Fiat 500 Rated at 38 mpg Highway by EPA

The US-spec 2012 Fiat 500 has recently received an EPA rating of 38 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg in the city, while the combined figure stands at 33 mpg. We are talking about the car that comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, not the much anticipated automatic version.This means that if you are willing to put up with changing cogs yourself, the 500 could be one of the most frugal non-hybrid small cars on the American market, though it falls short of the 40 mpg milestone.

This figure means the little Fiat can compete against vehicles like the Toyota Yaris, Mini and Hyundai Elantra. However, most Stateside customers are expected to opt for a six-speed automatic box according to a recent Automotive News article, which is rated at 34 mpg highway, 27 in the city and 30 combined.

All automatic and manual versions heading for the US are built at Fiat Group’s Toluca plant in Mexico. The company's CEO did not give exact production figures but said the 130,000 cars a year was an ideal target, with sales going to both the United States and Latin America. A total of 130 dealerships are planned, of which 40 to 50 will be ready by the end of March.

The 500 will be available in three forms. The base model Pop will go for $15,995, while the Sport and Lounge are priced at $17,995 and $19,995 respectively, with all prices including destination charges. The Sport model is expected to become the biggest seller of the lineup.

All models come equipped with power locks and windows, air conditioning, 50/50 split fold-down rear seat, speed control, heated mirrors, 7 airbags and 15-inch steel wheels.