The allure of small, nimble subcompact cars from the mid-1980s is undeniable, even decades later. Their lightweight nature, rev-happy engines, and playful handling delivered a unique driving experience. In the years since, many have sought to recapture that feeling, often finding modern cars too bulky, over-tired, and overly refined. Could the 2012 Fiat 500, with its retro styling and nimble dimensions, finally be the answer? At a mere 2,363 pounds, significantly lighter than today’s compact cars, it certainly seems promising. Let’s delve into a closer look at the 2012 Fiat 500 and see if it lives up to the nostalgic hype.
Front three-quarter view of a red 2012 Fiat 500 Sport US spec model, showcasing its iconic and cute styling in this car review.
Styling: A Masterclass in Cute and Friendly Design
If there’s one area where the 2012 Fiat 500 undeniably excels, it’s in the realm of styling. The design philosophy embodies “cute and friendly” to its core, a quality often desired by car buyers but surprisingly elusive in the automotive market. Unlike many brands that struggle to achieve this aesthetic, the Fiat 500 embraces it wholeheartedly and executes it flawlessly. The proportions are spot-on, creating a visually appealing and instantly recognizable silhouette. Every curve and line seems meticulously placed, contributing to an overall design that is both charming and sophisticated in its simplicity.
Stepping inside, the interior continues the theme of character and flair. An oversized speedometer dominates the instrument cluster, providing a focal point that is both functional and visually interesting. Body-colored trim panels stretch across the dashboard, injecting a playful splash of personality into the cabin. While material quality in Fiats of the past might have been a point of concern for some, the 2012 Fiat 500 represents a step up. The interior materials are noticeably improved, reaching levels that are nearly on par with the benchmark in the segment, the MINI Cooper.
Size and Space: Compact Dimensions, Surprising Room
The 2012 Fiat 500 occupies a unique niche in the American market as one of the smallest four-seater cars available. Built on a 90.6-inch wheelbase and measuring just 139.6 inches in overall length, it’s even more compact than the MINI Cooper. Classified as a European A-segment car, its diminutive size might lead to assumptions about interior space. However, the Fiat 500 cleverly maximizes its dimensions. Surprisingly, it offers more rear-seat room than the MINI. A 5-foot-9-inch adult can fit in the back, albeit with limited legroom. Cargo space is also commendable for its class, offering 30 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, surpassing the MINI’s 24 cubic feet in the same configuration.
This spatial efficiency is partly achieved through the Fiat 500’s height. Standing at 59.8 inches tall, it’s significantly taller than the MINI and approaches the height of some compact crossovers. This added height translates to a noticeably higher driving position, a departure from the low-slung feel of subcompacts of the 1980s. While the increased height contributes to interior space, the front seats themselves are quite small. The XXS seat cushions and their shape can exert excessive pressure on the mid-thigh area, even for drivers with shorter legs.
Interior view of the 2012 Fiat 500 Sport, highlighting the body-colored dashboard trim and oversized speedometer in this car review.
Engine and Performance: MultiAir Promises, Real-World Delivery
While a more potent turbocharged “Abarth” version was anticipated, the initial 2012 Fiat 500 models arrived with a single engine option: a 1.4-liter four-cylinder. This engine produces 101 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 98 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. However, the engine’s key feature is Fiat’s vaunted “MultiAir” valve control system, making its North American debut in this model. MultiAir technology promises significant improvements by precisely controlling intake valves, theoretically delivering up to 10% more peak power, 15% more low-end torque, 25% better fuel economy, and a remarkable 60% reduction in emissions. Fiat touted this as a game-changing innovation, even linking it to their stake in Chrysler.
However, on the road, the real-world performance of the MultiAir engine in the 2012 Fiat 500 tells a slightly different story. The benefits of MultiAir are most pronounced under light engine loads. In practice, the 1.4-liter engine, while adequate for city driving, feels strained when tasked with motivating the Fiat 500, even considering its low weight. Below 4,000 rpm, power delivery is lackluster, and even above that mark, the engine doesn’t offer a significant surge. Driving often necessitates wide-open throttle to maintain pace, negating the efficiency gains MultiAir is supposed to provide. While the engine is willing to rev, it lacks enthusiasm and produces a somewhat strained sound at higher RPMs.
Gear shifts further detract from the driving experience. The high-mounted shifter, reminiscent of those found in cargo vans, feels out of place in a hatchback with sporting aspirations. Its clunky operation and long throws are far from satisfying, hindering any attempts at engaging driving.
