Fiat Hopes The 500 Can Become The Next Mini Cooper, Do They Stand A Chance?

That picture is worth 1,000 words to Chrysler/Fiat. Don't give us just one beige version of the small car. Bring the Abarth and some performance and other goodies to the table (i.e. customizable) and then we can see you make this statement true. And don't wait two years after model introduction, make it months.

My understanding is that Fiat does plan to bring multiple models,including the Abarth and CC as well as a 4dr.I believe the Abarth is coming sometime in 2011 as well as the CC(convertable coup).
The 4dr should come later. The key thing is going to be how well they are built and dealer service. Price is certainly in their favor.They also should bring their brand new 2 cylinder engine to the USA as well.

I saw these over in Europe this summer. They are well done and efficient packages. My prediction; they will become the next "it" car.

FIAT should bring a bit more ambition to the table than wanting to be the next Mini. Minis are notoriously poorly built so if that's what they are aiming to emmulate then only God can help them. I think they will sell pretty well. I for one would get an Abarth with the Italian flag on the roof...and why not?

Tango-I'm not sure where you come to the conclusion that Mini's are poorly built. My 2006 Cooper S has been extremly reliable. In fact it has been way more reliable then my 04 RX8 that I traded in for the Mini. I did here that they had some teething problems with the 2007 model year. However I heard that has been resolved. I think Fiat can do well here. They offer a lot more style then anything else besides a Mini.

Uhm I believe tango is referring to this.

http://www.motoringfile.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/2009108a-1.gif

It looks much better in person. I sat in 2 versions this weekend and the better spec'd one was fairly desirable, with excellent seats. Rear room is much tighter than a MINI, about an hour would be tops for adults. Depending on how well it drives, it could sell OK but only for urban markets. I don't see it being nearly as popular as the MINI or challenging that car's benchmark resale value.

Regarding Mini's JD power placing last.I have not read the details but I did hear that the Mini was critsized by owners for it's flimsy cupholder. I agree it not very good. In fact if i try to drive around a corner with anything more then an 8 OZ can the cup holder will flip over. Perhaps it's time to sell my car.Oh and the Sunroof rattles a bit as well after 20,000 miles.