The Fiat brand marks its return to the North American market today with the reveal of the 2012 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento) at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.

"The Fiat 500 has always been the right car at the right time," said Laura Soave, head of Fiat Brand North America. "The new Fiat 500 now brings something truly unique to one of the fastest growing segments in North America, delivering Italian-by-design function, value and efficiency intelligently tailored for our market."

The new 2012 Fiat 500 features an all-new 1.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine with state-of-the-art MultiAir technology. The engine delivers 101 horsepower (75 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 98 lb.-ft. (133 N•m) of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Fiat 500 is available with an all-new six-speed automatic transmission or an upgraded five-speed manual transmission.

The Fiat 500 has Blue & Me Handsfree Communication technology, an in-vehicle, voice-activated communication system that allows drivers to operate a Bluetooth-compatible phone. The vehicle also has an optional 4.3-inch TomTom hand-held navigation unit that docks on top of the new 2012 Fiat 500's instrument panel.

The Fiat 500 features seven standard air bags include: driver and multi-stage front-passenger advanced air bags, driver's knee bag, full-length side-curtain air bags and standard seat-mounted side pelvic-thorax air bags.

The Fiat 500 is offered in three models - the Pop, Sport and Lounge. Customers can choose from 14 paint colors available in metallic, non-metallic and premium tri-coat pearl finishes. In addition, the interior is available in two interior environments (black or ivory) with 14 unique seat color and material combinations for an individualized look.

A full line of authentic Fiat 500 accessories by Mopar will offer customers even more personalization possibilities at their local Fiat dealership, including unique striping packages, exterior and interior styling accessories and authentic Fiat-styled merchandise.

The starting U.S. manufacturer's suggested retail price for the 2012 Fiat 500 is $15,500.

All 2012 Fiat 500 models will come with a standard four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and four years of unlimited roadside assistance. In addition, the new Fiat 500 includes a three-year/36,000-mile maintenance program that includes wear-and-tear items and trip-interruption reimbursement.