In Europe the Fiat 500 is a small-car icon that’s every bit as recognizable as a Volkswagen Beetle or Mini Cooper. Now, thanks to Fiat’s marriage to Chrysler, it is the latest small European import to hit the U.S. market, joining those two nostalgia-inspired small cars.

The 500 is proving to be a fun and zippy little runabout with enough charm to eclipse its choppy ride and noisy cabin. The key to the fun factor is agility. Steering is quick and well weighted, if a bit vague on center, and the car corners eagerly, with its fat Pirelli tires gripping the tarmac. Though not as crisp as a Mini Cooper, the 500 is still a blast on windy two-lane roads and is superbly adapted to congested city streets.

Despite its modest power rating, the 500 hustles right along. The engine pulls smoothly and doesn’t mind being revved. It is less than ideal as an interstate cruiser, but the 500 does a good job of keeping up with traffic without a cacophony of engine noise filling the cabin. That doesn’t mean it slurps down fuel: We’re averaging 35 mpg, according to the onboard computer. The low effort stick shift easily snicks from gear to gear. A six speed automatic is optional.

The interior feels airy and is mostly well put together. The rear is very tight for adults but usable for kids. It is a challenge to squeeze into the rear seats and escaping is even less graceful.

For more on the Fiat 500, see our model overview. Stay tuned for our full road test and Ratings in the coming weeks.