Fiat has been making the Abarth models since the 1950s. For those who love performance cars, I wonder if you’ve ever tasted an Abarth? Blessed with top handling and responsive performance, Fiat’s Abarth models are something special and much more than just ordinary.

Heralding the scorpion badge, the new Fiat 500 Abarth has a sting that’ll fling you back in your seats. Punching way above its weight, the little Fiat 500 and 500C Abarth put it all together to make 118 kW from their 1.4-litre engine. Turbo-boosting power has a great kick for when you love to ditch big, slurping V8s at the lights. Run through a five-speed gearbox that has a slightly taller final drive for improved fuel economy, you can scorch through to 100 km/h from a standstill in around 7.5 seconds. Fiat also offers tuning chips that will decrease this time a little more. As it is, this cutie is a sweet drive that, in the right place, has enough gas to run easily passed 200 km/h.

Great things do exist in small packages, and the Fiat 500 Abarth’s small size proves that you can pull just as many looks your direction than if you were driving a bigger Jaguar or HSV. Abarth’s distinctive involvement over the 500 body-shape has hewn the small 500 into a design that has massive appeal. An extra lowered suspension, up-rated springs and suspension, cross drilled brake discs, 7×17-inch alloy wheels and body stripes in a style unique to the Esseesse make it quite the little show pony.

Directly competing with the likes of a Suzuki Swift Sport and Mini Cooper, the Fiat 500 Abarth does a tremendous job of putting it all together on the day. Ride and handling is taut enough without being too jarring, power is applied with no feeling of front-wheel torque steer, solid build quality and excellent materials really make this one something special. The Fiat seats are supportive, and it’s easy to find your favourite driving position. Room is a little tighter for those in the back seats, however Fiat has utilized every possible millimetre of space for leg room and storage areas. For extra luggage space, the rear seats fold down. What a great car for a weekend away for two.

With the Fiat 500 Abarth it’s all about the drive, but there are plenty of enjoyable features to make each drive as relaxing as they are fun. Climate control air-conditioning, electric windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors, an Interscope sound system (radio, CD, MP3) with sub-woofer and Blue&Me communications will keep you entertained on the trip.

On the safety feature list there are plenty of items available. Crash testing results have shown the car to have performed very well. In fact, in EuroNCAP tests the Fiat 500 scored the full five stars. Seven airbags, ABS, EBD, HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance), ESP and a Hill Holding feature show that the 500 Abarth is a well thought out and designed small car.

If you want to impress someone, I do think that the Fiat 500 Abarth and 500C Abarth have what it takes to do all this for you. It’s definitely a car that you will enjoy driving, and one that others will enjoy coming along with you for the ride. Just hide the keys, or your teenagers will take the Abarth to school!

The current Fiat 500 Abarth models include the:

• 500 Esseesse Abarth
• 500C Esseesse Abarth (C for Convertible)

For any more information on the Fiat 500 Abarth models or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Fiat dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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