Ah, Mother’s Day, the second favorite day of the year for flower shops and chocolatiers.

In an attempt to sell SUVs and minivans to modern family-goers, car companies have come up with some funny and clever commercials aimed at making these vehicles slightly less boring.

Take a look at a few good commercials aimed at the modern Mother:

4. Family Friendly Vehicle – Kia Sorento

Not particularly funny, but this is one of a series of “documentary-style” ads Kia put out for the 2013 Sorento. They each go over individual features of the SUV aimed at showing mothers why it’s a smart vehicle for them and their little ones.

3. Safety Sacrifice “Ridin’ Dirty” – VW Tiguan

2. “The Motherhood” – Fiat 500L

Clever and well-done ad from Fiat that got some flak when it came out, but overall a good response. I think it’s funny.

Bonus: The Fatherhood

1. “Swagger Wagon” – Toyota Sienna

Easily my favorite Rapping Mom commercial, we posted about the Swagger Wagon when it was first released a few years ago.

Did we miss any of your favorites? Send these to your Mom and let us know what you think!

Since its introduction 5 years ago, the Fiat 500 has surpassed one million vehicles sold worldwide.  It’s going into its second year in the US and sales here are just a fraction of that.  Fiat is hoping to change that by expanding our 500 line-up.  In 2012, they introduced the Abarth, which sold out in one month.  For 2013, the Abarth returns as well as a new offering — the Turbo.   Having never driven a 500, I decided to compare the three sportiest models.  Check out my comparisons and decide for yourself—how do you like your Italian?

Fiat 500 Sport

Consider the Fiat 500 Sport the marinara of this group.  My test car had the standard Fiat 500 equipment (equipment details here) plus the standard equipment for the Sport model including sport seats, sport suspension, different front and rear fascias, rear spoiler, 16-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, fog lamps, and Alpine audio system.  Options on the tester were the Tom-Tom navigation – a tack on unit that plugs into the top of the dash ($400) and a real spare tire in lieu of the standard repair kit ($450). The total came to $19,050 including $700 destination.

The Sport has a 1.4L Multi-air engine that makes 101hp and 98 lb ft of torque.  EPA mileage is a new for 2013 31 City/40 Highway up from 30 City/38 Highway of previous model years.

The Sport’s interior was better than I expected in a sub 20-thousand dollar car.  The seats had good lateral support and while the position of the adjustment controls took some getting used to, the overall seating position was comfortable.  Visibility was great and I never felt cramped.

Acceleration was much better than I anticipated with only 101hp.  The 500 Sport accelerated to city speeds quick enough and effortlessly and  I had no problem keeping up with Chicago traffic.  As a real acceleration test, I took a quick detour onto the expressway.   While initially apprehensive, I merged onto the expressway just fine and accelerated to highway speeds without complaint from my fellow motorists.  Road and wind noise were also much lower than expected.

All the models I tested had a ‘Sport’ button that modifies steering response and shift points on models with automatics.  I thought it also felt like throttle response was improved, especially in the Sport model.

The ride of the 500 Sport is surprisingly good for such a small car.  I hit more than my fair share of Chicago’s street imperfections and the 500 soaked them up without any protest from its chassis.

Fiat 500 Turbo

Consider the Turbo the Bolognese of the group.  It is a step above marinara, adding meat to an already good sauce.

The Turbo adds to the Sport model a 135hp engine, 5-speed heavy duty transmission, larger brake rotors, two-piece front and rear fascias, and model specific color accents throughout the car.  My tester’s options included the fantastic Beats audio system, heated leather front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, security alarm, and power sunroof and totaled $24,200.

The 500 Turbo’s 135 horsepower comes from a 1.4L Multi-Air 16 valve, turbocharged engine that makes 28 City/34 Highway.

The interior look, feel, fit and finish of the Turbo was surprising — more upscale than I expected.  The soft leather of the steering wheel and gear shift lever added to the already comfortable Sport model.

