2012 FIAT 500: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The big news for 2012 is the all-new U.S. launch of the modern FIAT 500. This is the first North American model year for the small Italian two-door.

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About the 2012 FIAT 500

First North American model year of the modern 500 generation (the 2007 global-generation car adapted for the U.S. market).

The 2012 FIAT 500 is a style-first city car for buyers who want something more expressive than a typical small hatchback. FIAT pitched it around compact size, easy maneuverability, Italian design, and efficient everyday driving, with a cabin that feels more playful than most economy cars. What sets it apart is not space or mainstream practicality, but the mix of charm, tight urban usability, and a range that can be simple transportation, open-top cruising, or serious Abarth performance.

The lineup ranges from the straightforward Pop to the comfort-focused Lounge and sharper Sport, with features such as a fixed glass roof, Bose audio, and FIAT's Blue&Me hands-free system on select trims. The 500c adds a power-retractable cloth roof, while the Gucci editions bring branded leather and trim. At the performance end, the Abarth pairs a 160-hp turbo engine with a sport-tuned suspension, dual exhaust, and performance seats.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The U.S. lineup launches with a 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine in mainstream trims. The Abarth joins during the model year with a 160-hp turbocharged version, a performance-tuned suspension, and dual exhaust.

Styling

The modern two-door 500 arrives in the U.S. with distinct Pop, Lounge, and Sport personalities. Gucci hatchback and open-top editions add branded exterior details, leather-trimmed seats, and richer cabin finishes.

Structural

The range expands beyond the fixed-roof hatchback with the 500c, which uses a power-retractable cloth roof.

Tech

Depending on trim, the new lineup includes FIAT's Blue&Me hands-free and USB system, Bose premium audio, automatic temperature control, and heated front seats.

2012 FIAT 500 specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 FIAT 500Pop0 in stock	2012 FIAT 500Gucci0 in stock	2012 FIAT 500Sport1 in stock	2012 FIAT 500Abarth0 in stock	2012 FIAT 500Lounge0 in stock	2012 FIAT 500500C Pop0 in stock	2012 FIAT 500500C Gucci1 in stock	2012 FIAT 500500C Lounge0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 1.4 Liter	4-Cyl, 1.4 Liter	4-Cyl, 1.4 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter	4-Cyl, 1.4 Liter	4-Cyl, 1.4 Liter	4-Cyl, 1.4 Liter	4-Cyl, 1.4 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Manual, 5-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	27 mpg	27 mpg	27 mpg	28 mpg	27 mpg	27 mpg	27 mpg	27 mpg
MPG Highway	34 mpg	34 mpg	34 mpg	34 mpg	34 mpg	32 mpg	32 mpg	32 mpg
Horsepower	101 hp	101 hp	101 hp	160 hp	101 hp	101 hp	101 hp	101 hp
Torque	98 lb-ft	98 lb-ft	98 lb-ft	170 lb-ft	98 lb-ft	98 lb-ft	98 lb-ft	98 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	9.5 cu-ft	9.5 cu-ft	9.5 cu-ft	9.5 cu-ft	9.5 cu-ft	5.4 cu-ft	5.4 cu-ft	5.4 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	31.7 in	31.7 in	31.7 in	31.7 in	31.7 in	31.7 in	31.7 in	31.7 in
Seats	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Doors	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Rear Parking Sensors
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Power Moonroof
Power Retractable Soft Top
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Subwoofer
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Automatic Air Conditioning
Heated Front Seats
Leather Seats
Tilt Wheel

How the 2013 FIAT 500 compares

The big change for the 2013 FIAT 500 is a broader performance lineup, led by the new 500 Turbo hatchback and the first U.S.-market 500c Abarth Cabrio. It is a lineup-expansion year rather than a full redesign.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was 2012 the first year for the modern FIAT 500 in the U.S.?

Yes. The 2012 FIAT 500 is the first U.S. model year of the modern 500 generation, adapted from the version introduced globally in 2007.

Which versions were part of the 2012 FIAT 500 launch?

The 2012 FIAT 500 range includes Pop, Sport, and Lounge hatchbacks, open-top 500c Pop and Lounge models, Gucci special editions, and the Abarth performance model.

What is different about the 2012 FIAT 500 Abarth?

The 2012 FIAT 500 Abarth is the performance-focused version. It has a 160-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, a performance-tuned suspension, dual exhaust, a turbo boost gauge, and high-back performance seats.

What is the 2012 FIAT 500c?

The 2012 FIAT 500c is the open-top version of the 500. Its cloth roof retracts electrically, and it comes in Pop, Lounge, and Gucci forms.

What distinguishes the 2012 FIAT 500 Gucci editions?

The 2012 FIAT 500 Gucci editions are fashion-focused special models offered as a hatchback and a 500c. They feature Gucci-designed details, leather-trimmed seats with embossed Guccissima graphics, Bose audio, automatic temperature control, and heated front seats.