30 Days Of 2013 Ram 1500: Gas Mileage, So Far
As we roll through our 30-day road test of the 2013 Ram 1500, we're ready to file our first report... Read More
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PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
The 500 does take a page from the Mini playbook in its zippy performance, fun-to-drive character, and go-cart handling, although it is not quite as sporty overall as the British car.
Automobile
Fiat engineers do share a cafeteria or two with Ferrari, and MultiAir qualifies as a real technical achievement.
Jalopnik
Either suspension — the base setup in Pop and Lounge trims, or the sport-tuned suspension in the 500 Sport — settles into a firm rhythm on the highway, and the engine churns along at low rpm with a sort of agricultural coarseness.
Cars.com
The manual five-speed has some big ratio gaps (notably the one between second and third) when you're attacking a canyon road, but if you don't mind buzzing the little four near its 6,900-rpm redline it's no problem.
Inside Line
Although you're not going terribly fast between the corners, the Fiat dives into them absolutely wriggling with enthusiasm to change direction...
Motor Trend
With just 101 horsepower at its disposal, the Fiat 500 gets outgunned by almost everything in the automotive galaxy. Those low-wattage numbers light up in the course of duty: once it's up to a rolling boil, the 500 bubbles over with the same variety of enthusiasm you'll find in the frisky Ford Fiesta.
The 500 has one engine to its credit, a 1.4-liter four-cylinder with variable air intake "MultAir" technology that Fiat credits for better power delivery and fuel economy. It delivers 101 horsepower at 6000 rpm, and this is one engine that's happy to run up to redline in each and every gear. There's a lively rasp as it rushes over 3000 rpm, and it doesn't get too harsh as it rises higher through the rev range. That's not to imply the 500, in this configuration, is "fast"--it's likely barely under 10 seconds in the 0-60 mph run, but pleasing to wring through the paces. With two aboard, you'd be ill advised to try passing uphill--and yet, in the heart of its powerband, with the transmission in third gear, the 500 feels flexible and lively and eager beyond its power figures.
it's no anechoic chamber, either. That small-animal pitch raised underhood weaves itself into the steady tire and wind noise the 500 accrues as it picks up speed. The cabin's so small, the noise never will prevent you from hearing back-seat conversations, though.
Two transmissions are offered; we drove the five-speed manual exclusively. The shifter action is light and precise enough, but the limited foot space doesn't mate up with the clutch pedal's long stroke and high uptake point. A six-speed automatic is an option, and it comes with a Sport button that tightens up shift points and quickens the throttle feel.
With even the bigger 16-inch wheels and a tauter sport suspension on the Sport model I drove, the 500 masked a lot of the ride harshness that comes with anything riding atop a wheelbase this short (90.6 inches, like the old Honda CRX). Of course, medium-sized potholes will swallow half-moons out of the tires, but the 500 keeps its composure a good deal of the time. It's when you pose intense questions to its torsion-beam rear end--how much speed can I scrub off downhill, while the rear end's all light?--it flutters a bit and warns you just how small those tires really are. Steering clear of trouble like that is a joy: the 500's electric power steering has a meaty bite, and can feel like unassisted steering at times.
Conclusion
Small power translates into big grins in the 2012 Fiat 500, thanks to lively steering and nimble handling.
