The Fiat 126p is the Best Rally Car.

We love rally cars. But I have to say that my favorite rally car in the world may be the little Fiat 126p. These were produced under licence by Fabryka Samochodów Małolitrażowych (FSM) under Polski Fiat (Polish Fiat) from 1973 to 2000—yes, nearly 30 years.

As you might guess, they were slow (24 hp from the larger 652cc engine), basic, and by the way, rear engined. Global production of the car was 4,673,655 units: 1,352,912 in Italy, 2,069 in Austria by Fiat-Steyr and 3,318,674 in Poland, so to say there are a few around would be a gross understatement. 

As you well know, people will race anything, and that is doubly true with regards to rally. And sure enough, the 126p has become a great little (and slow) rally car, but it is my favorite rally car. They can be driven flat out, can be easily flung around, and you know they can't be terribly cheap. They all seem to sound identical. In the video below, I'm certain you could just have one audio track that goes nonstop. They are so entertaining to watch. 

I completely and utterly love these. Have you ever owned one? We'd love to hear about it in the comments section. 

Track Time: Fiat Abarth 500 and 124 Spider

The snap … the crackle … the pop. The hissing, growling, and popping that Fiat’s turbo-charged Abarth make is infectious. Their grunting and crackling sounds boost me as I swoop around corners, downshifting through all the gates in order to catch the steep downhill chicane successfully. Cornering in an Abarth makes me smile. Straightaways in an Abarth make me giddy. I didn’t want to leave the racetrack. I wanted to stuff my Abarth 500 and 124 Spider in my back pockets and run away forever.

One Day, Three Test Drives: Driving the Models We Missed

While we get to drive a host of new cars, many aren't necessarily the spec, we'd personally buy. Sometimes we want a lower trim level, a different engine, and always the manual transmission option. So every now and then my curiosity takes me to a dealership to seek out some of these vehicles. Yesterday was one of those days.

What Compact Vehicle Would Make The Best Camper Van?

Danbury Motor Caravans' Fiat Doblo (Ram Promaster City) Conversion.

By Andy Lilienthal

Everyone knows the Volkswagen Bus/Transporter/Eurovan (with or without the iconic Westfalia pop-top conversions) are the most iconic of camper vans and compact travel vehicles. People have traveled the globe for decades in these compact vans: They're small enough to be maneuverable, big enough to sleep in. They're also unavailable new in the U.S.

North America hasn't had a proper VW Van (sorry, the Routan does not count) since 2003. Yes, we've had all sorts of other minivans from nearly every other automaker, but nothing as camper-worthy as the VW vans. (NOTE: The Ursa Minor Honda Element Ecamper would be the next best thing.) And much like the hard-to-find Eurovans (and previous Vanagons, etc.), they command quite a price, especially the rare 4WD Syncro Vanagons, which I've seen for sale here in Portland for nearly $70,000 when fully equipped. No, I did not add an extra zero.

Review: 2015 Ram ProMaster City Cargo

By Andy Lilienthal

In the last few years, the commercial vehicle landscape has changed. The traditional “work van” has been replaced by Mercedes Sprinters, Ford Transits, Nissan NVs, and most recently, the Ram ProMaster. Alongside these workhorses have come smaller compact commercial variants. The 2010 Ford Transit Connect was the first to hit our shores, followed by the Nissan NV200/Chevrolet City Express Twins. Ram is now also offering a smaller commercial van in the form of the Ram ProMaster City.

In The Flesh: 2016 Fiat 500X Easy

By Mercedes Lilienthal
With styling cues from the Fiat 500 Abarth and 500L, the 2016 Fiat 500X is a welcomed addition into Fiat’s arsenal of small car models. What’s new? Everything. The X is Fiat's version of a feisty crossover, their answer to what outdoorsy people might want for a rugged and go anywhere type of ride. FYI, the 500X shares many attributes with the soon-to-be released Jeep Renegade.

