Bose Clock Radio

2012 Fiat 500C Is Near-Perfect Urban Chariot

Never have I witnessed such an outpouring of thumbs-ups, “awwws!” and general good will while test-driving any ride. It was as though I had an invisible FREE HUGS sign on the hood.  Everybody wanted to pet my car.  And why not?

Its exterior, when buffed, has a beautifully porcelain finish. Its body is an elegantly integrated arrangement of crafted curves and edges, with quarter panels, hood, roof, windshield and rear all neatly complimenting each other and presenting an artful whole.

Inside, my tester featured an explosion of deep contrasting colors,  from stark red on the seats to a vanilla ice cream dashboard.  The steering wheel is fat and solid, and the seats are comfortable over long journeys.

Flaws were few. It’s rather flaccid powerwise—no crime in a 4-cylinder, really—and its handling is a little better than my Dad’s Craftsman riding lawn mower.  If you want superior acceleration and handling, spend a few thousand dollars more than the $23,500 Fiat’s asking for, and aim for a Mini Cooper.

The Fiat’s BOSE audio system sounded like a cheap radio alarm clock whether the sliding convertible roof was open or closed. To get my iPod to MENU so I could access PLAYLISTS required a trip indoors to watch the instructional DVD included in the glove compartment.

Other than those gripes, I inhaled the Fiat 500 during a week’s test, surrendering completely to its cute-as-a-button flavor. I took it to Jones Beach and watched the sun go down with a few buds I’d met the week before at KJ Farrell’s. I took it to a picnic and drove it on the grass. I took it grocery shopping. I marveled at its ability to go, go and go on a single tank of gas, thanks to its 38 MPG on the highway, 33 in the city.

By week’s end, we were paisans.

I've been writing about cars and the auto industry in major media for 11 years and over 600 test vehicles. I also publish first-person stories about life, sex, travel, interesting and compelling people and editorials, all from a spiritual standpoint. I'm also a songwriter/musician/producer whose music is represented for licensing by MPL Communications, the publishing company owned by Sir Paul McCartney. I was also a contractor for 10 years, employing a crew of 7 while pursuing artistic endeavors. I lived in an Indian ashram for 5 months in my 20s. Team@JoshMax.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!