As you would expect, the additional 34 horses provided added confidence on both the city streets and highway.  I rocketed down the short on-ramp accelerating to highway speeds earlier than necessary. The Turbo shares the suspension with the Sport, so the ride was similar.

Fiat 500 Abarth

Arrabbiata comes from the Italian word arrabbiato that means angry Italian. It is an accurate description of the Abarth starting with its looks. The exterior has the Abarth’s token scorpion-themed badges in the grill, wheels, and front fenders. The engine has a 25hp jump above the Turbo with a 160hp, a very throaty dual exhaust, heavily bolstered sport seats, three-mode stability control, stiffer suspension, turbo boost gauge, Abarth-only wheels, side skirts, rear fascia with splitter, flat-bottom leather steering wheel, and aluminum pedal covers.

My Abarth tester’s options included the Beats audio system, heated leather front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, security alarm, power sunroof, and Tom-Tom Navigation system with a total sticker price of $26,400.

Surprisingly, the Abarth’s additional 25 horses do not come with a MPG penalty as it gets the same 28 City/34 Highway as the Turbo.

The Abarth’s interior with aggressive seats, red stitching, and chunky, flat-bottomed steering wheel says is all about the business of speed.  When you start the car you notice the exhaust note immediately — a deep little burble out of the dual exhaust that easily makes its presence known inside.  As you shift, the turbo opens its wastegate which sounds pretty cool.

It is plenty quick and as expected, it is the fastest of the bunch.  Some will protest that a 6.8 second zero to sixty time isn’t fast, but all the 500’s feel faster than they are.  The Abarth’s ride was more firm, but still not terribly jarring.  The entire time on my test drive I kept thinking, “This thing would be a blast on a track”.

Final Thoughts

With this comparison, I wanted to find out the differences between the sportiest of the Fiat 500’s.  My recommendations are as follows.  If you predominantly drive in the city, get the 500 Sport.  It is quick enough to get you around town and on the occasional highway ride to the family. If you like factory street racers, the Abarth provides a great starting point.  From its looks to the exhaust note, this thing is a cool little package that begs to be thrashed.  For me, the best compromise was the Turbo.  It had enough extra power and additional interior appointments while still preserving the best of the Sport.  Hands down, these are fun cars that have left enough of an impression on me to add them to my list of potential next cars.

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If you’ve got a Fiat 500 sitting in your garage right now, then…well, my condolences. Not that it’s a bad car, or…actually maybe it is, since it was just rated as the least safe car on the road. Or more specifically, the worst vehicle for protecting passengers from injuries. So who earned the #2-5 spots?

2. Kia Rio 5 (LX and SX)
3. Toyota Corolla L
4. Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
5. Mercedes-Benz CL600

Ouch, a Benz CL600, which also happened to earn the title of the most expensive vehicle to insure in 2013, and would cost you a hefty $130,000 to buy, is one of the least safe cars for passengers.

So is this a fair and comprehensive list? No, not really. Insure.com used some of the data from the study on the aforementioned The Most (and Least) Expensive Vehicles to Insure in 2013 study and found the cars with the highest rates for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Medical Payments (MedPay) in the 2013 model year. So, while it’s not a comprehensive – and some would even say fair – list, it could be counted as indicative.

They did also include a list of the five best vehicles for protecting passengers from injuries, or again more specifically, those with the lowest PIP and MedPay premiums, and here’s what they came up with:

1. GMC Sierra 1500 (SLE, SLT and Work Truck)
2. Porsche Cayenne
3. GMC Yukon (Denali and SLT)
4. GMC Sierra 2500 SLE
5. GMC Terrain SLE1

So what does that teach us? Nothing we didn’t already know. As kids we learn that the more mass something has, the more energy and momentum it carries, or to put it more gently: “big thing crush small thing.”

But is this list useful? If you’re looking for a small car or giant truck, yes. But for the rest of us? I don’t want to buy a hulking $40,000 14 mpg-getting pickup truck or an overpriced and snooty German SUV just to feel safe. What if we want a sedan? A compact hatch? A crossover? All those cars fall somewhere in the middle; exactly what this list leaves out. A breakdown of the cars in each segment might be more useful in making a buying decision.

