500

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 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