Is the Fiat 500 too small for the US market? It could turn out to be a million dollar question for the Fiat-Chrysler effort to bring Europe’s current favourite little car to the US. It’s embarking on a big mission as it brings the Fiat brand back to the US car market, and does so off the back of some quirky Italian style. The original 500 was not so famous anywhere outside of Italy, really, but the revival of the 1950’s vehicle has made up for that around the world.

We’ve already seen what the Americans think of the Fiat 500, with the question being whether it’s hot styling will win over in a country where big has always been prized above all else. In pointing out that America has been readied for smaller cars through Smart and Mini (which has also made money), on its first drive of the 500, Autoblog says:

Our first five minutes behind the wheel of the 2012 Fiat 500 shouted that it was solid, substantial and sporty. The rest of the day simply demonstrated the amplitude of these characteristics, and whether the exceptionally-popular-in-Europe 500 might actually catch on with American drivers.

We think it will.

We’re not so interested in the changes made to the US 500 version, although according to Jalopnik, the model has been improved in that market. If the comments are anything to go by, the chassis is sturdier than the tinny thing I drove in summer last year in Europe, so perhaps over here we can hope for some of those improvements, too (including suspension improvements from changes made to the wheelbase).

Autoblog had lots of good things to say about the ride comfort, space and sportiness of the new Fiat 500, which is good news for anyone who didn’t want to buy just its style. While it will require a mental leap for those used to flying around ring roads, this car is definitely for those wanting urban cool and could very well work. Still too small or too much of an unknown proposition?

The review concludes with:

Given American’s finicky taste for compacts, it may seem risky to place the burden of re-introducing the Fiat brand on the tiny shoulders of the 500. At this point, however, we’re betting with Fiat and Chrysler, not against them. After a 27-year absence, Fiat picked the right car and the right time to come back to the USA.

Time will tell to give us an idea of how many sales and what kind of success this model might enjoy, but in the meantime, the Fiat 500 may have even pipped the new 2012 Beetle at the post of small, retro models for this year….

(no votes)

1 comment