You’ve got to love corporate rivalry. In some ways, spirited competition can be a good thing. General Motors and Ford have had a long-standing rivalry. It seems to have died down a bit, but it is still there underneath the surface. Usually issues like this emerge when these companies have large personalities as their leaders.

For instance, Fiat, with Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne, and Volkswagen, with its Chairman Ferdinand Piech. VW is on a relentless drive to become the world’s largest automaker. It reminds us very much of General Motors in its heyday, particularly in regards to the way the corporate structure is set up. Much to Marchionne’s consternation, Piech has publicly voiced his desire to purchase Alfa Romeo.

This request has been denied over and over and is something of a sticking point between them. Tensions really escalated though back in October, after Volkswagen announced its desire to see Marchionne resign from the presidency of the European Automotive Manufacturers Association (ACEA). This ignited a firestorm between the two. Marchionne has since claimed that Volkswagen is trying to push out competitors by pricing its products too low.

The result has been a gain in Volkswagen market share, even as the overall European market has shrunk. Most think this strategy is aimed at causing competitors (such as Fiat) to go bankrupt. The rest of the voting members of the ACEA obviously feel different than Volkswagen however, as last week Marchionne was elected to a second term as president. While the European situation is difficult for Fiat, in the United States the Fiat-Chrysler partnership means things are reversed. Bloomberg reports that Chrysler and Fiat are offering a $1000 rebate for buyers who switch from Volkswagen. This is a strong incentive aimed at eroding some customer loyalty. It will be interesting to see how Volkswagen responds. We can’t imagine they would let this go unanswered.

Los Angeles is what some might consider the center of car culture. In terms of car design and moving the needle, the LA auto show was as exciting to look at as star on the walk of fame. With so many cars getting better fuel economy, better handling, quicker 0-60 times, loaded with tech, and even safer, one of the only bullets left in the gun to separate one make from another is styling. After all, if two cars are so close in nearly every comparable way – the car with the better looks wins (almost) every time.

In this post, I will be as objective as a non robot or non politician can be. We all have our like and dislikes. I also know that every reader here would hate to live in a world where everything looks like an econobox – or the box that the econobox came in. I am not a great believer in suspense – so on with the commentary!

First, I am a bit confused as to which bit of  blue nonsense was the Jaguar XFR-S and which one was the Volvo S60 Polestar. Lets see, a shade of paint that would only look right on a Japanese KEI car – check. Catfish inspired front air intake – check. Would be ashamed to pull up next to an M5 (visually) check.

Second, is the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black Series. I will overlook the Bumblebee paint/trim combo to zero in on the lines. What are they trying to do to this car exactly? Its gull-winged grandfather was graceful yet aggressively styled and is considered a masterpiece. The Black Series makes a poor design worse. Aping some of the best Viper lines and then creating a blunt front end mades little sense in any conventional or unconventional school of thought. The 2/4 view lacks any sort of focus, and only the full rear view is something that passes for great – granted that is the view you will see as it races away from you at stop light. Ask yourself this, would the Viper GTS with the doors from the SLS look considerably more well crafted and complete from a design perspective?

Third, the Fiat 500L. Simply put, London taxi meets PT Cruiser. I cannot imagine the design sessions that produced this – sketches of different parts thrown into a hat? The target market is presumably the same as for the Mini Countryman – good luck with that. The front end takes what is nice about the 500 (in very small doses) and tarts it up to be a collection of disjointed slits and inlets. The headlights seem to want to pay tribute to the new Range Rover language, but are not as sharp literally or figuratively. The side view is a slab rendition of the PT and the rear tries to mimic the mini but does not come close to being as nice or interesting.

