So after I bought my wife and I a new 2012 Focus SE Sport 5speed with our Ford A plan to replace an aging Honda CR-V, my wife decides she doesnt need the very nice and fun Mazda CX-7 and would rather get into a new Fiat 500. No Panoramic roof, no convertible, no auto trans. A basic urban commuter car with a little style.

My thoughts automatically go to the threat of another car sharing the garage with the 993, and two motorcycles and after gently parked the Fiat in our humble garage, noticed something amazing.



The new 500 is tall! Then I pulled the new Focus next to the 993 and then cam eto the conclusion the 993 is low and small. -No complaints here, just shocking when you see the Porsche next to other cars. That is all.

 

i wonder if they will prove to be as unreliable as other italian cars? my friend just bought one here, cute car

 

how ever are you going to be able to reach the roof the Fiat to wash it .

 

so what are your plans to get rid of that SUV height on the Fiat ????


(personally, I would be freaking out on the chance of the 993 getting door dinged)

 

No plans to modify the 500 as she wanted a basic Pop. Arbath is coming out next year and after driving one, I think I will keep the soft ride intact on the little car. (Plus, it's hers and the "Sport" button is enough). It should prove to be a bit more reliable than the Fiats of past. After all, this one is made in Mexico, I think. The US-made Focus, however will get a list of ST components to make it a bit more fun as it will be the new family hauler as soon as we get a rack and shuttle pod for the roof.

-And to think a year ago we were in a custom built brand new home with a 3 1/2 car garage and an acre of land....this is progress? Oh well, chalk it up to saving our share of fossil fuels for the Porsche.

 

Enjoy the 500. I picked up a Prima a few months ago...

 

How do you spell "oxymoron"...in spanish

 

I love the new Focus hatch, and want to get one to replace my 2005 Scion xA... if it ever needs replacing! But I thought you could get a 6-speed in the Focus. ???

What is your RPM in top gear at 60mph? In the Scion, its 3000 RPM, and I hate that.

 

I will check when I drive it tomorrow. To be honest, we dont drive 60 around here...but it pulls around 3500 at 80. Very impressed with the Focus. Handles very well with the sport package-soon to be Eibach with some meaty rims and tires...ride is compliant, quality is very good. (Coming from a long time Honda person) and the features and materials are on par with the best in the higher segment. To be honest, it is far too nice for my use, but I will take it.

I presume the ST (turbo) will be a 6 speed manual.

 

You spell it: "N-O-U-A-W".

 

Nice 500! There aren't many cars around that look as totally at home parked next to a 993...

 

Thanks for posting. I never would have imagined the disparity being so great.

 

just got a GMC Yukon Denali. I think I could put my 993 in the back of it. I have to admit I have been thinking of getting a 500 as my new daily driver since my Benz exploded.

 

My wife is getting out of her 09 CX-7 also...just can't stand the auto box anymore. We have Mini Countryman ALL4 6 speed manual, being built as I type...about 40 days out.

The CX-7 got abysmal gas mileage besides...

The new Fiat's are certainly cute, look quite a bit more reasonable on the interstate's than a Smart car-that's for sure.

As far as the new Focus is concerned, absolutely love em. If Ford would only make an AWD version WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION...I'd probably be all over it.

I'm getting a little tired of my soon to be 10 year old DD, might start investigating for something a little more fun-but cheap too.

 

I think its more comparable to a Mini than a Smart car. The Smart's are in a class of their own. tbh with all the SUV's and trucks around here the Smart car is about as visible and safe as a motorcycle. Can't wait to try the new Abarth which is the only 500 I'd consider buying.