The 2012 FIAT 500 not only marks the return of this Italian automaker to the U.S. for the first time since 1983, but it also gives the Chrysler Group a much-needed subcompact car. Just a few years ago, the subcompact market in the U.S. was pretty small and didn't offer that many exciting choices, but with subcompacts and micro cars now improving in both popularity and quality, the new FIAT 500 gives Chrysler dealerships a car for this growing segment. Even more promising, following Fiat's acquisition of Chrysler back in 2009, the Fiat 500 is expected to be just the first of many cars brought over to North America from the Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands. We recently had the chance to drive the drop-top version of Fiat's iconic hatchback, the Fiat 500C (also called the Fiat 500 Cabrio), which has to be the cutest car currently available in North America.