2017 Fiat 500 Abarth

Overview: There aren’t many Fiat 500s we don’t find at least a little bit amusing. Even the modest, 101-hp base 500 is adorable, while the high-performance Abarths, developed by Fiat’s in-house tuner group, amuse us more thoroughly. Available in both coupe and cabriolet body styles, the 500 Abarths are no bigger than the base 500s but are packed full of character, boasting a thorough set of modifications that turn the merely cute Cinquencento into a more engaging driving machine. These include a lowered suspension, upgraded wheels and tires, bigger front brakes, and at least 50 percent more grunt than the base car thanks to the fitment of a single turbocharger to Fiat’s 1.4-liter inline-four.

Paired to the standard five-speed manual gearbox, the Abarth’s Multi-Air engine produces 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, while Abarths equipped with the paddle-shifted six-speed automatic sacrifice a few ponies but add a bit more torque, producing 157 horses and 183 lb-ft. Monumental turbo lag throws a wet blanket over both models, however, although the automatic suffers slightly less than the manual. With zero-to-60-mph times hovering around seven seconds, the Abarths aren’t as quick as their racy styling suggests. And despite the quicker, more tactile steering, stronger brakes, bolstered sport seats, and blatty exhaust note, the 500 Abarth finished in last place in 2012 and 2014 comparison tests.

What this car does have is swagger. Indeed, if we could measure swagger on a per-foot basis, the 500 Abarths surpass competitors such as the Ford Fiesta ST and Mini Cooper S, and are right up there with honey badgers and Napoleon Bonaparte. Like a mischievous Chihuahua that nips at your heels and picks fights with Dobermans, the 500 Abarth thinks it’s a bigger deal than it is.

What’s New: First introduced for the 2012 model year as a hardtop, with the cabrio following a year later, the 500 Abarth got an upgraded Uconnect infotainment system last year. 2017 brings just one change of (possible) note: A new color package allows customers to pair the Abarth’s body color with a contrasting shade—red, gray, black, or white—on the roof, mirror caps, accent stripe, and rear spoiler.

What We Like: The Abarth’s attitude problem is arguably its greatest attribute, but the kicky styling, ease of parking, and wake-the-neighbors exhaust note also rank high on our list of likes. The sunrooflike intermediate setting of the Abarth convertible’s roof is a nicety not found on most droptops.

What We Don’t Like: The Abarth isn’t the most focused hot hatch on the market. However considerable the chassis upgrades may be, they don’t quite cohere to make the car a transcendent performer. The power is delivered in a nonlinear fashion—turbo lag is followed by a rush of acceleration and then what feels like a flat spot as revs climb. The suspension can feel too stiff at times, and even with the modern touchscreen the dashboard is a bit of an ergonomic mess. And do we even have to mention how utterly impractical it is?

Verdict: A scrappy little fighter that may never win a match but doesn’t give up.

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Specifications >

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe or convertible

BASE PRICES: 500 Abarth $20,990;
500C Abarth, $22,485

ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, port fuel injection

Displacement: 83 cu in, 1368 cc
Power: 157 or 160 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 170 or 183 lb-ft @ 2400 or 2500 rpm

TRANSMISSIONS: 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 90.6 in
Length: 144.4 in
Width: 64.1 in Height: 59.2 in
Passenger volume: 75–76 cu ft
Cargo volume: 5–10 cu ft
Curb weight (C/D est): 2550–2700 lb

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA combined/city/highway: 27–30/24–28/32–33 mpg

C/D TEST RESULTS FOR:
2015 500C Abarth Automatic
Zero to 60 mph: 6.9 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 20.5 sec
Zero to 110 mph: 29.1 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.1 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.5 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.6 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.4 sec @ 90 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 170 ft