As an automotive journalist I drive plenty of truly exceptional cars, but every once in a while there comes a car that really stands out, despite its price. For me that car is the Fiat 500. I will admit I love smaller cars, but for me the Fiat 500 just does everything right. It handles really well, is good on gas, is very comfortable and best of all it is reasonably priced.
Over the years I have driven a few 500s and enjoyed them, but this was the first time with a convertible model. Having the convertible roof made this car even more pleasurable. Even though it is just the centre section that opens, you still have the same open-air sensation you get in regular convertibles. However, the down side to this type of slide back roof/ convertible is that it does limit your rear visibility directly behind the car. But really, it is a small price to pay for this much fun.
Making all this fun happen is a 1.4L 4-cylinder engine attached to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. My test car had the manual transmission, which was easy to slip in and out of gear. Not once did this front drive car lose any traction, unless the engine was really pushed when accelerating from a stationary position. Power is about 105hp and torque is 98lb.ft at 4000 rpm for a car that weighs just 2363lb (1073kg).
Fiat designers went all out to create a fun but functional dash and instrument layout. All the controls are well placed and easy to find and use. The speedometer, tachometer and temperature and gas gauge are all tucked into a single hooded pod in front of the driver. However, it is a little confusing to read quickly at first, as the speedometer and tachometer sweep around together in the same area.
One area I feel the 500 really excels in is front seat comfort. During the time I had the test car, I did a fair amount of driving and seats were as comfortable as any from the high end exotics, which generally have very good seats. The seats with leather generally come in two-tone, which is really attractive. The back seats are another matter in the 500. Here you find seats for adults suitable for short trips.
Something that appears awkward at first sight is the dash-mounted shifter. It appears to be high, but once you’re in the car and driving, it is well placed for fast and easy shifting.
My test car was equipped with the GPS option. In this case, the GPS unit has its own built in bracket that fits into a slot in the dash. When not in use, the unit pops out and can be placed in the glove box.
The convertible I tested listed for $20,500 and was fairly well equipped at around $25,000. But, those on a budget can get into a base convertible for just $16,500, one of the lowest priced open topped cars on the market, and is worth every penny when it comes to fun.
Highlights
MSRP: $20,500
Power: 105 at 6500rpm
Torque: 406lb. ft. @ 1700rpm
Fuel economy: 6.7L per
100k city and 5.2L per 100k highway