Review: 2014 Fiat 500e

Words by Andy Lilienthal. Photos by Mercedes Lilienthal

The Fiat 500e is one of the latest small cars to jump on the electric car bandwagon. Currently available only in California and Oregon, the 500e features 87 miles of range, Italian good looks, and plenty of character.

On the outside, the 500e looks very similar to any other Fiat 500. However, subtle things, such as the dimpled front and rear fasciae, side skirts, and unique wheels are giveaways that this subcompact is powered by gigawatts not gasoline. There are a few interior cues too, such as the pushbutton gear selector, that set this 500 apart from gas burners. But other than that, the 500e really just looks like, well, a Fiat 500.

Road Race Motorsports at the USTCC

Road Race Motorsports took its Fiat 500 Abarth Tallini Competizione to Miller Motorsports Park for last month's United States Touring Car Championship (USTCC). They also got some cool in-car footage while doing so.

I love the Fiat 500 Abarth, but RRM's Tallini Competizione is truly badass. Those flares. That sound. That spoiler. Molto bello! Someday I will have an Abarth. And you know RRM has a bunch of parts for them to make them sound better, look cooler, and go faster!

Fiat 500X SUV Leaked

Fiat's next model, the 500X, has been leaked. The SUV will ride on the same chassis as the upcoming Jeep Renegade. You can see a distinctive Fiat front fascia and a more rounded appearance vs. the ungainly 500L.

We don't know a whole heck of a lot about the 500X, but assume it'll be powered by the 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine found in the 500L and Jeep Renegade. The car is set for an October 2 debut at the Paris Motor Show.

While we haven't seen any other "real" photos than this, I'd say that if the Fiat 500L is controversially styled, the 500X is not. It's much more mainstream looking and should have mass appeal in crossover-crazy America.

Subcompact Supercar: Road Race Motorsports Fiat 500 M1 Turbo Tallini Competizione

Is this the most wicked Fiat 500 yet? It certainly may be. Built by Road Race Motorsports, the 500 M1 Turbo Tallini Competizione makes 247 horsepower, 250 ft/lbs. of torque, and will do 0-60 in under six seconds—and still displaces 1.4 liters.

Other goodies include a carbon fiber body kit, limited slip differential, improved brakes, tuned suspension, carbon-kevlar clutch, and host of other upgrades, such as stiffer bushings, upgraded sway bar, Bilstein shocks, and 16x9 wheels with 225/40/16 Toyo Proxes tires. Curb weight is down 120 lbs from stock, too.

Of course, in stock form the Abarth is a kick in the pants. This? This would be flat-out ridiculous in a totally awesome way. This amazing creation, which bears the last name of the company's owner, Rob Tallini, is limited to 50 units, with prices going all the way up to $100,000 for a fully built, customized model. This is one bad-ass subcompact supercar.

You can read the full press release about the car below after the jump.

Review: 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking

The Fiat 500L Trekking looks at home in front of grapevines and vineyard buildings. 

This wasn’t our first time behind the wheel of Fiat’s larger 500L. The first time we drove the larger Fiat 500L "Gigantica," it was the “Easy” model with a six-speed manual wearing a fairly wretched shade of robin’s-egg blue/gray and featuring a neoprene upholstery that may have been made from recycled wet suits. And despite the fact it wasn’t the prettiest girl at the dance, I couldn’t help but like a lot of aspects about it.

This time around, we’re dealing with the Fiat 500L Trekking model. The Trekking trim level butches up the package by adding some body cladding, a slightly different front fascia, and different 17” wheels. From an aesthetic perspective, I think the 500L Trekking looks better than the Easy, as the body cladding adds some rugged looking characteristics. I also believe the slightly ungainly 500L looks best in dark colors so our dark green 500L has that going for it. So while it still might be somewhat homely, at least it’s wearing the right kind of clothes for its body type.

Godzilla Eats Fiats; Gags on 500L

Apparently, when Godzilla has a taste for Itallian, even he can't choke down a 500L, as seen in this Fiat commercial (also promoting the new Godzilla movie).

