Indepth: Fiat 500 

Story Kimitsu Yang
Photos Yang

The car carves corners more like a butter knife than a katana, but it's just fun like that

Half a decade ago, a really small car with suicide doors was introduced to the streets of Italy. It quickly became a hit. It was known as the Cinquecento (Italian for 500). It was what a Corolla is to us – there's more than one at every corner. It was an institution. Nearly two generations of Italians learnt how to drive in one. It became a national classic, not unlike Sophia Loren.

QUICKLY
The $79,000 question: Is this worth it? If you had to ask, move right along. The 500 is a lifestyle car that's certainly not your grocery getter or family hauler. It demands a lot of amore, sentimentality or impracticality. Uncannily, its flaws are its strengths, making the 500 an absolute hoot to drive around town. Whoever said that money cannot buy happiness must be lying, poor or stingy. Watch out, Mini!

WE LIKE
- Revival of a classic
- Peppy engine
- Fun to drive

WE DON'T LIKE
- Premium price
- Soft and busy ride
- Hard plastics

ESSENTIALS
Engine: 1242cc, 8-valves, inline-4
Power: 69bhp at 5500rpm
Torque: 102Nm at 3000rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed semi-automatic
Top Speed: 160km/h
0-100km/h: 12.9 seconds