Long-termer: 2012 Fiat 500 C pop Cabrio

5/29/2012

A rear view of our long-term 2012 Fiat 500 C.
A rear view of our long-term 2012 Fiat 500 C..
Sure, we didn't take delivery of our little red and white Fiat 500 C until winter was fast closing in, but that didn't stop us from seeking out as much sunshine as we could. After all, we had a nifty retractable roof to take advantage of and time on the calendar to burn, so we promptly pointed the nose of the car southward.

The Great Smoky Moun-tains National Park and its drivers' mecca U.S. Route 129 (unofficially known as the Tail of the Dragon at Deal's Gap, Tenn.) beckoned—all 300 turns of it, dappled in autumnal colors and bathed in cool mountain air. The Fiat 500 C was a delight to pilot along the route, despite not being the most stellar-handling of vehicles. It possesses that wonderful quality of being fun without actually being all that fun-to-drive, in a gioia di vivere sort of way. The logbook is brimming with the evidence: “The car looks fun just sitting in the airport parking lot.” “Even the photographer said this car is made to be shot.” “It's quirky and funky and cool.” Etc.

The 1.4-liter four-banger manages just 101 hp, but along such an intensely winding road, you have little use for much more. Only when asked to accelerate up hills at freeway speeds does the engine fall obviously short, which makes any extended long-distance run a matter of maintaining inertia as much as anything.
The interior of the 2012 Fiat 500 C.
The interior of the 2012 Fiat 500 C..
Route 129 betrayed another of the Fiat's major shortfalls: its numb, overassisted steering. Winding the wheel just isn't as engaging as in, say, a Mazda Miata.

The trek to Tennessee notwithstanding, the Fiat 500 C found itself otherwise relegated to more mundane duties, shuttling folks to and from work or running light errands. With its two doors, small back seat and 5.4 cubic feet of cargo space, the car's not up for very much more. But we did manage more than 32 mpg average during the three months, all the while keeping our right feet firmly planted. The Fiat also didn't require any unexpected service; its only visit to the dealer was for the installation of winter rubber.

Here's to a second quarter with even more gioia di vivere than the first.

2012 Fiat 500 C Pop Cabrio

AS-TESTED PRICE: $21,750

MILES DRIVEN: 6,385.8

FUEL ECONOMY: 32.3 mpg

FUEL COST: $496.13

DAYS OUT OF SERVICE: None

MAINTENANCE: Purchase and install winter tires ($483.38)
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