Sport trim adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a firmer suspension and sportier styling cues and foglamps. The upscale Lounge models get 15-inch alloy wheels, the Pop's softer suspension, a glass roof and automatic climate control, among other features. The Abarth is the fastest Fiat, with a turbocharged 1.4-liter good for 160 horsepower and mated to a heavy-duty five-speed manual. Abarths get racing-inspired seats with big bolsters, lowered suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, revised steering settings and a sport steering wheel.
The Mini Cooper and Cooper S are a little larger and have higher quality interiors than the Fiat, but the Mini's controls are illogical and both cost much more. The Smart Fortwo is more compact and cheaper, but the transmission is poor and only seats two. The Scion iQ is also more compact and has a trick seating arrangement, but has a tacky interior and the CVT transmission saps power. The Ford Fiesta is a much larger car and offers luxury features, but doesn't have the same style statement.
In the era of downsizing, the Fiat 500 proves you don't have to sacrifice style or convenience features in a small car. It's not the most fuel efficient little hatchback, or the cheapest, but it is attention grabbing and would be ideal as a second car or in an urban setting where parking is a chore. And it makes a fashion statement for people looking for Italian flair without the six-figure price tag.