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2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

Vehicle: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth with leather sports seats
Price as tested: CDN$26570

Performance: When the little 500 first came to the market about a year ago, we loved the car but found missing “something…something”. The Abarth has promised the return of that important ingredient of being a hot hatch.

Come to the rescue of that missing ingredient in the form of forced induction. In Abarth’s tradition, it a form of turbocharger on top of Fiat’s Mulitijet 1.4 liter DOHC 16-valve mill as in the mainstream 500. Come along with electronic throttle, revised ECU mapping and exhaust system; the Abarth comes in at 160 ponies and 170 lb/ft of torque. That are 59 more horses and 72 lb/ft more torque than standard 500. While the improvements on the paper might not sound significant, the seat-of-the-pants feedback are much more dramatic. The most amusing thing about the whole Abarth equation is the entertaining engine note. You won’t mistaken it as any of those boring German engine note, instead, its the other side of Italian passion which usually find in Ferrari costing couple of times more than the little Abarth. Push the Abarth through the mix, it doesn’t exhibit any turbo lag one associates with small turbo engine. The turbo rush combined with the healthy middle and upper range make for one heck of a ride. While I love the way its clutch feel, its also downright progressive. The 5-speed manual’s throw has something to be desired. It lacks the crisp and precise feel of some of its rivals. So does the power doesn’t come alive until reaching sweetspot at 3500rpm. As for the gearlever, however, there will definitely be an aftermarket short shifter to the rescue because its an Abarth. In the meantime, its gear ratios are well proportioned and gates well-defined. At 2587 lb, 500 Abarth has come it alive as one of the lightest hatches we have ever put through the paces.

Handling: While the base 500′s dynamic equation is certainly not shabby, Abarth has taken of what’s the meaning of a proper hot hatch to a new height. The recalibrated Abarth sports suspension is not only able to ride firmly yet comfortably, its able to deliver the level of suppleness and rebound damping which are capable enough to put Abarth through its paces on the track. Combined with its relatively lightweight, tendicous grip and ideal balance when driven the Abarth through the black top twisties and racetrack alike; it will definitely go down the road as one of the most fun cars we have ever tested in Directshift. The steering is sharp and precise, without feeling twitches. There are minimal body rolls while understeer is close to non-existence. The amount of balance of Abarth’s chassis engineering is nothing than astounishing. Push the Abarth through its paces, it would keep beckoning for more. While the standard 500 exhibits similar amount of driving pleasure, it feels rather underengined due to its capable chassis. The extra oomph and a recalibrated suspension really have done marvelously to 500′s potential. Press the “Sport” button on the dashboard, the steering firms up without feeling unnecessarily heavily, while providing more of those feedback one seeks for when dancing on the track or just plain weekend fun.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs, standard ABS and Abarth’s relatively lightweight; it makes for a combination of a near perfect braking feel. The stopping distance is short while pedal feels firm and well-modulated. The whole stopping distance is short while pedal never felt spongy after hard stops. Bringing along the ride come an ABS which only acts necessarily.

Interior: An extra turbo boost gauge, an annoying shift light and a superb sports bucket seats have basically wrapped up the difference of Abarth’s cabin. The Italian flair continues inside the Abarth with sporty instrumentation gauges, leather stitched gearlever and a flat-bottom sports steering wheel. The annoying trait of a thick A-pillars, which block overhead traffic signal and an useless backseat basically tell your passengers: This is a 2-seater Abarth. While the leather front buckets are exquistely made as those in expensive Ferrari cousin, it needs more lateral support for craving corners on a racetrack.

Conclusion: The 500 Abarth has brought along plenty of Italian character with the fun of a proper hot hatch. While it has some compromises but its amount of driving fun certainly justifies those shortcomings. Most of all, it has the kind of docile lightweight character which have been missing in many of today’s hatches.

To sum it up perfectly. Abarth will be another welcome addition to Directshift’s most desirable garage pieces. And that’s along the lines of a R8 V10, 911 GT3 RS, Cayman R and Golf R.

Competitions:
Ford Focus ST
Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Mini Cooper S
VW Beetle 2.0T

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
=====================================
Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5

Long-term test drive: 2012 Fiat 500 Sport

Vehicle: 2012 Fiat 500 Sport with 6-speed automatic and moonroof
Price as tested: CDN$22300
Total mileage of the entire test: 1420km
Fuel economy: 6 liters per 100km (70% city/30% urban cycle)

Here in Directshift, we have always been smitten by Fiat 500. Its quirky Italian character mated with an interior, which you can’t find anywhere in its price range or above. Fortunately, we were lucky enough to put one through its paces during hot August.

Given it only has 100hp, we were quite accepted its adequate performance when we drove both coupe and cabriolet in initial stages. However, we found its power is lacking when we had more time behind the wheels. Its 100hp and 98 lb/ft of torque just felt lack of power when pushed, its also downright noisy and rough at highway speed. The most disappointing fact is the fuel economy. With the optional 6-speed automatic, we were unable to get anywhere close to posted figure. We managed to get 6 liters per 100km, with full air-conditioning on through the whole time. Compare to the likes of Honda Fit and Hyundai Accent, which are both subcompacts which are able to get much better fuel economy with far superior performance.