As for the best in show, I will give it to the Porsche Cayman. Although predictable in its execution, it showed what a restrained pen can achieve, building on a great foundation and bringing new life to a design that was already aging well. The full on front view has a nice blend of Porsche / bit of Lambroghini at the air intakes. Even if there should be a royalty payment for all of the makes that have ripped of the trapezoidal look of air intakes, Porsche is a member of the family now and can be excused. From the side, the larger side intake is aggressive and welcome. The rear 3/4 view is much better and more sculpted that the Gen. 1 example. The spoiler through the taillights trick is another great piece of engineering/ eye candy. Overall it is stunning not only as a Porsche, but as a sports car done right.

LA(ME) might have been the obvious pun – but it was the truth. Putting the top on a convertible proved to be the runaway winner which in a way is sad. Auto shows are a way to show breakthrough designs and not take ideas and retread them and throw it into the mix. Where is the next A8? Where is the next Veloster? The answer is, not at this show.

Fiat is getting busy expanding its line-up next year. For the 2013 calendar year the 500L, 500E, 500 Turbo and 500C Abarth will be joining the line-up. The Turbo was announced at the Pebble Beach Concourse d’Eleganza Auto Show in Monterey, California earlier this year.

This model is a bridge between the under-powered 500 and top-shelf Abarth model. The one we want though, of course, is the Abarth. Fiat had unexpected demand for the 500 Abarth in its first model year, selling out quickly. The Italian brand is keeping things going for 2014 with the 500C Abarth.

We drove the 500C earlier this year, followed by the Abarth, and we wished we could combine the two. “The new Fiat 500c Abarth delivers the wicked attitude and track-proven capabilities of the hatchback model, now with the rush of open-air Italian performance,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of FIAT Brand for North America – Chrysler Group LLC. “And with the push of a button our new turbocharged cabrio can unleash that added sense of freedom, while offering one of the most respected soundtracks of all-time, the rasp from its signature Abarth-tuned dual exhausts.”

The Abarth exhaust note is regarded as one of the best in the industry. Now you can hear the engine soundtrack with the top down. If you would rather listen to your music though, Chrysler has arranged a partnership with Beats by Dr. Dre for the sound system. Like the coupe, the 500C Abarth gets Fiat’s 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged four-cylinder making 160 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Like the standard 500C, the 500C Abarth has an electrically operated fabric roof. It is able to be opened at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour and closed at speeds up to 60 miles per hour. We like Fiat’s set-up for safety: all of the pillars remain intact, yet you still have the feel of open-roof motoring. The 500C Abarth goes on sale early next year and each purchase includes entry to Fiat’s full-day Abarth Driving Experience event.

Los Angeles takeover: with California being one of Fiat’s largest markets, Fiat is making a big splash at the LA Auto Show. There are three debuts: the 500L, 500C Abarth, and electric 500E. The biggest launch (literally and figuratively) is the 500L. Fiat re-launched it’s brand with just one model, the hatchback 500. Needless to say, it isn’t a model aimed at the mainstream of the market.

The 500 has found a niche though and sales of the 500 have been doing very well in America. Fiat Studios around the country are eagerly awaiting arrival of the 500L, which many speculate could become the brand’s volume model. In America, many think bigger is better and a 500L is – by a big margin.

Based on an entirely different platform, the 500L is six-inches wider and a whopping 26-inches longer than the 500. In addition, it is six-inches taller. As far as the competition goes, it is aimed squarely at the Mini Countryman. You can even see a resemblance to that car, particularly from the rear view. The 500L has a few tricks up it’s sleeve. One thing that has always struck us about the 500 is its roominess and practicality. The 500L puts that packaging expertise to good use with an interior that has forty-two percent more interior room.

It is big enough for the Environmental Protection Agency to rate it as a large car based on interior volume. The feeling of space is enhanced by the tall roof and what Fiat calls “panoramic views” afforded by the big windows, glass pillars and the segment’s largest dual-pane sunroof. The dual pane glass unit spans 20.7 sq. ft. Thankfully, we don’t get the car’s European powertrain. The 500L is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine, making 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It comes with your choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a dual-clutch gearbox. Fiat also has the 500L in its Trekking model, which adds a little bit more off-road versatility. The 500L will arrive in mid 2013 and pricing information is to be announced.

