Fiat 500

If the original Fiat 500 were still around it would be celebrating its 50th birthday. This puttering bubble, drive its way into the heart of the nation, and much of Europe too.

Alas, the last Fiat 500 rolled off the production line 22 years ago but, inspired Fiat has revived it. A glance at it has you smiling – this is an old friend in modern wrapping. You will be amused by the reappearance of the circular headlamps that created the earnest little face of its predecessor, and the Mona Lisa-like smile suggested by the chrome strip on its nose. There are retro references inside too, including a circular instrument pod and a body-colored dashboard.

Though instantly identifiable as an interpretation of the original, this new 500 couldn’t be more different. More impressive still is that this baby car, aided by seven airbags, scores the full five stars in the Euro NCAP.

But enough of the serious stuff: this car is meant to be fun and in that spirit Fiat will offer it with myriad paint jobs, trim and accessory options. There are also 100 accessories to choose from including a fragrance diffuser, a navigation system, chromed door mirror capping, a ski rack and an additional front bumper bar just like the one worn by deluxe versions of the original 500.