Jay Leno and the FIAT Abarth

http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/video/2012-Fiat-500-Abarth/1371751

2012 FIAT 500

There's more to the Fiat 500 than stylish sheet metal and a tiny footprint. It also has an attractive interior.

A shiny plastic dashboard panel, color-matched to the rosso paint, runs the length of the dash. A concentric gauge cluster cleverly combines the speedometer, tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges, and trip information under one shroud. An unusual, asymmetrical shift pattern is etched into black plastic trim on top of the big chrome shift knob. The front seats and the 50/50-split folding rear seats are covered in smooth, gray fabric that reminds us of hockey pads or ski pants. All four head restraints have a unique, circular design.

Italians, it seems, can make a lot happen in a small cabin.

So can deputy editor Joe DeMatio, who took the 500 on a run to Costco. DeMatio chose our smallest Four Seasons car over his Toyota Tundra to see how much freight the Fiat could haul with its rear seats folded flat. Stacking up boxes of food, wine, dog kibble, paper goods, and bottled water and juices, he managed to fit his whole cartful into the 500, although it was a good thing he didn't have any passengers along.

The Fiat's cargo capacity was put to the test again when another driver headed to Lansing, Michigan, for Christmas dinner. He folded down the rear seats before stuffing the cargo area with two suitcases, a couple of backpacks, a clutch of gifts, and an antipasto platter. Then he and a fellow six-plus-footer hopped in front for the drive to grandma's house.

So the 500 has a surprising amount of cargo room, but how about people room? Senior editor Eric Tingwall and three friends climbed into the 500 on their way out to dinner one evening. "Everyone would have benefited from a little more legroom," he admits. Still, no one's knees were touching their noses.

We do have some minor quibbles about our Fiat's interior. First, the steering column tilts but doesn't telescope, which is a problem for taller drivers, especially. We also wish the passenger seat was adjustable for height, like the driver's seat is. Those who've been behind the wheel have appreciated the extra headroom.

There's plenty to appreciate here, actually: we like the 500 not just for its cuteness and its smallness but also its usefulness.

The 2012 FIAT 500 has arrived in Tacoma

FIAT of Tacoma, a Seattle area FIAT dealer, would like to announce that the 2012 FIAT 500 has arrived at our Studio and is available to test drive and pre-order. It has been over thirty years since FIAT has been sold in the United States and FIAT of Tacoma is exciteded to offer such a great driving machine to its customers. With three available trims, the 2012 FIAT 500 will impress.

FIAT of Tacoma is part of the Universal Auto Group, which has a proven track record of success. Dealerships in the Universal Auto Group have a reputation for providing courteous and honest service and the FIAT of Tacoma Studio is no different.

Providing outstanding service and top-notch vehicles, FIAT of Tacoma proudly serves all of the Puget Sound, including Seattle, Kirkland, Bellevue, Vancouver and more FIAT 500 owners and shoppers. Soon to be open seven days a week, the leading FIAT of Tacoma Studio is conveniently located at 3740 South Tacoma Way Tacoma, WA 98409.

For more information about the stylish 2012 FIAT 500 visit our website http://www.fiatusaoftacoma.com/index.htm or call 800-NEW-FIAT today.