History has shown us that what is popular in Europe doesn’t always carry over into the United States. The new Fiat 500 was launched in Europe in 2007 and it became a sensation across the continent. Fiat’s partnership with Chrysler enabled the car to come to the United Staes last year. While it is viewed as a new product by most Americans, the 500 was already well into it’s model cycle.

That’s okay though because it is still fresh and relevant. Fiat has announced that the 1 millionth 500 has been produced at Fiat’s plant in Poland. These 1 million models are spread across the globe as the car is sold in over 100 countries. North America accounts for 70,000 units of that total.

Fiat 500 number 1 million is a Lounge model that features Fiat’s three-layer Bianco Perla paint scheme. It got off to a slow start, but the 500 has done very well in the United States. Sales momentum is growing and Fiat is looking to add models such as the 500L. Fiat’s original goal was to topple the MINI, and with more models we can definitely see them getting close to that. There is a lot of room for growth.

The next generation MINI R56, due next year, is set to feature a 5 door hatchback version of the original for the first time. MINI has finally realized that adding a 5 door model of the original could greatly increase sales. We think there is similar potential for a 5 door model of the 500, especially here in the United States. The 500 is already very practical as a 3 door; adding a pair of extra doors in the back would only make it that much more so. As a fan of the 500, we are looking forward to seeing it hit more milestones in the future.

Smart recently got a lot of attention with the introduction of it’s electric model. It is the third generation of the brand’s EV and is the cheapest on sale in the United States. Many have said it is a perfect fit for Smart and a way to revive flagging sales. Fiat finds itself in a different position.

Despite a rocky advertising launch (thanks Jennifer Lopez) it has taken off more than anyone thought. That’s more of a tribute to the car’s excellence than anything. At the Los Angeles International Auto Show later this month, Fiat will be releasing the 500E. This is the car that Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne said Fiat didn’t really want to build.

Thanks to the environmentalists in California, it is a requirement to build a zero emissions vehicle though. This has led manufacturers to hastily cobble together low volume EV variants almost exclusively for the California market. Toyota has the RAV4 EV, Honda the Fit EV and Chevrolet the Spark EV. Now Fiat/Chrysler will have it’s entry.

The first images have been released and we can see some of minor changes take shape. On the exterior the bright orange gets a new aerodynamics package that includes different wheels. Perhaps the most recognizable change is the front facia, which has been lowered and painted in white. The interior gets an EV specific gauge cluster and a push button gear selector system. The real important things-such as range and cost-haven’t been released yet. We assume we’ll have to wait until the beginning of the show. Following Fiat’s celebrity centered strategy, the 500E will make it’s first appearance this weekend at the American Music Awards.

The 2012 Fiat makes its way back into the U.S. after being first introduced in Mexico in 2008. The first Fiat 500 made its launch in 1957 and has been a huge success in Europe with over half a million sold. The little car received the European Car of the Year award in 2008 after Fiat launched the 50th anniversary model called the Fiat Nuova 500 after the original car. The new version of the popular runabout features similar styling but is longer and bigger and comes with front wheel drive.

The 2012 Fiat 500 Sport is a fuel efficient city commuter that is 6 inches shorter than a Mini Cooper and 2 inches narrower. But the small two-door is more than 4 inches taller, giving the 500 an elevated seating position that increases visibility and also creates a bigger feel inside by offering more legroom. The cabin isn’t overly spacious, but it has a sporty feel to it. The instrument panel has the feel of a sports car with a tachometer ring inside the speedometer ring. It takes getting used to, but works with the LCD information inside.

The 500 Sport features standard cloth Sport seats that are comfortable and offer plenty of adjustment for the driver. Fiat says the little commuter is a four-seater, but there isn’t much legroom for adults to ride for more than a short trip. The rear seat does offer a nice area for cargo behind the seats though. But the 500 has more rear legroom and cargo volume than a MINI as well at 30 cu. in. vs. 24.

