This Topolino is tops

The first Fiat 500s were very much working people's cars and played a vital role in their owners' lives as commuters, family vehicles, even taxis.

The first 500s, made in the 1930s, were nicknamed "Topolino" - Mickey Mouse - but the model on which the modern car has based its looks was the Fiat 500 from the mid-1950s, the Cinquecento.

In Italian this means 500, referring to the size (in cubic centimetres) of the two-cylinder engine. Despite its small power plant, this hugely popular car had a lion heart and completed many rugged long-distance events.

Like the Cinquecento, the 21st-century Fiat 500 looks a little like a toy car. It has all the cuteness and perky looks to be a cheeky Charlie, or should that be a cheerful Carlito?

But it is also a serious vehicle, whether as a student's car or a first car for some lucky teenager or as an economical downgrade for older people. Engine size has increased to a variety of four-cylinders, from 1.2 litres and up.

The modern car is full of the goodies demanded by the present-day market, including electric windows and mirrors, airconditioning, anti-lock brakes and sound system.

When the modern Fiat 500 came to SA in 2008 the cheapest model cost R149900, following the trend of other retro cars such as the Beetle and MINI, which moved away from their entry-level roots. Later, Fiat had a rethink and cut the price. But this is still not a bargain car. There are cheaper Fiats, including the Palios, Puntos and the cute Panda.

The modern 500 reaches its zenith in the shape of the Fiat Abarth Tributo Ferrari, a snarling sportscar that sells for more than half a million rand.

At the other end of the range one finds the 1.2 version, now selling for just under R153000, new.

When some of my friends saw me driving the used 1.2 that is the subject of today's report, they laughed. There is a sense of fun associated with it.

This Fiat 500 was certainly enjoyable to drive, and you can get a growl out of the 1242cc motor if you rev it up towards the 6000rpm red line. The gearshift lever has lots of play and may be frowned on by performance-minded road-testers but I thought it added to the car's charm. It has a five-speed gearbox.

The engine produces a modest 51kW and 102Nm, but the lack of outright punch is not a problem.

The first time I took it on the highway I found someone had set an alarm to go off when the 120km/h limit was exceeded and it says a lot about the vehicle that I had to hold it back to prevent the buzzer going off. Didn't take long to look for ways to switch it off either ...

Claimed top speed is 160km/h but sensible driving will reward you with excellent fuel consumption, in the region of 6 litres/100km. Fiat claims 5.1l/100km. The tank holds 35 litres. At first glance the cabin is plain as can be, with a strip of exposed metalwork painted the same colour as the outside.

The instrument dials are simplicity itself, with a small rev counter inside a large speedometer, in which there are fuel and temperature gauges.

The gearlever protrudes from the dashboard and is well-positioned near the driver's left hand. The cabin temperature dials, too, are easy to understand, with an aircon button positioned in the same mounting as the fan control.

The simplicity makes a welcome change from the computer-created confusion of many modern cars.

It takes a while to realise the 500 has managed to cunningly disguise its 21st-century accessories. There is an extensive onboard computer, with its buttons discreetly positioned next to the instrument binnacle. There are no fewer than seven airbags. You start to realise why this is not a cheapie; it's a quality small car.

The boot is surprisingly spacious and there's a space-saver spare.

This would be a great car for the groups already mentioned but also for couples with little children. Headroom is excellent but rear legroom is not big. The 500's good looks, fuel economy, under-the-skin technology and Italian charm stand it in good stead. The 2012 model I drove is available from Arnold Chatz Cars in Jan Smuts Avenue, Hyde Park, Johannesburg, at R139900, with balance of a service plan and warranty thrown in. It has done 4000km.

Ten facts about the car:

• 2012 Fiat 500 1.2
• 1242cc motor, 51kW, 102Nm
• 4000km on clock
• Price: R139900
• Dual-drive button for lighter (city) steering
• Onboard computer with huge range of items and info
• Balance of five-year/90000km service plan
• Balance of three-year/100000km warranty
• Claimed fuel economy of 5.1 litres/100km
• Good space for front occupants