The Fiat 500 has had something of a rough go in America. Sales of the baby 500 were sluggish out of the gate, and the larger, uglier 500L has had a dismal reception. Maybe the Fiat 500X crossover can do better, but I really like this concept: the Fiat 600.
It's not from Fiat at all, but from car designer David Obendorfer, who made some mockups of what a modern Fiat 600 could look like.
The original Fiat 600 was two-door, rear-engined city car much like its sibling the 500, except bigger and with a water-cooled engine. David's design re-imagines the 600 as a small four-door hatchback that could slot above the 500.
I think he really nailed it. His concepts maintain all the elements that make the modern 500 so cute and attractive, but also manage to not throw off its proportions with an extra set of doors. He pulled it off better than Mini did with the new four-door Cooper.
It's just like a 500, just more practical. What's not to love? Also, those rear fender flares are a really nice touch. It makes the car look a little more beefy than the 500, in a good way.
Of course, the one I really like is the 600 Abarth concept. Imagine a Fiat 500 Abarth with four doors, maybe a bit more power, that same wonderful exhaust note, and maybe even all-wheel drive. If that was made real, Fiat could shut up and take my money.
Check out more designs over at David's website. He has some stuff I think you'll like.