Vehicle: 2009 Fiat 500 1.4 16V Lounge with Red leather/ivory ambience
Price as tested: CDN$31000 (Estimated)

Performance: The engine in the 500 that most likely make it into Canada, as well as States, when Fiat returns to the market is likely the one on our tester. This is a DOHC 1.4 liter 16-valve 4-cylinder engine that has 100hp and 134 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal. While as numbers suggested, its definitely not a Ferrari. It has adequate performance when matched with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox, which has nice throw and progressive clutch. The gates are precise and throws are short, although the gates are a bit too long for my liking. With 134 lb/ft of torque arrives at 4250rpm, 500′s low-end grunt is more than capable to move its 930kg of metal. The level of refinement, smoothness and NVH are all above class standard. That’s in spite it still has plenty of engine noise in the cabin when driven on the top end of the speedometer. Drop the throttle, 500 moves with enough grace and pace to match its cute-as-a-bug styling. If you want more power, the upcoming Abarth version is going to be a model to look for.

Handling: 500 is based on Fiat’s tried-and-true Panda platform. Panda is a small car that has been known for providing good level of ride comfort and decent dynamic capabilities. 500 continues the tradition of this chassis with decent enough ride, however, it tends to feel a bit bouncy on roughness and patholes with optional 16″ wheels on our Lounge tester. 15″ wheels on Pop should be able to address that issue. The ride is silky smooth on well-paved roads. When it comes to dynamic abilities, 500, once again, continues Panda’s tradition of confidence-inspiring handling. The steering is sharp and precise, with good enough driver feedback and without any sorts of twitches. Both the body rolls and understeer are well under control, with only a slight safe understeer when driven into liberties. In short, 500 is a very nimble and agile little car that is true to its heritage. 500 Abarth is going to be something to looking for.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs, standard ABS and Brake Assist, 500′s brake pedal is another area where its worthy of mentioning. The stopping distance is short. On the other hand, the pedal translates into firm and reassuring feel that is typical Italian tradition. ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily when BA doesn’t grab right leg too much either.

Interior: Given 500′s size, its rear seat leg and headroom are aplentry. On top of that, the cargo space is well laid-out with low enough loading floor and 50/50 split fold-down rear seats.

The rest of the interior is very well-crafted. As Lounge version of 500 has optional leather seats. These leather seats have nice leather hides, which are soft and supple. They are also very supportive and comfortable. The use of plastic materials are world-class given Italian’s previous efforts in this regard. The same goes for the level of fit-and-finish and general workmanship of the cabin.

Conclusion: The 500 is a very nice little buggy, indeed. It got decent enough horsepower to satisfy most driver’s needs. Handling is stable and as fun as anything else come from Italy. Best of all, 500 possibly has the best interior workmanship to-date in all Italian small car history. Unfortunately, 500′s admission price will be as artifically high as its rivals: VW Beetle and Mini Cooper. That’s ashamed due to 500′s status-of-life as an affordable little car.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Fiat 500
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Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 4/5