

But, you came for the cars, and I hope I did not disappoint. As always, Alfa’s Unlimited, just south of the Massachusetts border was a must-see. It’s my few minutes of the year to reconnect with Alfa Romeo’s, one of my favorite cars I ever owned. New for this year was another stop outside Sheffield, MA, with an eclectic collection of Euro and American iron in various states of restoration or decay. I sincerely hope you enjoy the pics as much as I.

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Coming to America: Fiat 500 Cabrio

April 16, 2011 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

In case you didn’t know, The Garage is eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Fiat 500. Our enthusiasm for the charismatic Italian subcompact was kicked up another notch at the announcement that Fiat will be offering the 500 Cabrio, in addition to the hardtop. The Cabrio recalls the original 500 with a full canvas roof to let the sun in, but with a modern take on the concept. The 2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio will feature a dual layer power-operated cloth top that can be retracted at speeds up to 60mph. Fiat says the Cabrio is arriving ‘just in time for Spring’ but no release date or pricing has been announced. We expect more details on the Cabrio to come at the upcoming New York Auto Show, so watch this space.

Fiat Showcases US Market 500

March 2, 2011 by Tom Williams 1 Comment

Thanks to the Fiat 500, the subcompact car market in North America is about to get a whole lot spicier, and here at The Garage we could not be more excited. North American 500s will be built at a Chrysler plant in Mexico, while engines will be built in Detroit. To start, all 500s will share the same drivetrain, a 1.4L four rated at 101hp, coupled to either a five-speed manual or an all-new six-speed automatic. For fuel mileage, exxpect 30mpg city and 38mpg on the highway with the manual, while those figures drop to 27/34mpg, respectively, with automatic equipped cars.

So, is North America ready for the return of Fiat? I believe so. At $192,000, a Ferrari California is currently Italy’s cheapest import, so the Fiat 500, with a starting price of $15,500 will be a breath of fresh air. Fiat is seeking a youthful market with the 500, a generation who will dismiss the old farts with the “Fix It Again Tony” jokes. When Fiat pulled out of North America in the early 1980’s, even the oldest Generation X’ers were too young to drive, so the demons (rust and reliability) that drove Fiat away from these shores so long ago should be a non-issue. Even so, Fiat is not taking chances, indicating that the 500 underwent “quality and refinement adaptations for the US market.”

If Fiat has the right dealer network and the right car, there is the potential for a hit. The individuality and spirit of the MINI at a lower starting price, coupled with the funk factor of the Smart ForTwo in a far more practical package should bode well for for the 500 in North America. Hit continue for the 2012 Fiat 500 models and pricing.

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