Fiat 500 exudes charm and style with captivating exterior bodylines and an inviting cabin. The interior layout of controls and gauges makes using and reading information quick and easy. During a one-week test drive, the driver and a 6-foot-4 front seat passenger found the ride exceedingly comfortable. The rear seat is less roomy, but not shockingly cramped. With the 50/50-split rear seat folded, there’s 30 cubic feet of stow-space. The luggage compartment provides 9.5 cubic feet. Fiat 500 is offered in three trims: Pop, Sport, and Lounge. The upscale Lounge provides such standard fare as Blue&Me hands-free communications with USB port, chrome power heated side mirrors, and fixed glass roof.

Powering the 500 is a 1.4-liter, 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 101 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 98 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. Standard transmission on the 500 Lounge is an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission. The 500 reacts to acceleration commands swiftly, revealing a surprising amount of peppiness. With its 90.6-inch wheelbase, near identical front and rear track, front MacPherson suspension and rear twist-beam axle, the car doesn’t scatter over potholes or lose its grip entering/exiting curves. Estimated mpg when fitted with automatic transmission is 27 city/34 highway. MSRP of Fiat 500 Lounge is $19,500.