The Fiat 500 Sport gets a few extra features

The 2012 Fiat 500 Sport ($17,500) comes with special suspension tuning underneath, and unique features on the body like front and rear fascias with black mesh openings, slightly flared fenders, rocker panel cladding, and a roof spoiler over the liftgate. Outside Sport features include red brake calipers, chrome exhaust tip and foglamps and 16-inch aluminum wheels.

Inside, the Sport features special sport seats in a Gray/Black interior environment, six-speaker subwoofer Bose sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication technology with USB port and iPod control.

The latest fuel-saving engine technology

The 1.4-liter engine develops 101 horsepower and 98 foot-pounds of torque. Fiat says the new engine gets some new technology that they call MultiAir which is a “reinvention of the cylinder head.” The engine features a “MultiAir” valve control system that promises up to 10 percent more peak power, up to 15 percent more low-end torque, up to 25 percent better fuel economy, and up to 60 percent fewer emissions than the previous generation engine. The 500 does take premium fuel but it can be run on regular unleaded without the driver feeling much difference except for extreme performance needs. EPA estimates are 30/38 city/highway mpg.

A great city commuter

Driving the 2012 Fiat Sport is especially fun in the city for drivers who need to zip in and out of traffic on crowded streets. The 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine is high revving, and comes coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox. The 101 horsepower engine has enough punch to enter freeway traffic and the five-speed makes it easy to keep rpm’s up for maximum power.

The Fiat 500 loves to rev high and gets maximum power at 4000 rpm and redlines at 6800. The 500 Sport with the five-speed gearbox has short throws and the location of the shifter is ergonomically natural, which translates to ease in shifting and offers a sporty driving experience. The Sport suspension is firmer for performance driving, so those looking for a softer ride can opt for the POP or the Lounge variants.

Overall, the 2012 Fiat 500 Sport is a stellar city commuter that can be a good alternative to the MINI. While it doesn’t offer the power of a German sports coupe, with the five-speed gearbox, it is fun to run errands and can maneuver through traffic with ease. But it’s one of those cars that unless you have driven it, it will likely be misunderstood.

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When Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne began turning around Fiat, the relaunched Fiat Panda is one of the products he started with. The Fiat 500 followed, and the rest is history. The European market is causing a lot of headaches for the company, but Fiat has introduced an upgraded new 4×4 model at the Paris Motor Show.

Thanks to high gas prices, congestion, taxes and the like, small crossovers are all the rage in Europe. This particularly evident in the luxury sector with models like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. The Fiat Panda 4×4 it isn’t a new idea either – the original was sold over 30 years ago. Fiat says the Panda 4×4 is the only vehicle in the A-segment to offer four-wheel drive, with capability that is higher than its diminutive size would first suggest.

We’re not sure what how much it can tackle in actuality; the “four-wheel” drive system is a permanent one. As such, it’s more like all-wheel drive than a traditional high/low four-wheel drive system. However, it has been beefed up with some upgrades. The Panda 4×4 comes with a “torque-on-demand” transmission that includes two differentials and an electronically-controlled coupling. That way power can be distributed where it is needed at all times. The Panda 4×4 adds some visual ruggedness with plastic cladding and a slightly raised ride height. Overall it is unmistakably Fiat through and through.

As far as powertrains, European buyers have their choice of two scarily-slow (we’ve tested the smaller, more powerful U.S-spec 500 and found it wanting for power) engines. The first is a 0.9-liter 90-horsepower four, and the second a 1.3-liter, 75 horsepower MultiJet II diesel. This is all in a car that, even though it is based on the 500′s platform, is larger in every dimension than even the Panda. Does the Panda 4×4 have a chance of coming to the United States? Fiat needs more models here, and with a different (or highly modified for more power) engine we could see it doing well. U.S arrival of the Panda 4×4 as it sits isn’t likely at this point, but we’ll probably see some variation of the car in the form of a rumored small Jeep.

In a country that really pioneered the bigger is better mantra, mini cars like the 2012 Fiat 500 can be a tough sell. The MINI has been one of the exceptions, with a lineup of models that has proliferated over its 10 year BMW-owned history in the United States.

