Report: 2012 Fiat 500 rated 30/38 mpg city/highway

With the 2012 Fiat 500 scheduled to hit U.S. dealerships in February, it's time for those official EPA ratings to roll out. Since the Fiat 500 is powered by the automaker's MultiAir 1.4-liter engine, we expected to see stellar fuel economy numbers. However, the subcompact 500's rating of 30 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg out on the highway aren't all that remarkable.

For comparison's sake, several compact models, including the Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra, and Ford Focus, can achieve 40 mpg highway or better. Furthermore, only five-speed manual-equipped 500's achieve the 30/38-mpg rating. Opting for the six-speed auto drops the rating down to 27/34 mpg city/highway. While its fuel mileage numbers may be disappointing, the 500's $15,500 price for the entry-level Pop model, will likely lure an ample amount of buyers into Fiat showrooms.

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]