DETROIT -- I spoke with Jiyan Cadiz, Manager of Media Relations regarding the 2012 Fiat 500.

The Fiat 500 is built in Toluca, Mexico with a 1.4-liter gas engine with a MultiAir technology which reduces emissions while improving fuel economy. It has 16 valves with one camshaft. The eco drive technology demonstrates the automaker's commitment to environmental responsibility. "The fuel economy is well above 30 mpg," Cadiz said.

The Fiat has been out since 2007 elsewhere in the world, but the 2012 Fiat 500 will sell here in the United States in the first quarter of 2011. In 2012 there will be a full electric 500.

There are fourteen different interior colors and fourteen different exterior colors. There is fixed glass roof unlike a sunroof which opens up. However the
automaker does offer the powered sunroof also.

The interior design has Italian styling with an artistic blend of clean lines and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an instrument panel that features a
central LCD monitor with a TomTom navigation system with Blue&Me handsfree communication.

There are three models, Pop, Sport and Lounge. The Pop model starts at a cost of $15,500. The Sport model begins at $17,500 and the Lounge model is elegant inspired with premium features that begins at $19,500. All Fiat 500 models will come with a standard four-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and four years of unlimited roadside assistance. In addition, the new Fiat 500 includes a three-year/36,000 mile maintenance program that includes wear-and-tear items and trip-interruption reimbursement.

At Fiat, safety has always been a top priority, therefore the new 2012 Fiat 500 features seven standard airbags and reactive head restraints which activate during rear impact. This helps minimize injuries by reducing the gap between the head restraint and the passenger's head.

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