When I reviewed the Fiat 500L, I was a big fan of the way it drove. However, its looks aren't exactly the epitome of sexy. What's Itallian for "homely"?

Small Car Highlights From the 2014 Portland International Auto Show

2015 BMW i3

The 2014 Portland International Auto Show will be held February 6–10 at the Oregon Convention Center. Subcompact Culture attended the press day on February 5 to get a preview of some of the latest rides. And while there were exotics, sports cars, SUVs, pickups, and just about everything else there, we attended for the small cars ... of course.

2015 BMW i3 

One of the most notable and exciting small cars at the show is the 2015 BMW i3, which is an EV with an optional inline two-cylinder 650cc range-extending gas engine. The vehicle makes 170 hp and 184 lbs./ft. of torque and will weigh in at about 2,700 lbs. It's estimated the small front-drive BMW (a first for the brand) will get 125 eMPG. By the way, yes, it's got 20" wheels wearing 165/65/20 tires. That's a new one. The interior is simply stunning, to be frank. There's futuristic yet simple design throughout, including a gorgeous wood dash area in front of the passenger, and suicide doors. Made with scads of carbon fiber, the i3 will start out at $42,275.

2015 Subaru  WRX STI

Another highly anticipated vehicle at the Auto Show is the 2015 Subaru WRX STI. The standard '15 WRX isn't slated to go on sale until April, but Oregon is Subaru country, and Subaru was able to bring the hot- rodded WRX STI, which won't go on sale until June, to the Portland show for all to see. Making 305 horsepower out of its 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder mill and delivering power too all four wheels, the new STI will likely be a beast despite the somewhat toned-down sheet metal. However, the big wing and gold wheels are back, and are likely to appeal to the rally car crowd. Can't wait to drive this one.

2015 Volkswagen Golf

Another popular car here in the Pacific Northwest is the Volkswagen Golf, and this is the new MkVII model. Complete with revised sheet metal, the new Golf also gets a new 1.8-liter turbocharged engine standard (vs. the past 2.5-liter five cylinder), as well as a revised TDI turbochraged diesel. The gas engine will make 170 hp and 184 lbs./ft. of torque. The new TDI makes 150 hp and a whopping 236 lbs./ft. of torque. Expect TDI mileage to be in the low 40s when it's released. By the way, 52% of all VWs sold in Portland, OR are TDIs—far more than any other market in the U.S.

2015 Ford Fiesta ST

Ford's sporty Fiesta ST has been out a few months now, but this was the first I'd seen one in the flesh. wearing stunning Molten Orange Metallic paint, the ST is truly a hot hatch. A turbocharged 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine making 197 hp and 202 lbs./ft. of torque, a six-speed manual gearbox, unique alloy wheels, and different front and rear fascias make this the Fiesta to get if you're looking for a pocket rocket. This one had the optional and awesome Recaro seats, too. Love this thing, and can't wait to drive one. 

In addition to the above vehicles, there are a host of other new small car—and other cool bits—to check out at the auto show:

Fiat 500 Gucci

Kia Soul

Fiat 500L Trekking

Buick Encore

Folding paper Scion xB

Nissan Versa Note

Will Orders' twin-turbo Toyota GT86 rally car

Classic Volkswagen Bug

Custom Honda CRX

Brazuka Smart ForTwo

New Smart EV Bike

Unobtanium: Seven Hot Hatchbacks that Should Exist

I love the fact that there are some sporty, scrappy subcompacts on the North American market these days. The Fiat 500 Abarth, the Ford Fiesta ST, Nissan Juke Nismo and the MINI Cooper S are all examples. However, here are a few that I wish existed. Most should be pretty feasible to offer by swapping an engine, stiffening up the suspension, offering a limited-slip diff, and adding some aero parts. Or we could just put it this way:

Dear automakers, please build these.