Handling wise, 500 is go-kart esque especially when the “sport” button is pressed on the center console. The steering feels light and progressive, while ride quality has absorbed most of the road surfaces relatively relaxing.

We weren’t quite fond of the thick A-pillars, which have blocked 45 degrees of front visibilities. Another ergonomic quirkness is the power window location, which supposedly to put on the door panels instead of the center console. Otherwise, interior has been very well-finished with nice materials. The body-colored trim has freshed up the whole interior, so does the Panormanic sunroof which opened up the interior nicely.

The backseat is relatively cramped when try to get two persons on board. Along with the limited luggage space, its best to leave the back seats completely fold flat.

Although I feel a bit cold, when it comes to 500′s performance and economy. I still would put it as one of the most desirable cars as I have ever driven. The driving fun behind one of the lightest and lithest hatchbacks anywhere on the market. Its unique Italian flair and character would put any of those subcompacts to shame. The attractive price and packaging would let anyone forget about its limited practicality. I just can’t wait to try the hot and spicy 500 Abarth, which promises to be a great hot hatch.

Likes:
Italian flair and character
Lithe handling
Rigid chassis
Curb weight

Dislikes:
Feels underengined with its rigid chassis
Cramped backseat and luggage space
Front visibility
Fuel economy

Competitions:
Ford Fiesta
Honda Fit
Mazda2
Mini Cooper
VW Beetle 2.5

2012 Fiat 500 Convertible

Vehicle: 2012 Fiat 500 Pop Convertible
Price as tested: CDN$19995

Performance: How can you make the Cinquecento even more fun? Just give it a shoot with its top open. Subject to this edition of test drive. The affordable Italian fun from Fiat.

It used to be “open top” and “Italian” usually don’t come anywhere inexpensive, just look at those Maserati and Ferrari. With the introduction of the Cinquecento convertible, just about anyone can have a bit of affordable Italian open top passion.

A fun convertible has to begin with a good powertrain. As with the cheerful 500, its convertible silibing comes with the same Multijet 1.4 liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder powertrain. While having 100 ponies and 97 lb/ft of torque certainly won’t let your heart bumping as fast as a 458 Italia, it is adeuate to move 2416 lb of passionate Italian through its paces. The 500 has got to be one of the lightest convertibles anywhere in the market, given how Fiat engineers have stiffened the chassis for improved rigidty and stiffness. The result is a little convertible that can move. It doesn’t have any annoying cowl shakes when driven through railroad tracks and washboard pavements, basically eaten up those expansion joints easily. On the other hand, this engine has provided peppy lanuch and responsive mid-range given its modest performance figure. This Multijet has lived up to our expectation of being a refined engine, even if its a bit rough at the top end. The 5-speed manual is standard on our Pop, which provides decent throw with a progressive clutch. The gear ratios have set to provide comfortable highway cruising while low enough for enthuisastic launch. For a characterful convertible, it has more than enough grunt to move its worth. However, its the 6-speed manumatic which is a gearbox of choice for 500. An extra gear really makes a whole world of difference, when it comes to engine revving at high rpm and less buzzy than manual unit.

Handling: The single biggest difference between Cinquecento and Cinquecento convertible, is latter doen’t offer “Sport” in addition to “Pop” and “Lounge”. That is fine since most convertible buyers are looking for comfort rather than all-out handling. However, it doesn’t mean 500 won’t deliver, when it comes to dynamics. In fact, its a delight to drive. The standard suspension is both comfortable compliant and supple when pushed. The suspension is compliant enough to absorb all the bumps and roughness, while its supple enough to attack corners. Fiat doesn’t mess up with its dynamic package whatsoever. Its still as blast to drive as its hardtop silibing, without giving up anything with the roof down. When the roof is up, its as sincere and well-isolated as any Cinquecento. With the roof down, let’s just enjoy the beautiful sunshine when pushing the 500 through the black top twisties on a hot sunny day. The electric power steering provides exceptional feel and feedback, its very responsive and precise. There are minimal body rolls, while understeer is well-tempted by its excellent stability control. This ESC has provided high threshold for enthuisastic driver to have a bit of fun before actually stepping into the equation. Having fun is just an understatement to 500 convertible.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, 500 stops accordingly. The stopping distance is short, while pedal always feels solid and well-planted. It doesn’t feel spongy even after a couple of harsh stops. On the other hand, ABS doesn’t nil in unnecessarily wraps up the impressive package.

Interior: Whether you consider it a full convertible or just a canvas top, it just opens up 500′s beautifully done cabin nicely. The cloth seats on our Pop have been well-foamed and very comfortable. All the major controls are ergonomically placed and initutive to use. Its level of simplicity and austerity have become a rarity these days, given the irritating trend of modern interior has to be complicated for complicated’s sake.

If there is one major flaw, it has to deal with 500 ragtop’s luggage space. Although 500 is a subcompact but the so-called luggage area, one really have to considered what to pack before going on a simple weekend getaway. While its more spacious than some of its rivals, one still has to consider whether to bring toothpate or toothbrush along the trip.

