I wanted a speedy performance car after dragging myself along in sluggish Volvos and boring old Fords for the last decade and I couldn't resist the Fiat Abarth 500 when I saw it. The only word I could use to describe it is 'groovy'. I remember seeing a few of these back in the 60s and the new version is just so... cool.
It's got a pretty modest engine but it sure packs a punch. There's also a 'sport' button if you want a bit of an extra kick which is just a bit of fun but not all that pointless. It's a well built motor and it handles quite superbly. Overall I'd say it's fun fun fun.
There is a downside to all this joviality though - my Fiat Abarth 500 is small and excruciatingly impractical. When I stick a week's shopping in the back, it almost inevitably spills out onto the back seats and then I have to squash the kids up. It was a worthy purchase though, I do love it.
Had the car about a year and a half now and it was my first car. It's a Fiat 500 Abarth in white. It looks, and I'm not going to mess about, absolutely brilliant. I don't think any Abarth has ever looked as good, so well played to Abarth for the styling cues.
Inside, it gets even better. It looks funky, sporty and above all, interesting. It's an interior where you're not going to get too bored in. I really approve of it.
The engine is a 1.4-litre turbo effort and it's really good. Throaty and powerful enough to keep up with most cars but economical enough to keep me rich.
It's quite expensive to run, though, as the tax, insurance and petrol can be quite high, but hey, it is a hot hatch.
Test drive one, you won't be disappointed.
For anybody who is considering buying a Fiat 500, can I not tempt you with the hot version? The 500 Abarth. It's the dearest 500 but at £14k, it's still great value. For that type of money you end up with a 1.4-litre powerhouse with more charisma, more power and more fun than any of its rivals. The need for such a small engine comes from the 500 not weighing any more than a toaster; so it's very quick!
I think it's the only 500 that a man can drive, too. It looks manly, full of testosterone but still cute enough for any female to drive. The sporty red leather interior adds to the car's appeal, as does the chunky dials. super stereo and lovely pedals. It really is a pleasure to drive.
The Abarth 500 is a hot/warm hatch, so don't expect great mpg, but after saying that, it isn't actually that bad. I can achieve over 30mpg if I'm careful - which I'm usually not :P
Seriously, if you like style and speed, this little Abarth is the perfect motor for you.
The Abarth 500 is an awesome car. It's fiery, hot and sexy all wrapped up in a small Italian design that I absolutely love and so do a lot of other people.
So what do you get, a well put together compact 3 door sporty hatchback, which will suit a lot of people’s needs. I own the standard 1.4 turbo petrol engine which produces 135BHP, it may not sound like a lot but add to that the fact that the car is so lightweight and it’s more than an adequate. The handling is sharp and accurate; the ride is firm so you do feel every bump in the road. You get a lot for your money with this car, air conditioning, alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors, USB port for your MP3, privacy glass and a steering wheel that looks like a work of art and feels great.
Depending on how heavy your foot will depend on your MPG but I can get around 45mpg with city and motorway driving. Servicing doesn’t cost the earth, however taxing and insuring the Abarth isn’t cheap.
In terms of practicality, that will depend on the driver. The seats are quite narrow so if you have got a larger bum it might be slightly uncomfortable (I do not have this problem). There isn’t too much room in the back for your passengers either you can fit two adults in the back at a push but I wouldn’t recommend it on a longer journey. The boot is also small and can only fit a few shopping bags in, but if you opt for the folding rear seats you can make it a lot bigger.
Overall if you’re looking for a fun, eye catching sporty hatchback then this is for you.