500 Abarth
Having followed the development of the Abarth 500 right from the spy shots on the Nurburgring to the first sight of it at Goodwood Festival of Speed I was eager to actually drive one; I got that opportunity last weekend.
The launch was a rather low key affair compared to the spectacle that was the Fiat 500 UK launch at the London Eye, being spread across the exclusive Abarth dealerships. The cars had actually been on site for several weeks before and this news quickly spread among the Italian Car scene. It was cool to see launch stocks all in their white transit wraps with “Do not open” stickers. So having already sat in the car a few weeks before launch I booked a test drive for the launch day and arrived an hour early – I was so looking forward to it!
Test car was a 135 bhp example in Grey with optional 17" alloys, leather trim and decal pack. The powerhouse is the 1.4 16v turbo 'T-jet' engine already proven in the Grande Punto in 120bhp form and in the latest Bravo at 150bhp. In the 500 Abarth in standard tune it makes 135, which is enough to power the car to 62mph in 7.9 seconds. Cars fitted with the optional SS (Super Sport or Esseesse, for those channelling the Italian vibe) pack benefit from a remapped 160bhp engine, along with suspension and brake upgrades; and shave half a second off the 0-62 sprint.
Great looking, the Abarth styling enhances the 500. A larger tailgate spoiler and aggressively restyled bumpers with a rear diffuser mark this baby out as something special. Grey does grow on you... Interior upgrades over Fiat models are good. Great steering wheel! The overall effect is in your face but not too much so that you would be afraid to leave it parked in town. I would say a massive list of extras are not required, other than 17" wheels at £175.
So – the test drive.
First impressions:
Like a 500 Sport but 'tuned' is a good description, significantly quicker. Chassis feels good, rides high but little pitching and rolling. Raw sounding and more road noise than the Fiat 500 due to the 17" wheels/tyres.
Went for a drive around the back roads, there was still a bit of slush and ice around so had to be careful. Sport mode engaged, TTC left on boost builds quickly and progressively. (Sport mode increases throttle response, and torque; TTC is a form of eDiff or electronic limited slip differential which helps reduce understeer and improve traction out of corners). 5 speed gearbox feels precise and strong and has a much better turning circle that the 6 speed 500 Sport. This is a properly quick and sorted car!
Made our way out to the M4 route which I am used to – the chassis really makes you feel confident in applying the power early in the sweeping corner. This car is planted and secure at low and high speeds. Fully opening the taps on the motorway, speed builds easily, even in 5th the boost pushes you back into the seat.
All too soon it was time to return to the dealership. What a brilliant car - I wouldn’t change a thing. Not sure it needs the esseesse kit, it is valid in 'base spec'. I understand why the Abarth engineers decided to de-tune the T-jet 150 engine for the masses. It's plenty of power to complement the handling and adds up to a very attractive package.
Being a long-time fan of small, sorted FIATs, the new Abarth ticks every box on my wishlist, but I'm also a bit of a hooligan at heart - the new Abarth 500 is SO me! I can't wait to get my hands on one.
www.clubcento.co.uk
Having followed the development of the Abarth 500 right from the spy shots on the Nurburgring to the first sight of it at Goodwood Festival of Speed I was eager to actually drive one; I got that opportunity last weekend.
The launch was a rather low key affair compared to the spectacle that was the Fiat 500 UK launch at the London Eye, being spread across the exclusive Abarth dealerships. The cars had actually been on site for several weeks before and this news quickly spread among the Italian Car scene. It was cool to see launch stocks all in their white transit wraps with “Do not open” stickers. So having already sat in the car a few weeks before launch I booked a test drive for the launch day and arrived an hour early – I was so looking forward to it!
Test car was a 135 bhp example in Grey with optional 17" alloys, leather trim and decal pack. The powerhouse is the 1.4 16v turbo 'T-jet' engine already proven in the Grande Punto in 120bhp form and in the latest Bravo at 150bhp. In the 500 Abarth in standard tune it makes 135, which is enough to power the car to 62mph in 7.9 seconds. Cars fitted with the optional SS (Super Sport or Esseesse, for those channelling the Italian vibe) pack benefit from a remapped 160bhp engine, along with suspension and brake upgrades; and shave half a second off the 0-62 sprint.
Great looking, the Abarth styling enhances the 500. A larger tailgate spoiler and aggressively restyled bumpers with a rear diffuser mark this baby out as something special. Grey does grow on you... Interior upgrades over Fiat models are good. Great steering wheel! The overall effect is in your face but not too much so that you would be afraid to leave it parked in town. I would say a massive list of extras are not required, other than 17" wheels at £175.
So – the test drive.
First impressions:
Like a 500 Sport but 'tuned' is a good description, significantly quicker. Chassis feels good, rides high but little pitching and rolling. Raw sounding and more road noise than the Fiat 500 due to the 17" wheels/tyres.
Went for a drive around the back roads, there was still a bit of slush and ice around so had to be careful. Sport mode engaged, TTC left on boost builds quickly and progressively. (Sport mode increases throttle response, and torque; TTC is a form of eDiff or electronic limited slip differential which helps reduce understeer and improve traction out of corners). 5 speed gearbox feels precise and strong and has a much better turning circle that the 6 speed 500 Sport. This is a properly quick and sorted car!
Made our way out to the M4 route which I am used to – the chassis really makes you feel confident in applying the power early in the sweeping corner. This car is planted and secure at low and high speeds. Fully opening the taps on the motorway, speed builds easily, even in 5th the boost pushes you back into the seat.
All too soon it was time to return to the dealership. What a brilliant car - I wouldn’t change a thing. Not sure it needs the esseesse kit, it is valid in 'base spec'. I understand why the Abarth engineers decided to de-tune the T-jet 150 engine for the masses. It's plenty of power to complement the handling and adds up to a very attractive package.
Being a long-time fan of small, sorted FIATs, the new Abarth ticks every box on my wishlist, but I'm also a bit of a hooligan at heart - the new Abarth 500 is SO me! I can't wait to get my hands on one.
www.clubcento.co.uk
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