2015 FIAT 500 Sport

The 2015 Fiat 500 is the Italian mini-hatchback that makes city driving fun, and it's the one to cross-shop with a MINI Cooper or a Honda Fit if you want something small with personality. It's genuinely fun to drive, with a light, tossable feel that makes darting through traffic and squeezing into tight spots a joy, though the base engine can feel a bit gutless on the highway. The cabin is simple but stylish, with a surprising amount of headroom up front, though rear seats are tight and the back window creates a noticeable blind spot. Trunk space is decent for the size, and folding the rear seats opens up more room, but the seat release is a bit awkward and it's best for one or two people plus a little cargo. Stepping up from the Pop adds the Sport's sharper exterior styling and a firmer suspension for a more connected feel. The 1.4L I4 sends 101 horsepower to the front wheels through a five-speed manual, and it's happy to rev, though you'll want to keep it spinning on the highway. The Sport's stiffer suspension and lower ride height sharpen cornering, but the trade-off is a firmer ride on rough pavement.