Fiat is planning to add go-anywhere all-wheel-drive hardware to its diminutive 500 city car. Spy photographers recently caught a test mule on the snowy roads of Sweden, the little 2-door bravely taking on weather conditions that would leave most subcompacts spinning their tiny wheels in frustration. The clue to this Fiat 500 being something special can be seen in this example’s higher ride height (seen clearly via the larger gap between the wheels and bodywork) and a repositioned muffler. Tape is also covering part of the front fender—an extra cooling vent, perhaps?
The changes aren’t extraordinary, and most if not all of the all-wheel-drive hardware is likely to come from the current Fiat Panda AWD. However, for car buyers looking for lots of grip in a compact package, the Fiat 500 AWD makes a tempting proposition. With the front-wheel-drive model going on sale just now in the U.S., any chance of the AWD model hitting our shores would be unlikely before 2012 (as a 2013 model).
One Seriously Cute Threat to the Competition
We recently hopped into a 2012 Fiat 500 and found it to be a very competent little subcompact. The power from the 101-bhp 16-valve 1.4-liter four isn’t what you’d call overwhelming. In fact, during our time with the car we found that you have to re-learn the art of keeping a car in its powerband. Rowing the 5-speed manual transmission through the gears “took us back a few years,” although the experience remained fun. A 6-speed automatic is optional.
This engine is fine for the standard Fiat 500, which tips the scales at only 2400 lb. Yet adding the all-wheel-drive system will pile on some extra weight and, undoubtedly, drag down the performance of the 500. The AWD model’s higher ride height, while handy for maneuvering through snowdrifts, won’t do any dynamic favors for the 500’s mix of ride and handling. Even in front-drive format—and with the Sport button engaged on the dash—the Fiat 500 doesn’t have quite the steering sharpness of the nimble Mini Cooper.
If the Fiat 500 AWD comes our way it will likely be in the larger 4
-door version of the 500—the Giardinera. Set to go head-to-head with the awd Mini Countryman, the Fiat Giardinera may receive a larger engine to cope with its already heftier curb weight. Or Fiat might think outside the box and install its new turbocharged 2-cylinder engine. With a similar power output to the larger 4-cylinder—not to mention lighter weight and more compact dimensions—this engine, combined with awd, might prove a compelling technical combination.