Every once in a while a car will come along that captures people’s imaginations. They come in different shapes and sizes, and one of them in Europe has undoubtedly been Fiat’s little 500. After experiencing European success, the 500 came to the United States in 2011. The Fiat-Chrysler partnership enabled it’s arrival to happen quite easily. The 500 we get here is remarkably similar to the European original; receiving just a few tweaks and upgrades in a few key areas to satisfy American tastes.

Last year Fiat set an ambitious sales target of 50,000 units. That overly-optimistic goal didn’t quite work out, but sales by American mini car standards were brisk. In 2012, Fiat is setting an even quicker pace thanks to heightened awareness, new special edition models and the Abarth variant. On paper, the standard Fiat 500 is far from an enthusiasts dream. Let’s see – there is a 1.4-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder making just 101 horsepower, along with a nearly 2500-pound curb weight to lug around. The run to 60 mph is over the nine second mark. Cars are emotional objects though – sometimes they turn out to be more than an appraisal of their specifications list might indicate. With the Fiat 500, that was definitely the case.

The car is (unsurprisingly), very fun to drive in town. City settings are where the 500 shines, exhibiting easy maneuverability for darting around and squeezing into tight spaces. Pep in the 500′s first and second gears is decent as well. In higher gears, most of the 500′s acceleration oomph (if you can call it that…) comes when you keep it at the upper reaches of its power band. More power would be welcomed. The upcoming 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo should strike a pitch perfect balance for many in this regard. The highway is where you can feel the 500′s design attributes – such as the tall, upright design – impact dynamics.

The 500 is obviously top-heavy and it doesn’t exactly inspire a lot of confidence during high-speed avoidance. That’s because the suspension is tuned on the soft side to preserve ride quality. It can feel a bit squishy during these situations, but it’s what you’d expect from a mini car in this class. There is an option for people who want to have a performance edge, and it’s called the Abarth. So if you’d like it to be a bit firmer, opt for the 500 Turbo or Abarth and voila….problem solved.

The particular model we tested was the 500C, which means it has Fiat’s classic convertible top design. It’s a brilliant concept, providing the safety of having fixed A-,B- and C-pillars in place with an open top feel. The convertible added another element of fun to the 500 experience. Cruising around downtown is a blast. Everywhere we went the 500 gained fans, and it was a hit among the younger crowd. Many different pictures were taken with friends and bystanders who posed by the car.

Despite being on the market for over a year, many are still very intrigued. Like the exterior, the interior has character in spades. Our red 500C had an optional retro cream-covered steering wheel and switchgear elements that matched the fabric soft top. The 500′s interior dates back a few years – it was first introduced in Europe for the 2007 model year. The design has held up quite nicely since then. There are some elements of questionable quality – such as the Fisher Price HVAC controls – but overall it was a nice place to spend time. For a couple there’s a good amount of legroom, and noise is controlled well considering the soft top.

When it came time to hand back the keys, we were sad to see the 500 go. The Fiat 500 is a car you just can’t help but like. It isn’t particularly efficient or cheap, and it definitely isn’t fast or luxurious. But, it has an undeniable charm in spades. It made people smile, and that counts for a lot. We’re glad to see models like the 500 out there brightening up the automotive landscape. Stay tuned for an Automoblog review of the 500 Abarth over the next couple of months.

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For enthusiasts, there is no question about which Fiat is the one to get: it is the 500 Abarth hands down. That’s because, despite being small, the 500 is no lightweight. It isn’t quick in standard guise, or tuned for precise handling. The more aggressive, boosted Abarth has clearly resonated with the buyer base Fiat was targeting. It is already sold out and Fiat is working to boost deliveries for the next model year.

After seeing the Abarth’s success, Fiat recognized there is an interest in more performance for the diminutive 500,. To that end they showed off the mid-level 500 Turbo model at Pebble Beach this past weekend. It is a pitch perfect (quite literally) addition, being just the trick for those who want a 500 with more power but not wanting to opt for the full monte.

