All Cars, All the Time

Does the Fiat 500 Beat the MINI In Execution?

The first generation of the new MINI was a revelation. It was the one car where I didn't mind the center speedo. I loved the website and quirky marketing. However, I'm much less enamoured with the second version. The speedo has become a joke, rivaling a dinner plate from the Cheesecake Factory. The ridiculous HVAC controls in the shape of a MINI badge aren't functional or funky, they're just annoying. The hood scoop on the S is no longer functional. Oh yes, the car has been improved in almost every way but for me it's no longer the Chicago Cubs it's more like the Yankees. Expecting rock star treatment wherever it goes. Look at me! I'm the MINI! Oooooo, I'm individualistic. Bah Humbug. It's gone too far.

Now, the new Fiat 500 intrigues me. True, it doesn't quite have the sophisticated hardware of the MINI, but I don't think that matters. Both the first generation MINI and the 500 have been heavily influenced by designer Frank Stephenson. He penned the MINI and kept a careful watch over Roberto Giolito who receives credit for the 500. I like this guy's style. For me the 500 is what the MINI was, a scrappy new design that has quite a lot to live up to. Obviously I haven't driven the 500, so I really can't compare it to the MINI in terms of ride and handling, but so far I like what I've seen and read. Definitely this is a car to watch.

What does have me worried, however, is that I doubt we'll ever seen the base and mid range 500 here in the USA. If we see anything it will be the hotted Abarth version with a hotted up price to match. Now, I love a hot hatch just as much as you, but in a way I think that decked out econo cars can sometimes miss the point of the car's original intent. The 500 needs to be a low cost, stylish way to run about at relatively slow speeds. Cheap to buy, run and insure with money left over for that gorgeous, chain smoking Italian girlfriend of yours.