We love everything about this car. It’s small. It’s stylish. It’s sporty(ish) — and just wait until we get the even hotter Abarth 500. The 500 has been a success in Europe, where it has helped revitalize Fiat’s image.

The car also arrives as subcompacts enjoy something of a renaissance in the United States. In addition the Smart fortwo and Mini, Ford’s rolled out the Fiesta and Chevrolet’s revamping the Aveo.

In prepping the car for the U.S. market, Fiat made a few tweaks to the car it’s been selling in Europe since 2007. We’ll get cup holders, of course, and an optional six-speed automatic among other things. Three versions will be available, all with a 1.4-liter four-banger. The 500 Pop is the base model. The 500 Sport (pictured) starts at $17,800 while the top-of-the-line 500 Lounge rings in at $19,500. Tick all the boxes on the order sheet and it’ll top $25,000.

Fiat set the stage for its return when it bought a 20 percent stake in Chrysler. Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne is calling the shots at Chysler, and we’ll see some shared platforms as the two companies develop models together. Fiat left the United States in 1983 with a reputation for unreliability, but things have turned around since then.

Word has it we’ll see the drop-top 500 next year and the Abarth 500 and Fiat 500 EV in 2012.

Photos: Fiat

The original Cinquecento.

Authors: Chuck Squatriglia

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