Fiat 500 US Market

Better. Some bugs in it though. At least now you can find a dealer and get the car's spec's.

The C seems pretty pricey.

 

Not compared to the Mini.

 

What a pity they don't offer the C in sport. I'm trying to figure out what these guys are thinking? How difficult is it to offer the 16 inch wheels on the convertible?

 

No, I mean to the base model. It's a 4 grand option. On a car costing $15,500, a jump to 19,500 for a fabric roof seems like quite a lot.

I'd have to see one in person before deciding. I'm concerned the roof doesn't fold down enough at the rear to see out of. I like the concept though very much.

At least now they offer the red, white, and green stripe across the entire line. Before it was only one model which made no sense at all.

 

Got it.

I've seen them in Italy, looks good in Ivory with a red top, haven't driven one yet. There is an Abarth C version being sold on the other side of the pond, that one I would hold out for.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xbc09f_passion-for-abarth-the-scorpion-s-t_lifestyle

 

That I would find really interesting. I'm wondering if I should get the regular C and then bump up when the Abarth arrives.

Has anyone said when the C's are coming? I may drop by my dealer today but I have a feeling they won't know.

 

I've heard June.

 

In time for Spring...they didn't say which year.
My dealer says end of May.

 

Maybe, but what other cool convertible can you get for $19,500 new? Most ragtops are more than $4500K above the coupe.

<$20K is typically a depressing place to look for a new car.

 

Has anyone played with eco: Drive yet? http://www.fiat.com/ecodrive/en/default.htm

I'm downloading it now and will probably pick up a usb stick for it tomorrow...

 

I'm not disagreeing. It just seems like a pretty expensive option for a top that simply moves backwards.

 

That is pretty cool.

I heard that one of the reasons the Prius gets good mileage is the feedback on the LCD screen which always shows how best to save fuel, use more battery power, recharge the battery with the brakes, etc. People see it and try to maximize their fuel subconciously or even as a kind of game. This may have a similar effect.

There's nothing wrong with helping people to use less fuel when they are buying an economy car. It's the reason they bought it in the first place. If this helps, it's a pretty cool idea. I like the "outside the box" thinking.

 

That is the app that removes all fun from driving, correct?

 

Think of it as a training aid for Prius owners learning how to drive a stick...

 

Haha - I don't think there's any fun in driving to and from the bus station in the morning/night. Might as well see what tips they give. Plus, I'm a big geek and I love all the technology "stuff."

 

There is a neat Fiat Lounge set up in SOHO at 18 Wooster while the NYC Auto Show is happening. Can test drive a car, see the 500C, get an espresso.

 

Whilst trying to locate a rave in some woods near me (following the noise), I took the 500 up some tracks that it really wasnt built to tackle. Needless to say, it handled them brilliantly, as it has anything else I've chucked at it.

Love it more and more.

Only downside is noticeable brake fade after a long journey/hoon. (1.4 Sport)

 

You're braking too much

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/2011/04/24/mf-quick-drive-2012-fiat-500/#disqus_thread

 

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/2012-fiat-500c-priced-from-19-500-w-video/#continued

from the press release:

 

Wow I scored a 68 on the Ecodrive on a 38 mile trip around town, avg 35.1 mpg.
Its funny they turn it into a contest/game and all the sudden I am trying to drive as smooth and light on the gas just to get a better score. Otherwise the cars a kick to drive and gets a lot of looks and questions.

 

Saw my first one in LA today on the street. Red with a black stripe with 500 logo.

It seems taller than my Mini (I was right behind it). It moved along OK. I just hope the Abarth looks lower.

 

Car gets constant attention.

My MPG is 37, and that's driving the way I want. Mix of highway and some heavy traffic.
Same driving in my 2002 BMW 330 got me 24MPG.

That was PE (Prima Edizione). They do look tall, that's just the style. Matter of taste. I love the car but I too wish it were less bulb like.

The Abarth will be just as tall, but may not look it due to bodywork and suspension differences.

 

The Abarth
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Just placed my order

I had to special order because I didn't want $2000 worth of useless electronics. Nothing special, just the base Pop in Giallo with a 5-speed.
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