Love,

Andy

Mitsubishi Mirage EVO (pictured above)
Ok, I know the likelihood of this is nearly zero, but I had to throw it in. Take the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage and throw in a tiny turbocharged engine, or perhaps the 2.0-liter engine from the Outlander Sport. You could go with the trademark EVO front end, offer it in AWD, and have a truly interesting Mitsubishi, just like in the days of yore (aka the 1980s and early 1990s). OK, so an EVO version of the newest Mirage is truly just a dream, maybe a Ralliart version with a few more ponies and some suspension goodies could actually happen.

Of course someone has already thought about a customized Mirage, and even rendered it. I found the image from a Thai site at AutoCarNano.com.

MAZDAZPEED2
We've seen the MAZDASPEED3, so a MAZADSPEED2 should fit right in. If this vehicle existed, it could be powered by a small turbocharged powerplant, or perhaps by the existing 2.0-liter SKYACTIVE engine found in other Mazda vehicles. It'd have a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip diff. Knowing how Mazda likes to formulate its lineup, I could see this making anywhere between 130 and 170 hp. This car would be a blast, thanks to its already very good chassis and driving dynamics. Mazda: Make it happen for 2015!

FYI, the car above was a SEMA vehicle from a few years ago that was showcased in the Mazda booth.

Chevrolet Spark RS
Take the tiny Chevrolet Spark and throw in the 1.4-turbo engine out of the Sonic. Boom: instant A-sement hot hatch. While the Sonic with the 1.4-liter turbo already makes 138 hp and 148 lbs/ft of torque and is fun to drive, a Spark with the same engine would be a damn riot. Add a stiff rear sway bar, lower it a few millimeters, liven up the steering ratio, and you've got a super-fun A-segment brawler. Chevy—are you listening?

The car above has been customized by German tuner, KBR Motorsports.

Mugen Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is a world-class subcompact that can be a really fun vehicle to drive thanks to a great chassis, a outstanding five-speed manual transmission, and quick reflexes. So how about a little more power? I know what you're thinking: K24 swap, right? That would be awesome, but highly unlikely from the factory. However, maybe the 143 hp 1.8-liter out of the Civic would be OKed by Honda top brass to create a Mugen Fit for North America? Or perhaps a Fit Si? That 1.8 liter engine likely weighs less (correct me if I'm wrong Hondaphiles of the world). Of course, you'd lower it, put stickier tires on it, and have some great-looking bodywork. People have been asking for this one since the Fit appeared in the U.S. I'd love to see it.

The vehicle pictured above is actually 2014 Mugen Fit for the JDM market. No word as to what's under the hood, but it does feature the body work, LEDs, projector headlamps, and cool wheels that could really up the fun factor on the Fit.

Toyota Yaris XRS
Toyota does offer a sporty trim level for the Yaris, which is the SE package. While it offers bigger wheels, quicker steering, a more tuned suspension, and some different bumpers, it still has the 106 hp 1NZ-FE engine. The easiest fix to this would to put the 128 hp 1.8-liter engine from the Scion xD under the hood (this was the Yaris T-Sport in the last body style). Alternatively, perhaps the new Corolla's 132 hp 1.8-liter powerplant could be shoehorned in. Let's face it: The xD isn't getting any younger, but the Yaris was redesigned not too long ago. Let's add some more juice to the already lightweight Yaris, Toyota!

Above is the Toyota Vitz RS "G's" model. This does exist in Japan, but is powered by the same 1.5-liter the U.S. gets.

Fiat 500L Abarth

Here's another no-brainer for me. Take Fiat's 500L and tune the 1.4-liter turbo to Abarth specs to make one fast four-door Italian. 

I found this image via Google Images, but the watermark goes to AutosBlog.com.ar. Gotta give credit where it's due. Regardless, this little car needs to happen.

Nissan Versa Note NISMO
The latest subcompact from Nissan, the Versa Note, is very practical and offers a good value. And while most NISMO-equipped Nissans get small bumps in power along with other goodies, I'd love to see a Note powered by the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine from the Juke. Plus, it wouldn't look as polarizing as the strangely shaped crossover. Oh yes. This would be awesome.

