FIAT 500 Overview

The Fiat 500 premium subcompact heralds Fiat's return to the U.S. market after a 26-year hiatus. Smaller than a MINI Cooper and high on exterior styling, the Italian hardtop 500 is offered in Pop, Sport and Lounge trim levels starting at a bit over $15,000. The sole engine choice is a 1.4-liter inline 4-cylinder making 101 hp and mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. While not long on power, the 500 provides decent pep thanks to its sub-2,400-lb. curb weight. Seating is for 4 with standard safety features missing from some subcompacts, such as as active head restraints, 7 airbags, traction and stability control systems and 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.

Available features include a TomTom navigation system, sunroof, rear parking sensor, leather upholstery, a sunroof and ambient lighting. Fuel economy is a mixed bag: manual transmission models see an admirable 30 city/38 highway mpg, but this drops to just 27 city/34 highway mpg with the automatic.