Base Versus Loaded: 2012 Fiat 500

Earlier, we explored the difference between the base model Mini Cooper S and a fully loaded version, and found that we could more than double the car’s starting price. The Fiat 500, while still available with a fair number of ways to boost the price, doesn’t even come close in terms of expensive add-ons.

We used Fiat’s online configuration tool to build the most expensive 500 we could. Have a look at the breakdown below. Granted, this would not be how we would option out our own 500, and we’re curious to see what configurations you, our readers, would find ideal. Be sure to let us know in the comments.

Base

Price: $15,500 (Fiat 500 Pop) + $500 (destination and handling) + $0 (options) = $16,000

Loaded

Price: $19,500 (Fiat 500 Lounge) + $7095 (options) + $500 (destination and handling) = $27,095

What Does $11,095 Buy?

Lounge Trim Level:
Six-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls
Bose Energy Efficiency Series audio system with six premium speakers and subwoofer
Blue&Me hands-free voice-activated communication system with Bluetooth, eco:Drive application, and USB port with iPod control
Chromed Belt Molding
Body color bodyside with integrated “500” badge
Chromed exhaust tip
Body color fascia with chromed accents
Halogen fog lamps
Chromed mirrors
Power adjustable, heated, foldaway mirrors with driver’s side spotter mirror
Automatic temperature control
Front-passenger assist handles
Front-passenger glovebox with dampened door
Sirius satellite radio
Black, leather-wrapped shift knob
Brake/Park interlock

Options:
Bianco Perla color – $500
Pelle Marrone/Avorio interior + Luxury Package – $1500
–    Heated driver and passenger premium leather seats
–    Premium leather rear seating
–    Vinyl-wrapped door inserts
–    Auto dimming rear-view mirror
–    ParkSense rear park assist system
–    Vehicle theft security alarm
15” Premium Finish Aluminum Wheels – $300
Ambient Lighting – $309
Autonet Wi-Fi, Stand Alone Kit – $499
Electronic Vehicle Tracking System -$549
Vehicle Cover – $849
Molded Rear Splash Guards: $22
Liftgate Mounted Rack – $359
Ski Carrier – $149
Thule Rooftop Soft Cargo Storage Bag – $241
Body Side Stripe Decal, Black Racing – $399
TomTom Navigation – $400
Smoker’s Group – $30
Engine Block Heater $50
Power Sunroof – $850
Compact Spare Tire – $100

Base Model Features

Performance

–    1.4-liter MultiAir inline four-cylinder engine with DOHC, VVT, 16 valves, and 101 horsepower
–    Electronic throttle control
–    Five-speed manual transmission

Handling, ride, braking

–    Power four-wheel disc braking system
–    Electronic stability control with four-wheel ABS, all speed traction control system, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist
–    Clutch-brake interlock
–    Electronic power steering with variable speed assisted sensitivity
–    Sport mode with unique calibration
–    Front MacPherson suspension, coil spring with twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
–    Rear twist-beam axle with coil springs and twin-tube shock absorbers
–    Touring-tuned suspension

Exterior

–    158/55R15 BSW all-season touring tires
–    Fifteen-inch steel wheels with tech silver painted wheel covers
–    Bi-halogen projector headlamps
–    Lower turn signal lamps
–    Halogen fog lamps
–    Daytime running lights
–    Center high-mounted signal lamp
–    Body color mirrors
–    Power adjustable, heated, foldaway mirrors
–    Body color fascia
–    Black belt molding
–    Chromed door handles
–    Solar tinted glass
–    Fixed glass roof

Interior seating and trim

–    Driver selectable Electronic Vehicle Information Center with trip computer, outside temperature, average fuel economy, distance-to-empty, low fuel, service interval, and driving range
–    AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA Radio
–    Auxiliary input jack
–    Six speakers
–    Premium floor mats with embroidered “500” logo
–    Sun visors with vanity mirrors
–    Front overhead console with map lights
–    Carpet with acoustic foam and foam-in-place padding noise barrier
–    Liftgate liner
–    Rear cargo shelf panel
–    Rear cargo area lamp
–    Air conditioning
–    Cabin air filtration
–    Cloth bucket seats with driver’s seat armrest
–    Driver’s seat with manual height adjuster
–    Driver’s seat with east entry and seatback memory
–    50/50 split/fold-down rear seat
–    Cloth rear seats
–    Black shift knob
–    Urethane steering wheel with cruise control
–    Steering column with manual tilt
–    Front power windows with one-touch down
–    Variable intermittent windshield wipers
–    Rear-window with washer and wiper
–    Cloth-wrapped door panels

Safety and security

–    Advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger airbags
–    Front and rear side-curtain airbags
–    Driver inflatable knee airbag
–    Driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side airbags (pelvic-thorax)
–    Anti-lock brake system
–    Active turn signals
–    All-speed traction control system
–    BeltAlert – passenger seat
–    Brake assist
–    Constant-force retractors
–    Crumple zones
–    Daytime running lights
–    Electronic brake-force distribution
–    Electronic stability control
–    Energy management system
–    Intelligent battery sensor
–    Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
–    Occupant restraint controller
–    Active head restraints
–    Remote keyless/illuminated entry system
–    Sentry Key engine immobilizer
–    Tire-pressure monitoring with warning lamp