2012 FIAT 500 Sport Miami

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The FIAT 500 is brand new for 2012, in fact it marks the return of the brand FIAT to the U.S. after many years. The FIAT 500 promises lots of character and personalization in a price category not usually known for it. It's also competitively equipped, and the FIAT 500 Sport offers the most exciting driving dynamics out of the three models. Inside, the Sport features seats in what FIAT calls a Gray/Black interior environment, six-speaker subwoofer Bose sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication technology with USB port and iPod control. The Sport model is truly sporty, with a firm ride, thanks to stiffer springs and shock tuning, firmer brakes, and quicker steering. It all adds up to a wonderfully responsive car; if play is what you like, you'll have a blast in the Sport. 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.

Driving the 2012 FIAT Sport

The 2012 FIAT 500 is willing and eager to pull its weight, and exhibits more pleasing noises than other underpowered subcompacts. The Sport really means it. If you want a totally cool sports car that gets 34 mpg and can move four young people around, the FIAT 500 Sport is for you. The ride is firm, brakes are amazing, steering is quick and gearbox terrific, so use it all or live with it. The seats are terrific and the special Sport interior is attractive. The Sport's red brake calipers can be seen through the 16-inch wheels in a color called Carbide and make a statement that's backed up by braking performance. Stopping in the Sport is significantly more responsive than in the Pop and Lounge, which is good when you're driving in a sporty manner, but it requires a soft touch around town. The 6-speed manual automatic transmission is available even on the Sport, and it too is a transmission you can play with. The lever location is the same in the automatic as it is in the manual, so it feels like a stick shift.

2012 FIAT Sport Design

Compared to a MINI Cooper, it's 6 inches shorter in overall length and 2 inches narrower. However, it is also more than 4 inches taller, allowing for an elevated seating position that not only increases visibility but creates more interior legroom. Available colors include Nero (black), Rosso (red), Bianco (white), Azzurro (blue), Grigio (gray), Argento (silver), Giallo (yellow), Verde Chiaro (light green), Rame (copper), Verde Oliva (olive green), Rosso Brillante (tri-coat pearl red), Bianco Perla (pearl white), and Mocha Latte and Espresso. When looking at the 500 Sport simplicity and strength are conveyed, with its unique fascia, thanks to very short overhangs and muscular fenders, with the front fascia tapering outward to large wheel arches. On the Sport, the best looking model, there's a horizontal cooling duct of black mesh that adds racy character, while the lower mesh grille integrates foglamps. The liftgate spoiler is a must. The distinctiveness of the FIAT 500's shape appears from the profile view, more than front or rear. The black window outline on the Sport enhances the good looks of the all-business roofline, while the chrome on the Lounge, especially those chrome mirrors and door handles, detracts from it. The Sport also has rocker-panel cladding.

Inside the '12 FIAT Sport

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. Satellite radio is a separate option, however. The Safety & Convenience package includes automatic climate control, a compact spare tire and heated front seats. The top of the dash is vinyl and its design as simple as it gets: it's just there, and doesn't try to be anything. There are good armrests for both of the driver's elbows when holding the perfectly sized leather-wrapped steering wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock. The Sport shift knob is about as big and round and chrome as you can get away with. Doors cleverly lock with an inward push of the handles.

Conclusions

Safety equipment on the FIAT 500 Sport includes seven air bags, reactive head restraints, electronic stability control, and ABS with brake-force distribution, brake assist, and brake override. The 500 is affectionately known by insiders who can pronounce it as the Cinquecento, or chin-kway-chento. Out of the box, it's a contender for fun-to-drive champ, as a four-seat A-class commuter car. For more on this great model, visit the official FIAT 500 Sport website!