Sidebar: Roberto Giolito, Head of Fiat Style

Modern automobiles are never created in a design vacuum, and the 2012 Fiat 500 is no exception. The genesis of the Fiat 500 came about more than half a decade ago, in the months before the premiere of the Trepiuno Concept at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. The little Fiat concept car was an immediate hit with the public. Few doubted it was destined for production.

While the design of the 500 was obviously inspired by the original Cinquecento, it was also influenced by the success at the time of two cars: the New Beetle and, even more particularly, the new MINI, which was introduced to the public in 2001.

Much like the New Beetle, the Trepiuno sought to translate the shape of what was a rear-engined design to a modern front-wheel-drive chassis. Although my colleague Robyn Larson McCarthy feels the term "iconic" is often overused, it is appropriate here when speaking of the design of the original Cinquecento. This is what the design team at the Fiat Style Center faced in the months leading up to its Geneva debut.

"Capturing the original Cinquecento's iconic looks and smart packaging in a contemporary, no-nonsense design, the new 2012 Fiat 500 is artfully blended with technical, cultural, and creative aspects in a vehicle that is exactly right for the times," says Roberto Giolito, head of Fiat Style. "Personally I like to think of the Fiat 500 as the automotive equivalent of the iPod--sleek, simple, functional, user-friendly, and inspired."

Translating such a classic, familiar, and well-loved shape is never easy--as evidenced by the design sketches to the left. Like the original Cinquecento, the new 500 features extremely short overhangs, front and rear. The design of the hood on the Trepiuno follows that of the trunk lid of the original Cinquecento, floating above the body form.

The result is a modern interpretation of the classic design--instantly recognizable yet contemporary, all in the same breath. When preparing a concept car for production, the elements that made the design of the concept so striking are frequently lost in translation. As the photos here illustrate, such was not the case with the Trepiuno as it was transformed into the new 500.

Sidebar: Laura Soave, Head of Fiat Brand North America

Beautiful Italian styling combined with timeless functionality, efficient design, and innovative technology--these attributes made the original Fiat Cinquecento a timeless icon. Now, more than 50 years later, the same qualities make the new 500 the right car for our time.

"The Fiat 500 has always been the right car at the right time," says Laura Soave, head of Fiat Brand North America, who notes that a folding-top convertible version is coming before summer. "The new Fiat 500 brings something truly unique to a fast-growing segment in America, delivering Italian-by-design function, value, and efficiency intelligently tailored to our market."

Soave, who reports directly to Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, is the executive responsible for moving the metal--expected to be 50,000 units in 2012.

Vital Statistics

Wheelbase: 90.6 inches

Length: 139.6 inches

Width: 64.1 inches

Height: 59.8 inches

Curb weight: 2,363 pounds

Engine: I4, 1.4-liter SOHC, normally aspirated

Horsepower: 101 horsepower @ 6,500 r.p.m.

Torque: 98 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 r.p.m.

EPA estimated m.p.g. city/highway: 30/38 (manual)

Base price: $15,500 with $825 destination

As-tested price: $17,500 with $825 destination

Also consider: 2011 Ford Fiesta, 2011 Honda Fit, 2011 Hyundai Elantra, 2011 MINI, Toyota Yaris

FiatUSA.com

Automotive Traveler has an extensive collection of vintage Fiat 500 photographs in the Image Gallery.

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