Pre-owned 2012 FIAT 500c at Reedman-Toll Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT for Langhorne, PA

When you first look at the 500C, you might think the bubble top car was styled by Disney's Pixar animators in Radiator Springs, rather than in Italy. The words little, cute, tiny, and really small come to mind. In fact the only car in America that is smaller is the Smart Fortwo, which is nothing more than a glorified golf cart. The Fiat is even smaller than a MINI or a Volkswagen Beetle. But like those two cars, the room inside for the driver and front seat passenger is quite acceptable. For the rear seats, only short-legged passengers will be comfortable, but at least they will have a rather easy access to get back there, as the whole front seat moves forward to offer a generous opening.  

Under the 500c's Hood

Fiat 500c comes with firmer springs and shock tuning, tighter steering calibration, and a sharpened exhaust note. It comes with the 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. It's distinctively styled, with front and rear fascias with black mesh openings, slightly flared fenders, rocker panel cladding, roof spoiler over the liftgate, and 16-inch aluminum wheels. Smaller touches include red brake calipers, chrome exhaust tip and foglamps. The 1.4-liter engine is the same on all models. It features a reinvention of the cylinder head that's called MultiAir technology, to get 101 horsepower and 98 foot-pounds of torque. MultiAir is a complex system that drives the intake valves by oil pressure actuators, triggered by electronic control: it's truly continuously variable valve timing. One big downside is that premium fuel is recommended, although not required, but we still wonder: how much power is lost with regular fuel, and how much will engine longevity be affected? So we'd use the premium.One treat is that the engine feels like it's ready to shift at 5000 rpm, and it certainly can be shifted there and still maintain momentum, but it just keeps putting out for another 2000 rpm, pleasantly surprising you. Another pleasing aspect is that 80 mph in 5th gear is only 3300 rpm, and on level ground it glides fairly effortlessly at that speed. Quietly too, thanks to hydraulic engine mounts and extra sound deadening material.

Design of FIAT 500c

The interior styling is cool retro Italian, and it works visually. Our test car had a multi-colored interior with two shades for the seats and other trim, giving the 500C an interesting visual appeal, and making the car look far more expensive.The main gauge is a large round affair with the outer ring for the speedometer and the inner ring for the tachometer. All controls are simple and easy to use - unlike the MINI. A nice touch is a fold down armrest on the driver's seat, making it feel like a captain's chair. The seats are comfortable, nicely bolstered, and even heated. The tilt steering wheel has controls for the radio and cruise control. The front side windows operate up and down, but the rear side windows are fixed.

Has this car been produced with a cloth top?

This car has indeed been produced with a cloth top.

How many people does the car seat?

Up to four.

Do you have a blog?

Yes! Our blog

Conclusions

The Fiat 500c creates a niche of its own: a tiny, high-mileage, low-cost, four-seat car that has the style and performance of an Italian sports car, with a 5-star crash rating. It's 6 inches shorter than a Mini and about $4000 cheaper, while bringing a fun-factor that similar Asian cars can't match.