“The Fiat 500 has always been the right car at the right time,” believes Laura Soave, the recently-apppointed first Head of the Fiat brand in North America. “The new Fiat 500 brings something truly unique to a fast-growing segment in America, delivering Italian-by-design function, value and efficiency intelligently tailored for our market.

“Like the original Cinquecento a half-century ago, the new Fiat 500 changes the rules of personal transportation and delivers a new sense of individual expression and opportunity. At a time when America is getting back to basics with a fresh awareness of the environment, the new Fiat 500 identifies with today’s minimalistic attitude and delivers with state-of-the-art eco-friendly technology, and it is wrapped in world-class quality, craftsmanship and style,” added Soave yesterday.

The U.S. specification 500 differs somewhat from the European version, both in its slightly clumsy external visual makeover at the front and rear as well as many of its details such as its improved suspension, bigger fuel tank, larger seats with ease-of-entry features to accommodate the increase girth of many consumers in this market and bigger cupholders.

Under the bonnet of the North American 500, which is being built at the Chrysler Group's Toluca factory in Mexico, is the 1.4-litre MultiAir engine. The engine delivers 101 HP (75 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 98 lb/ft (133 Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The 500 will offer two transmissions for the North American market: significantly a new six-speed automatic transmission which assists fuel economy and improved gearshifting, while for more engaging driving, this transmission allows for driver-selectable gear changes. Should the driver select ‘Sport’ mode by pressing the button on the instrument panel, the transmission’s shift schedule and the steering response are automatically adjusted to provide more sporty driving dynamics. The second option is the usual five-speed manual transmission which, according to Chrysler Group, features new gear ratios for the U.S. market, improving fuel efficiency and acceleration. A self-adjusting hydraulic-clutch system is standard with this transmission, benefiting drivers with consistent pedal efforts over the life of the clutch and virtually maintenance-free operation. Selecting ‘Sport’ mode with the manual transmission calibrates the pedal-to-throttle relation and the steering response to add greater driving enjoyment.

Every detail of the 500 has been examined to rework the vehicle for North American roads. Key adaptations include: redesigned body structure for increased strength; tailored suspension for the U.S. market to keep the Fiat 500 nimble while delivering a comfortable and quiet interior cabin for highway driving; over 20 specific hardware modifications/additions for improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH); new four-wheel anti-lock disc brake system (ABS) with redesigned front calipers for optimum brake performance; larger 10.5-gallon fuel tank for extended driving range; upgraded heating and cooling system for North American climate extremes; redesigned driver and front-passenger seats feature a new armrest and seat cushion for improved comfort on long journeys; easy-entry system designed into the new front seats; new steering wheel controls and revised steering effort calibration to increase stability at highway speed (against crosswinds); new BOSE Energy Efficient Series premium audio system features six premium speakers and a subwoofer

Seven standard air bags and reactive head restraints

The new 2012 Fiat 500 features a new air bag system to offer unique protection for its passengers to meet all U.S. regulatory requirements. Its seven standard air bags include: driver and multi-stage front-passenger advanced air bags, driver’s knee bag, full-length side-curtain air bags and standard seat-mounted side pelvic-thorax air bags, to offer enhanced protection to all occupants in the event of a collision. Reactive head restraints that activate during a rear impact are another innovation helping to minimize injuries by reducing the gap between the head restraint and a passenger’s head.

Blue & Me Handsfree Communication technology

Developed in collaboration between Fiat and Microsoft, Blue & Me Handsfree Communication technology is an in-vehicle, voice-activated communication system that allows drivers to operate a Bluetooth-compatible phone while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Using a series of voice commands, the driver can place phone calls, access the phone’s address book or listen to MP3s. Blue & Me Handsfree Communication technology supports most mobile phones with Bluetooth technology. With the optional TomTom navigation with Blue & Me Handsfree Communication technology, the system integrates an innovative 4.3-inch TomTom hand-held navigation unit that docks on top of the new 2012 Fiat 500’s instrument panel. With its large touch-screen display, simple map displays with available real-time traffic, weather and more than 7 million points of interests, TomTom navigation with Blue & Me Handsfree Communication technology is intuitive for the driver to use. And with its direct integration into the Fiat 500’s interior system, the driver is able to use steering-wheel-mounted controls to make operation even easier. Thanks to its portable design, the TomTom navigation system allows passengers of the Fiat 500 to remove the hand-held device from the vehicle and use it as a guide for walking tours or for finding their way back to the vehicle.

Unique style and personalization options

With 14 paint colors available in metallic, non-metallic and premium tri-coat pearl finishes, every new 500 will be distinct. In addition, the interior is available in two interior environments (Black or Ivory) with 14 unique seat color and material combinations for an individualized look. A full line of 500 accessories by Mopar will offer customers more personalization possibilities at their local Fiat dealership, including unique striping packages, exterior and interior styling accessories and authentic Fiat-styled merchandise. Customers are also now able to configure their own 500 on-line at Fiat North America's website.

500 Pop, Sport and Lounge models

500 Pop

The 500 Pop includes a manual transmission, 15-inch steel wheels with chrome-accented wheel covers and all-season tires, seven standard air bags, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with auxiliary audio input, power windows, power door locks, power heated mirrors, speed control and reconfigurable Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with trip computer, miles-to-empty, average fuel economy and tire-pressure monitoring display (TPM).

500 Sport

The 500 Sport model encompasses modified springs, shock tuning, steering calibration and exhaust tuning to deliver a more firm ride and responsive handling. The Sport model also includes a manual transmission and (in addition to the Fiat 500 Pop features) distinctively styled front and rear fascias with larger ‘honeycomb’ grilles and flared aerodynamic treatment. Between its 16-inch aluminum wheels with Mineral Gray painted pockets and all-season tires, the Fiat 500 Sport incorporates new bodyside sill cladding and a tailgate-mounted roof spoiler for a more sporty appearance. Completing this vehicle’s design theme are 'Performance Red' painted brake calipers attached to a sport-tuned suspension, chromed exhaust tip and fog lamps. Inside, the new Fiat 500 Sport features unique sport-styled seating in a Gray/Black interior environment, a BOSE Energy Efficient Series audio system with six premium speakers and subwoofer, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Blue & Me Handsfree Communication technology with USB port and iPod control capability.

500 Lounge

The 500 Lounge model features premium amenities (in addition to the Fiat 500 Pop features) including the all-new six-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable gear changes, front- and rear-fascia chromed accents, chrome mirror caps, fog lamps, fixed glass roof, 15-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires, premium cloth seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, BOSE Energy Efficient Series audio system with six premium speakers and subwoofer, security alarm, Blue & Me Handsfree Communication technology with USB port and iPod control capability.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 Fiat 500 is $15,500. All 2012 Fiat 500 models will come with a standard four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and four years of unlimited roadside assistance. In addition, the new Fiat 500 includes a three-year/36,000-mile maintenance program that includes wear-and-tear items and trip-interruption reimbursement.