The origin of Fiat 500 Abarth is like a unique story. As we
know that the 500 which was a tiny car evolved into super futuristic car with
Abarth. So it comes the 500 Abarth with bad-ass and modern design. The
automaker sets the 5-speed manual as the standard. Perhaps, it will increase
the power slightly. Then, the 6-speed optional is also featured on this car. We
can take a fresh air with its suspension because it makes the exhausted very
yummy and comfort in any terrain. That is only a bit fresh updates from this
car. Let us see the deep review below.
Overview
Before there is Fiat 500 Abarth, the domination of the Mini
Cooper was very clear on the tiny car class. For your information, this class
is not only tiny but also has a hatchback on the back. Then, Fiat has a good
idea to combine the 500 and the Abarth into new tiny hatch car in order to make
this class is more competitive than before. Coming with 1.4 L turbocharged
engine, there are two packs which tune up the performance of Abarth 500. They
are standard pack and Esseesse or SS pack. We can say that this car is the
closest rivals with the Mini Cooper S so far. But, we will see which one will
win on the power or ponies segment later.
Fiat 500 Abarth Designs
The exterior of Fiat 500 Abarth is very sophisticated and
modern. As we can see on the side skirts, it has bigger parts now plus the
bumpers. On its back, we found rear spoiler with fresh and tasteful to be
tried. Consequently, this car is more aggressive and fresh rather than other
competitor especially in 2016 model year. The front segment is designed to
carry 1.4 L turbocharged engine. If we compare with the front bumper, the hood
is going deeper. Speaking about the bumper, the rear one provides brakes
cooling air. With two exhausts, this cooling air works functionally on the
road. However, the mounted spoiler’s roof cannot reduce the dirt by the way.
Although the automaker said that they have been trough long time to design the
wind tunnel of this car. On the wheels, we caught 16- inch alloy wheels on the
lower profile of 500 Abarth. Meanwhile, the Esseesse pack gives us 17 inches
alloy wheels here plus another design of spring and damper. It implies that how
bigger the power of Abarth 500 this time.
Fiat 500 Abarth Interior
Inside the cabin of Fiat 500 Abarth, we felt different
sensation rather than normal or standard Fiat’s cars here. It is clearly the
500 interior designs by the way. But, we can also found Abarth’s features
inside. Yeah, we have no idea how to explain both of them because they are in
one form right now. Perhaps, the general features such as theme and materials
belong to the 500 and the details belong to the 500. In other words, we got
modern Abarth now. The theme dominantly is covered in the dark like black. The
major materials are made of rubber for sure.Furthermore, we felt into sporty
treatment while driving this car. It means that everything inside this car
offers sporty design like the seats. The bucket seats remind us about the
sixties Abarth with many adjustment which you can choose. So does the
backrests. In order to make the passengers feel comfy, Fiat gives Fiat 500
Abarth a rotary dial for the backrests. Although the dimensions of the seats
are quite short, this is not a big deal for small cars.
Driving Impressions
While driving the Fiat 500Abarth, we found many good
impressions. For example, the natural pedals assisted us to get better decision
such as braking. Meanwhile, the steering wheel is very easy to control. Thanks
to the flat spot at the bottom of the driver’s position. Actually, not all
features are flattened by the automaker. We still can see the round wheel on
the steering wheel. It gives better hand grips for the driver. Moreover, the
gearlever is covered by leather-finished. Overall, our driving impressions were
very comfortable while driving this tiny car. Every feature especially on the
driver’s is well-functioned as same as the safety features. The cabin is
adequately giving space for the driver even though there are many buttons
available on the dashboard.
Powertrains
As we stated earlier, the Fiat 500 Abarth will carry the
500’s turbocharged engine. The 1.4 L turbocharged engine which offers 133
brake-horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the highest trim or
Esseesse pack offers higher ponies. Based on out test-drive, the SS pack pumps
157 brake-horsepower with 170 pound-feet of torque. Actually, there is no major
change except the turbocharged one. But, it does not mean there is no change
after all. We could call it as “not serious updates”, but still it makes this
car special. For example, the new air filter will add more volume for the
noise’s induction. Lastly, the ECU is remapped to give more versatile function.
Competitor
The Mini Cooper S is the main rival of Fiat 500 Abarth so
far. What about the engine performance of this rival after we know the ponies
of 500 Abarth? Of course, this car is still a few shorter below the Mini Cooper
S at 5 horsepower. For your information, the S’s ponies reach 175 horsepower
with its engine. At least, we have better Abarth with this 1.4 L turbocharged
engine, right? When we researched why this engine cannot beat the S, we found
that the low revs has dominant role there. It makes this car has slower speed
in delivering the engine.
Performance
To end this deep review, we will talk deeper about the
performance. The 170bhb engine reached 60mph for 7.6 sec. It was through
standard traction by the way with default stability control. We could not
switch it while driving. Overall, this small Fiat 500 Abarth
is pretty impressive on the city’s road as the rival of the Mini Cooper S.
