• Future

What: A gas-miser small car from Fiat slotted to revitalize the fledgling Chrysler brand 

When: Unknown, but could be as early as late 2010 

Price: Unknown, but the Italian Fiat 500 has a base price of approximately $15,320


New for 2011 

As the merger of Chrysler and Fiat takes a definable shape, more details are being released as to how the combined car company will run and what vehicles it will sell. Part of that restructuring is the introduction of several successful Fiat cars, including the tiny Fiat 500. The 500 is a popular model in Europe, and Fiat's CEO has announced his intention to sell an American version by the end of 2010. 

Configured by Frank Stephenson, the same person to design the MINI Cooper, the Italian-spec Fiat 500 is a two-door, front-wheel drive hatchback with three available engines. Industry experts predict the U.S. version of the 500 would only feature one of those powerboxes -- the top-of-the-line 1.4-liter engine that makes 94 horsepower. Reviewers estimate this particular engine should achieve more than 40 miles per gallon on the highway. 

According to the most recent reports, the Fiat 500 will be available in four trims -- a hatchback, a convertible, a wagon and a sport model.

What the Auto Press Says 

Auto writers are excited about the re-emergence of Fiat on U.S. soil. Reviewers especially like the Fiat 500, described by Consumer Guide as "the Italian Mini Cooper: retro-cute, fun-to-drive small, and super stingy with gas" -- great superlatives for a class that specializes in fuel efficient but fun driving. 

Here is what the press has to say about the 2011 Fiat 500: 

  • "On the face of it, the 500 should be just the car to put Fiat back on the U.S. map. It's undoubtedly well timed: appealing, affordable, and most of all, easy on gas. If it's well built and reliable too, it can't miss. Imagine saying that about a Fiat." -- Consumer Guide
  • "This is the latest word out of Italy concerning the adorable Fiat 500. While the Chrysler/Fiat merger chugs along, the tiny 500 is the only model that has been officially greenlighted for American consumption under the Fiat banner." -- Autoblog
  • "Everything you see and touch inside the cabin is beautifully designed. The hand-stitched, leather-covered steering wheel and gear lever, the chrome door handles and concentrically arranged speedometer and tach -- it's all a pleasure to look at and use." -- Popular Mechanics
  • "It's irresistible, and it's small (smaller even than the Mini Cooper, though not as small as the Smart Fortwo). At 40+ MPG, the Fiat 500 would easily join those two on the list of the most fuel-efficient cars and SUVs sold in America." -- The Daily Green
  • "The Fiat 500 has an iPod-style coolness that everyone responds to." -- Edmunds
  • "Fiat will bring a handful of its small cars, filling a major product gap for Chrysler. The companies have said the first Fiat car will arrive in the United States within 18 months, and it is likely to be the compact, two-door 500." -- Associated Press  

Key Details 

There are no specifics on the 2011 Fiat 500, but the most recent reports are predicting four trims for the 500, including a sport model and a convertible. The European 500 has a six-speed manual transmission, but the U.S. model will probably have a weight- and fuel-saving automated manual transmission. Electric power steering, anti-lock brakes and MP3 connectivity are expected standard features, but some writers predict Fiat will offer an impressive amount of customization options as well. 

Stay tuned for more details on the 2011 Fiat 500.