Fiat

It's easy to associate size with power, but when you get behind the wheel of one of these compact dynamos, you’ll forget everything you thought you knew. There’s no doubt that a small car is genius for city life—just think how much easier parking becomes. And at this time of year, these cars make perfect second-home autos, ideal for keeping at the beach or in the mountains for a zip into town. Summer is a time when we’re lighter and less encumbered. Shouldn’t your car reflect that spirit (and look good doing it)?

 
  Porsche
 
  Mini Cooper

From Italy, With Love
Fiat automobiles hark back to the days when the world was simple and gas was cheap. After a disastrous first foray into the US, the Italian brand is back with the launch of the 2012 Fiat 500. A global alliance with Chrysler combined with huge successes in Europe have proven that this time around, things will be different. Riding on the back of a highly desirable 38 mpg on the highway, the 500 will be available in 14 colors, including four of the original retro shades. There’s even a Lounge model that sports a fixed-glass roof. All sleek, modern updates aside, the 500 will help you keep things simpler and your gas costs smaller—not to mention, it’s perfect for fitting into a tight parking space in Edgartown or along State Beach. Kelly Fiat of Peabody, 72 Andover St., Danvers, 888-441-1469

Lightweight Champion of the World
The 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder is a pavement-eating dream that screams sexy. Even though it’s the lightest Porsche available, it still whips from zero to 60 mph in a mere 4.6 seconds. New looks on the soft top, spoiler, seats, door handles and interior create tough intra-brand competition with the 911s at the very least. All extraneous amenities have been stripped in order to let the driver experience unadulterated driving excitement with the highest level of performance, which of course includes hitting 166 mph— with the top down. Keep this at your alpine cottage; it’s nimble enough to take the steep curves in the White and Green Mountains. Herb Chambers Porsche, 1172 Commonwealth Ave., 888-840-2174

Mini Moment
After raging back on the scene in 2001, the Mini Cooper may owe more of its recent recognition to the success of the Austin Powers franchise than to its actual roots as a rally car. Indeed, the Mini Cooper won four Monte Carlo Rally races in the 1960s. In keeping with the company’s race-car roots is the introduction of the Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop model, named after the racing legend and founder of the Cooper Car Company. Given its six-speed manual gearbox, 208 horsepower turbocharged engine, top speed of 147 mph and 17-inch alloy wheels with 205/45 highperformance run-flat tires, this Mini may be more like a rally car than ever. Nice for Nantucket, especially the convertible version—a small, stylish island demands an equally small and stylish car. Herb Chambers Mini, 1168 Commonwealth Ave., 877-823-0324