Conclusion: The 500 convertible is definitely a nice piece. The combination of poise, character and fun are enough to justify its nothing more than a canvas top. Now you can drive up beside a Ferrari California, tell the owner parks next to you on a traffic light “I have an Italian convertible for only costing 10% of yours!”

Competitions:
Mini Cooper convertible
Smart For2 convertible
Mazda MX-5
VW Eos

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2012 Fiat 500 Convertible
=====================================
Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5

2012 Fiat 500 Lounge

Vehicle: 2012 Fiat 500 Lounge with sunroof
Price as tested: CDN$21500

Performance: Fiat 500 has been driven around the world, touting with its excellent fuel economy and fun-to-drive quotient, since 2007. Subject to our latest test drive, the North American bound Cinquecento.

Given Fiat’s absence in North America for long 28 years, there are lots of expectation for this iconic little car. All those hope are not lost with the introduction of the 500, with this little powertrain. This little SOHC 1.4 liter Multijet engine series, as usual with 4-cylinder and 16-valves. While its 100hp and 97 lb/ft of torque won’t get your heart racing as quickly as driving a Porsche, it definitely get its job done relatively well given its city car status. All have to thanks to 500′s 1074kg, which has to be consider as lightweight by any sketches of standards today. Light makes might. 500 does what it does extremely well. Even with 100hp, it feels downright responsive with the touch of a throttle. 97 lb/ft of torque is equally capable for its low rev range. There are some noises when push through both mid and higher rev ranges, which are somewhat expected given its small engine displacement status. The 5-speed manual has nice throw, which well-defined gear ratios. The gates are precise and clutch is progressive. If there is one drawback, its the lack of an additional 6th gear would make Cinquecento’s highway cruising even quieter without so much buzz. At this day and age, when gas prices are in the horizon. We had an average of 6L/100km even with our lead foot all the way. So you could say Fiat is launching the right car at the right time.

Handling: When Fiat decided to bring the Cinquecento back to North America. Most of us, yours truly included, worried about its handling would go south with all those softening Americanized tuning. Fear not, because everything right from chassis setting to steering have been remain intact. Fiat engineers only recaliberate the suspension geometry for our rougher roads and height to accommodate our winter tires. The rest of the dynamic equation have been mighty impressed. As the steering provides excellent feel and feedback, with plenty of sharpness and precision, to call 500 a fun hatchback. There are minimal body rolls while understeer is very well-tempted. Push the 500 into any corner, you would appreciate how lightweight creates such a light-on-its-feet driving feedback that is so lacking on today’s heavyweight automobiles. The suspension is taut yet comfortably compliant, which absorbs all the bumps and roughness with ease. What it also done is to return driver feedback equally well through the well-damped suspension geometry. The ESP is an uninstruisve type, which only steps in whenever driver rears 500′s ugly heads. Judging by how great 500 drives, one can only imagine its fire-breathing Abarth would drive. All the smiles.

Brakes: Its such a rarity these days, to see a subcompact that has all 4-wheel discs with ABS and ESP come as standard feature. 500 is one of them. In terms of braking prowess, 500 lives up to its promise. As we have said, lightweight really makes a huge difference when it comes to responsiveness, handling and braking. 500′s amazing braking performance has shown this to us completely. The stopping distance is short, while pedal feels firm and superbly modulated. It all wraps up with ABS that doesn’t step in unnecessarily.

Interior: Judging by 500′s exterior dimensions, its luggage space is more than enough. It all begins with a nice, low loading flat floor with fold-down rear seats. There is a much-needed washer/wiper for hatchback’s safety aspect. If there is one drawback, its the fold down rear seats aren’t completely flat into the floor. Its about 2 inches above the floor. That means any luggage would spinning in between the top of the rear seats to the floor. While it seems like a minor issue, its also a safety issue when small luggages are floating around.

Inside, 500 has logically placed and initutively use climate control and stereo system. All wrap up in a tastefully attire dashboard which comes with nice materials and tight fit-and-finish standard. The standard leather seats on our Lounge provides decent support for both thigh and back.

While climbing into the back of 500 takes a bit of energy, once you are inside, there are surprisingly amount of head and legroom given its physical dimensions.

However, the sightlines to both the left and right 45 degrees aren’t exactly the greatest. That’s primarily because of the thick A-pillars right in front of the driver. That means its able to hide a bicycle coming from the next block.

Conclusion: The Fiat Cinquecento is definitely worthy of all the wait. The combination of classic good looks, lightweight yet docile chassis and swift powertrain have combined to make 500 such an irresistible package. Best of all, you can have your 500 Pop as low as $16k or load up to our Lounge’s 23k with leather seats and all the luxurious features. No matter which way you look at it, 500 offers lots of car for your hard-earned money.

Beyond all the common belief. It doesn’t need trillion horsepower and a fancy badge in order to earn a place in Directshift’s favourite garage. Fiat 500 is such a car.

Competitions:
Mini Cooper
VW Beetle

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2012 Fiat 500 Lounge
=====================================
Performance: 3.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5

2009 Fiat 500

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
=====================================
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