Extended drive: 2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio

Open-air fun for four

By Nina Russin

2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio with 1962 Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 Cabriolet is the yin to the Fiat 500 Abarth’s yang. Whereas the Abarth is all-business performance, the open-air version of the Cinquecento focuses on enjoying the moment. Pricing for the upscale lounge model starts at $23,500.

Power comes from a 1.4-liter engine rated at 101 horsepower and six-speed automatic transmission. Because of its high compression ratio, Fiat recommends the use of 91 octane gasoline, although 87 is acceptable.

The multi-air engine uses solenoids to open and shut the engine intake valves rather than camshaft lobes. The technology makes the engine faster at adjusting to air/fuel mixture needs.

Manual gear selection enables the driver to change gears using the center console-mounted shift lever. A sport mode alters the throttle map and holds onto gears longer for more aggressive performance.

EPA estimated fuel economy is 29 miles-per-gallon for city and highway driving. Fuel economy for my 100-mile test drive was just over 32 miles-per-gallon.

There are four options on the test car: pearl white paint ($500), leather upholstery with heated front seats ($1250), TomTom navigation ($400) and 15-inch alloy wheels ($300). Adding the $500 delivery charge, MSRP as tested is $26,450. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

Performance-oriented hatchback honors a racing legend

By Nina Russin

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

A year after its reintroduction to the American market, Fiat expands its Cinquecento line-up with two new models: a larger L version which debuts this week in Geneva, and the race-inspired Abarth. Taking its name from Karl Abarth, a German-born driver and engineer who spearheaded Fiat’s motorsports efforts between the end of World War II and his death in 1979, the Fiat 500 Abarth is a track-worthy subcompact hatchback which maintains the fuel efficiency of other 500 models.

Although the new Abarth shares sheetmetal with the Fiat 500 hatchback, the powertrain is vastly different. Under the hood, a 1.4-liter dual intercooled and turbocharged engine develops up to 160 horsepower and 170 foot-pounds of torque. The high-performance block reaches peak torque at 2500 rpm, for exceptional low-end power.

Equipped with a heavy-duty five-speed manual transmission, the Fiat 500 Abarth accelerates from zero-to-sixty miles-per-hour in 7.2 seconds, and to 100 miles-per-hour in about 20 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 130 miles-per-hour.

What the acceleration statistics don’t reflect is the Abarth’s most appealing attribute: its exceptionally nimble character. Curb weight is a scant 2512 pounds. The Fiat 500 Abarth is to automobiles what Kenyans are to distance running: a pared down, well balanced package that gets the job done with remarkable efficiency. Highway fuel economy is 34 miles-per-gallon.

Base price is $22,000, not including the $700 destination charge: not a lot of money for a car as adept at commuting as it is navigating chicanes on the track. A versatile interior has room for up to four passengers and enough cargo space for a modest amount of luggage.

While the new Abarth might not meet the needs of all buyers with active lifestyles, it’s versatile enough to work well for many, with a price that doesn’t break the bank and performance which appeals to those wanting some muscle under the hood. To help Abarth buyers get the most from their cars, Fiat throws in a one-day driving instruction program, during which buyers learn how to safely push the Abarth’s performance limits on the racetrack. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Fiat 500 Sport

Stylish subcompact with 38 mpg fuel economy

By Nina Russin

2012 Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 Sport parked in my driveway brings forth memories of Topo Gigio: the mouse puppet from Ed Sullivan’s popular variety show in the 1960s. It isn’t just the Fiat’s whiskers and logo face, or the fact that both Topo and the original Cincquecento date back to the same era.

Just as the puppet created by Maria Perego of Milan charmed television viewers, the new Fiat 500 hatchback is irresistibly cute. Styling combines retro and contemporary elements in surprisingly harmonious fashion. It is also quintessentially Italian, setting the car apart from other entries in the A segment.

Most appealing in the new Cinquecento’s affordability: the base model starts under $16,000. The test car is the midgrade Sport, which has larger wheels and a sport-tuned suspension. MSRP is $17,500, not including the $500 destination charge.

Power comes from a single overhead cam four-cylinder engine rated at 101 horsepower, with 98 foot-pounds of torque. Because of its high compression ratio, the manufacturer recommends running 91 octane fuel, although regular is acceptable.

A five-speed manual gearbox, standard on the Sport, enables drivers to make better use of the engine’s available power than the optional six-speed automatic. It also yields better fuel economy: about three miles per gallon on average according to EPA estimates. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio Lounge

Subcompact gets an open-air variant

By Nina Russin

2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio

What’s not to love about an Italian car? This year, Fiat returns to North America with two versions of its classic Cinquecento. A hatchback came first, followed by a cabriolet currently rolling into dealerships. Fiat unveiled the new convertible at the New York Auto Show in April.

The new open-air Fiat comes 55 years after the original Cinquecento rolled out in Italy. A power two-layer cloth top on the 2012 car replaces a removable canvas panel on the 1957 Nuova Cinquecento.

Despite its retro appearance inside and out, the new Fiat 500 Cabrio is more versatile than the original version, with a spacious high-tech interior and power top which deploys in two positions. The first retracts the top to the roof-mounted rear spoiler; the second to the boot. 

There are two trim levels, as opposed to three for the hatchback. Base price for the entry-level Pop is $19,500, not including a $500 destination charge. Power comes from a 1.4-liter engine rated at 101 horsepower, and a five-speed manual transmission. Standard comfort features include the power top, air conditioning, MP3 compatible audio system, Bluetooth, a USB port, rear park assist and 15-inch wheels.

The upscale Lounge grade gets a six-speed automatic transmission in lieu of the five-speed manual, a Bose premium audio system, security alarm and extra chrome trim. Base price is $23,500. Read the rest of this entry »