Fiat 500 Abarth

[Apex]

1.4L Multiair Turbo, dual intercooler, engine - 160hp/170tq (6500 rpm redline) w/ a 5-spd transmission
TTC (Torque Transfer Control) for power delivery (fancy name for a limited slip diff?)
Under 2600lbs
0-60 6.8 seconds
1/4-mile: 15.3 @ 89mph
$22,000-ish MSRP





Review:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...th_first_test/


Opinions?

[Scattcatt]

I'll admit... I hate small cars... Mini Cooopers especially (probably because I was always crammed in the back of one of those tiny things and the suspension travel on whatever year that particular one was, was aweful!) Ever since those days car pooling to school, I've hated compact cars. This Fiat actually looks pretty neat though, mostly because of that color I don't like the white one. Performance-wise, the 0-60 and 1/4 mile are pretty comparable to the 250R, just that price... Ouch... Kind of pricey in my opinion, other then that I'll put any masculinity I have on the line and say I like it

[CynicalC]

I'd like to see what the aftermarket does for it. Cool car but it's a little underpowered considering it's their performance flagship, even for its weight.

[Honko]

I have never been a fan of tiny cars, probably never will be. As for it's performance, I can't speak to that from personal experience.

[Jono]

I sat in a Fiat 500 for the first time a couple weeks ago and hated it! If the Abarth has the same interior as the sport and base models then this car is not worth the money. It felt so cheap inside. I guess that is to be expected from Chrysler but I mean they could have done a way better job. This car has nothing on the Mini Cooper. Some even say the Mini's interior seems cheap but compared to the Fiat it seem top notch.

And when I sat in the 500 and shifted through the gears and felt the clutch I was very disappointed. It also felt cheap. It killed the fun factor. I haven't driven one but just from sitting inside of it, I would never buy one.

I have driven the Mini and love the way it drives. And it handles amazing! I doubt the Fiat could beat a Mini on the track. The Fiat is just has awkward proportions.

Just my two cents.

The Abarth does look kinda nice on the exterior though.

[SlowBoyRacing]

http://www.streetfire.net/video/173-...rth_198587.htm

(:

Glad to see pocket rockets making their way into America

[alex.s]

good car. good price. cooper killer.

[Sinister]

Love it. Just... love it. I shouldn't have to tell a 250r forum you don't need massive HP for massive fun. Ever since i saw it pop up on top gear i've wanted one:

http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/tak...Category=Tests

[Xoulrath]

I've never seen one of the 500's on the road, nor have I sat in one.

Based on performance and price, though, I'll keep my GTI and Beetle Turbo.

The Abarth certainly has a nice enough looking exterior, but the performance to price ratio kills it. I was interested in these a few months back when looking for new cars, and the cost killed it for me.

Same car for $18,000? Then I'm interested.

[Honko]

I've heard the GTI is quite a fun little ride.

[squaregamer476]

hmmm, was this in the superbowl commercial? if so, it was my fav commercial of all.

[choneofakind]

I love it. Downright sexy. Great price.

not to mention, the girl in this commercial could get me to buy anything

Link to original page on YouTube.

I'll be looking closely at these, and the new Scion/Subaru when I graduate school and am looking at buying a car

[silverdub]

amazing commercial!