2012 Fiat 500C Convertible outdoor driving excitement of nostalgic old world designs. The new models are the Italian style, functionality, durable, high-performance design and innovative technology for a new generation of drivers.The all-new 2012 Fiat 500 users in the return of the Fiat brand to North America.
There was once a car so small it made the Mini seem like a Big. Now, with Fiat purchasing Chrysler last year, the Fiat 500 has been chosen to be the pioneer model to reintroduce the Fiat brand to North America.
Compared to a Mini Cooper, it's 6 inches shorter in overall length and 2 inches narrower. An Italian car built by Chrysler in the same Mexico plant that built the K-Car, the Neon and the PT Cruiser?
The 2012 Fiat 500 is a two-door subcompact hatchback available as a hardtop or Fiat 500C convertible. Standard equipment on the Fiat 500 Pop includes 15-inch steel wheels and chrome-trimmed wheel covers, keyless entry, full power accessories, heated mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-only steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a trip computer and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The Convenience package (standard on the Fiat 500C) adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Fiat's Blue&Me Bluetooth phone connectivity and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Fiat 500 Sport gains 16-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, retuned steering, slightly different styling, a roof spoiler, foglamps, sport seats, cloth/vinyl sport upholstery and the Pop's two optional packages. The Safety & Convenience package (automatic transmission required) includes automatic climate control, a compact spare tire and heated front seats.
Also included are 15-inch alloy wheels, exterior chrome accents, foglamps, a fixed glass roof (hatchback only) and upgraded cloth upholstery. The Luxury package adds leather upholstery and upgraded trim.
The good: The 2012 Fiat 500C's looks invite favorable attention from passersby. The bad: The stereo had difficulties integrating with MP3 players, and the stereo interface was poor. The four-cylinder engine is short on power.
Fiat chose well with the Fiat 500C, and its hardtop compatriot the Fiat 500, for re-entering the U.S. market, as this car's retro styling evokes the company's past. As a modern remake of a classic car, the Fiat 500C invites comparisons with the modern Mini Cooper. With base prices well below $20,000, the various Fiat 500 models compete directly with a field of small cars often featuring boring, pedestrian design. Take away its sheet-metal contours, and the Fiat 500C is really just another boring small car. The Fiat 500C variant piles on the style with its roll-back cloth roof. With the top bunched up in back, the rearview mirror only shows large cars, such as SUVs. The phone integration was fine, easily pairing with an iPhone, downloading the phonebook, and allowing dialing by name through voice command.