On the exterior the Turbo adds a touch of aggressiveness to the 500′s demeanor, changing things up with smoked headlights, and a body kit. The wheels are darkened and are designed to show off the car’s upgraded braking system. The 1.4-liter four-cylinder is where it’s at though, being a version of the MultiAir unit in the Abarth. In the Turbo, it makes 135 horsepower and 150 pound feet of torque, a substantial boost in power versus the standard 500′s 101 hp and 98 pound feet of torque.

Along with the sportier exterior and clearly more powerful engine, the Turbo gets a beefed up, sport tuned suspension, stiffer shocks and a retuned steering rack. So far so good. Moving to the interior, Fiat fitted sports seats and leather-steering steering wheel and shift knob. Chrysler’s collaboration with Dr. Dre in audio continues in the 500 Turbo, so you can rock out to music a lot more enjoyably. The best part about the 500 Turbo? It comes in at just $19,500 – a few thousand less than the more powerful (and currently sold out) Abarth.

Fiat set an ambitious sales target for 500 sales, with the goal to top the MINI in the first year. Surprise surprise – that one didn’t happen. With just one model variation and a marketing campaign that stumbled out of the gate, it was an out-of-reach target.

In addition to being established as the only enduringly successful premium small car, MINI has many different variations on the market. The 500 has gotten some help in that department with the 500 Abarth, a car that has endeared itself to enthusiasts. The Detroit News reports that it has been a big success. So much so, in fact, that the order book for 2012 models has been closed.

We remember the car’s United States launch at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. There was a lot of excitement among journalists about the 500 Abarth, and everyone was clamoring for one of the 500 (literally) Abarth model cars they had on. That excitement is translating to the marketplace. The first Abarths landed on U.S shores in April, and they are now sold out. At the time it went on sale, Chrysler had 1,000 orders – already accounting for its expected production this year.

Production was bumped up to 3,000 units, which isn’t enough to satiate demand. New buyers are being directed to a waiting list for the 2013 model, which is set to come this fall. Apparently, Fiat’s plant in Mexico can’t handle the extra demand. Could they for the regular model, or is this is an Abarth-only issue? Hopefully this is something they’ll sort out next year. Sales of the 500 were up to 4,003 last month, setting a new record with an 128% increase. For each consecutive month this year, Fiat has posted record sales, thanks to climbing gas prices. If this continues, sales will be a lot more impressive this year than last. It looks like America is warming up to the 500.

Fiat is no stranger to partnership deals. There is the ill-fated General Motors deal in which GM paid $2 billion to get out of, an agreement with Suzuki regarding the SX-4, the Chrysler “partnership” (buyout) and the latest one with Mazda regarding the MX-5 platform. The tie up with Mazda has been regarded as an ideal fit for both manufacturers.

Mazda needs volume and development dollars, Fiat needs the expertise and quick development of a small roadster for Alfa. Fiat is aggressively going after new partners, and Mazda, who is on its own, has said it needs one as well. Recent measures have been taken to eliminate expenses and cut costs as losses have mounted. Going it alone in the highly-competitive global auto industry is a difficult task.

That has led to further speculation that a deeper investment partnership between the two was in the works. Recently Chrysler Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne seemed to hint at that, saying “We will continue to look at other bilateral arrangements…we’re totally open…the economics make it very difficult for most automakers to continue to produce all their own platforms and powertrains.”

Indeed. For Mazda this couldn’t come at a better time. After Marchionne’s comments stirred the pot about a Fiat stake in the company though, Fiat said the agreements don’t include that. That came from Fiat chairman John Elkann, via Reuters. Fiat is instead concentrated on purchasing a larger percentage of Chrysler, which it already controls. However, more deals in the future between Fiat and Mazda could be announced – they just will be similar in scope to the MX-5 deal. For now, that is. The MX-5-based Alfa Romeo should be an exciting model, and it indicates a lineup of sports cars is being prepared to lead Alfa’s comeback (we’re still waiting…) to the United States.