Fiat 500 - Chrysler, Fiat to Bring Cinquecento Stateside

Fiat’s tiny 500, or Cinquecento, was produced in Europe from 1957-1975 as a post-war effort to get Italians off their motor scooters and into something more substantial. Like Britain’s Mini and Germany’s VW, the 500 was a basic, yet efficient funster that became an emotional endeavor. Fiat re-introduced the 500 in 2007. Through the impending partnership of Chrysler and Fiat, Automotive News reports the 500 will arrive stateside in 2011.

We’re not kidding; Chrysler Co-CEO Jim Press rolled onto stage during this spring’s New York Auto Show in one. Chrysler’s rehabilitation plans include redesigning Fiat and Alfa Romeo vehicles to replace the Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring and add a small Jeep and Honda Fit competitor. Most of these vehicles will be built in North America, although the 500 is built in Poland on a platform shared with the European Ford Ka. The 500 is the only Fiat badged vehicle currently expected to be sold through Chrysler dealers in the U.S.

It is hard not to love the 500’s puggy cute front with round headlamps or its slant back hatch. It looks like a Vespa consummated a relationship with a crossover and out came this little four-seat fun wagon. The interior is basic like a Mini, but is dressed up with a painted body color dash panel, digital speedometer, thick three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dash-mounted shifter. All you want to do is find a curvy mountain road and have your way with it.

In Europe, base models come with a choice of 69-horsepower 1.2-litre, 75-horsepower 1.3-litre turbo diesel, or 85-horsepower 1.4-litre 16-valve four-cylinder engines – all connected to six-speed manual transmissions. A special Abarth edition will produce a spirited 135-horsepower. Americans should expect the 69- and 85-horsepower gasoline engines, with the Abarth being a possibility later.

Are Chrysler and Fiat crazy? I once thought bringing the Mini and Smart to the U.S. was a bridge too far, but they have sold in surprising numbers. Americans are ready for well-made compacts that are a lot more fun than just getting commuting chores underwheel. Expect prices to start under $20,000, making the 500 competitive with the Mini Cooper, Smart ForTwo, VW Beetle, and Ford Fiesta.
By Casey Williams
MyCarData