The car pictured above is actually from Japanese tuner IMPUL, and gives you an idea of the Versa Note's potential. Now with 180 hp, this thing would really scoot.

Review: 2014 Fiat 500L Easy

I remember when I first saw pictures of the Fiat 500L several months ago. I thought it was quite the homely creature. It had tiny looking wheels, odd proportions, and a shape that looked as if it had melted a bit in the microwave. Not one to judge a car solely by photos on the interwebz, I decided to wait until I saw one in person to really make up my mind.

Some of my other auto-writer friends that had seen the vehicle first-hand or had actually driven the car said that although its looks were peculiar, the interior was awesome and it drove pretty darn well. There is certainly more to a car than its looks, right? I mean, you can’t judge a car until you've driven a mile in its shoes … er … interior. So, I eagerly awaited my Fiat 500L loan for this article.

The Fiat 500L Emergency Brake Is Different

You know what this is? This is the Fiat 500L emergency brake. It don't think I've ever seen one quite like it. It's kind of, well, different. It works just like any other hand brake, but it's wide and flat. It's just a unique detail that sets the 500L apart even further from other small cars (hell, any cars) out there. We'll have a full review of the 500L in November, so stay tuned.

In The Driveway: 2014 Fiat 500L Easy

I've been looking forward to driving this "big" Fiat since I heard it was coming to our shores. It is quite a bit bigger than the Fiat 500, for sure. As a friend said, perhaps it might have been better called the Fiat 600, but so be it.

Initially, I think this is a homely little beast, but maybe it'll grow on me; I felt the same way about the Nissan Juke. Although those wheels look really small, they're actually 16s. The exterior proportions are odd. In fact, the whole thing is a bit odd looking. Plus, what's up with that color? Is it blue? Is it gray? Is it white? Technically, it's "Blu Chiaro," or light blue. I'm not feeling it.

The interior, however, is pretty awesome. The seats feel like they have a neoprene cover, but it works. This thing is cavernous on the inside, and it's super practical. I can't help but love it. And—woo hoo!—it's a six-speed manual. It is powered by the 1.4-liter turbo MultiAir engine. It's got notable turbo lag, and you do have to keep it in the powerband to make it scoot. The car does have decent thrust in the powerband. It  handles better than you'd expect, too.

More later; stay tuned.

Review: 2013 Fiat 500c Abarth

Photo by Curtis Reesor

After already reviewing both the 2012 Fiat 500 and 2012 Fiat 500c, I can say that while I do think these little Italian A-segment cars are crammed with character, pumped full of personality, and offer decent driving dynamics, there are things I don’t like. I’m not a fan of the seating position, which feels like you’re on a barstool. The 1.4-liter MultiAir engines are somewhat raucous, too. Both models I reviewed were equipped with automatic transmissions, which suck the power—and fun—from the driving experience. I briefly drove a 500 Abarth last year, but unfortunately, most of my 20 miles with the car were spent on the Interstate, so I didn’t get to experience the handling I’d heard so much about. Due to the highway experience I didn’t really get to soak in the distinctive exhaust note much, either. Since then, I’ve wanted to get into the Abarth again, and low and behold, I was able to nab the drop-top 500c Abarth for a week.

In the Driveway: 2013 Fiat 500c Abarth

We've been waiting to drive this one for a while: The 2013 Fiat 500c Abarth. This is, of course, the "hot" version of the Fiat 500c, so it's got 170 hp, a killer exhaust note, and a ragtop. First impressions have been good: Outstanding steering, quick acceleration, great brakes, and a killer exhaust note. And with the top down, that sound only gets better. The shifer is rubbery and rear visibility with top down is poor. However, step on it, and I dare you not to grin! More soon; stay tuned.

Quick Drive: 2013 Fiat 500e

While at the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry’s (OMSI) alternative-fuel vehicle showcase, Drive Revolution, I had the chance to drive each vehicle for about 10-15 minutes. You can learn a lot in a short amount of time regarding a car’s personality, handling dynamics, its pros and cons, and if you would consider buying one.