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The world’s car companies should never make us suffer another ugly car. No more Pontiac Azteks, AMC Pacers or Hyundai Ponies. Even nicely designed runabouts with bargain-basement prices should always be at least cute.
Look no further than the Fiat 500 for proof. This design isn’t for everyone, but then, some would argue that People magazine’s most beautiful woman, Gwyneth Paltrow, is a little scrawny and others say Amanda Seyfried’s eyes are too big and she’s too short.
I prefer to toss aside such foolishness. Intelligent, pop culture observers all agree that Gwyneth and Amanda are lovely, just as we can all share the notion that Fiat has put some energy and style into its little 500 two-door. True, the 500 is the same size as a good subwoofer, but the car is also well proportioned, balanced and tidy.
And then we have the details. The 500 Sport turbo I just drove came in a rich red colour that was highlighted by silver aluminum wheels. At 16 inches, the wheels are just bigger than a Frisbee, though handsome, and large enough to do the job functionally and visually.
The cabin is a lesson for every car company in how to make an affordable car look expensive. Take the dual instrument cluster, the one with the outside ring indicating the speed, an inner one showing the engine speed. It delivers all the right information and, along with the red readouts in the centre, is a packaging tour de force.
Read more http://www.theglobeandmail.com/glob...-economy-car-looks-expensive/article12391950/