Close-up view of the 2012 Fiat 500 Sport's shifter and dashboard, illustrating the interior design and layout in this car review.
Fuel Economy: Not Quite Stellar Despite Technology
Given its small engine and lightweight construction, the 2012 Fiat 500 would be expected to deliver exceptional fuel economy. However, EPA ratings of 30 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, while respectable, are not groundbreaking. In fact, some larger and more powerful compact cars achieve similar or even better figures, without the need for advanced valve control systems like MultiAir. These figures are for the five-speed manual transmission model; the optional six-speed automatic further reduces fuel economy to 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. While comparable to the Mazda2, another lightweight car with a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter engine, the fuel economy of the Fiat 500 doesn’t fully justify the hype surrounding MultiAir technology. Perhaps the benefits would be more apparent in larger engines that don’t need to work as hard.
Handling: Cute Looks, Less Agile Dynamics
Expectations for the 2012 Fiat 500’s handling were high, especially considering its size and heritage. However, the high seating position has a noticeable impact on driving dynamics. Steering response is not particularly sharp, lacking the immediate feel of more nimble competitors. While not unwieldy, it doesn’t offer the tossable, playful character associated with truly engaging small cars. A Mazda2 feels more eager and responsive, while a MINI Cooper offers a more direct and connected driving experience. The Fiat 500 leans towards feeling more substantial and stable, attempting to mimic the behavior of a larger car, perhaps aiming for broader appeal. Similar to the Ford Fiesta, it seems tuned for drivers who appreciate the aesthetics of a small car but prioritize a more composed and less overtly sporty driving feel.
Ride Comfort: A Bumpy Reality
While the handling aims for composure, the ride quality of the 2012 Fiat 500 is a significant letdown. Even minor road imperfections transmit jarringly into the cabin, disrupting the car’s composure. The lightly weighted rear end is prone to bouncing and hopping over bumps, making for an unsettled ride. The tested “Sport” variant, with its firmer suspension, exacerbates this issue. The ride becomes so harsh that maintaining a smooth line through anything but perfectly smooth corners becomes a challenge. Compared to other cars in its class, and even older, less refined vehicles, the Fiat 500’s ride is notably harsh. The non-Sport version would need to be significantly softer to avoid becoming a constant source of irritation for occupants. Optimizing the suspension will be crucial for the higher-performance Abarth model, as a potent 170-horsepower engine would be wasted in a chassis with such compromised ride quality.
Side profile of the 2012 Fiat 500 Sport in motion, highlighting its compact size and stance in this car review.
Noise and Build Quality: Solid Feel, Expected Small Car Noises
On a positive note, noise levels inside the 2012 Fiat 500 are acceptable for a car of its size. Despite its light weight, the Fiat 500 feels surprisingly solid, more substantial than a Mazda2, though perhaps not quite as robust as the German-engineered MINI. Overall, the car doesn’t convey a sense of cheapness, indicating a reasonable level of build quality for its price point.
Price and Reliability: Competitive Pricing, Reliability Question Mark
The 2012 Fiat 500 Sport, as tested, carries a price tag of $18,000. This positions it competitively against rivals like the Ford Fiesta, which is larger but arguably less stylish. Compared to the MINI Cooper, the Fiat 500 offers a significant price advantage, undercutting it by over $6,000 when comparing similarly equipped models. Even accounting for the MINI’s additional features, the Fiat 500 maintains a price advantage of approximately $4,500.
However, a significant unknown factor is long-term reliability, especially given Fiat’s historical reputation. With the 2012 models being newly released, it’s too early to definitively assess reliability. Real-world reliability data will be crucial in determining the long-term ownership experience of the Fiat 500.
Conclusion: Style Over Substance?
The 2012 Fiat 500 is undeniably charming and visually appealing. Its retro styling and cute design are compelling, even overshadowing the more restrained MINI Cooper in terms of sheer visual appeal. Initial sales are likely to be strong, driven by the car’s undeniable style. However, questions remain about its long-term appeal. Will the initial infatuation with its looks endure after the realities of daily driving, particularly the firm ride, set in? While the 2012 Fiat 500 excels in style and offers surprising interior space for its size, it falls short in key areas like performance, handling, and ride comfort. It’s a car that prioritizes visual charm over dynamic substance, and potential buyers should carefully consider whether its strengths outweigh its weaknesses. For those captivated by its looks and primarily seeking a stylish city car, the 2012 Fiat 500 might hold appeal. However, drivers prioritizing a more engaging and comfortable driving experience might find themselves wanting more.
