Thread: A Closer Look at the Abarth 500

Toronto 2010: Up Close and Personal With the Abarth 500 at the Canadian International Auto Show : Auto News

With the Chicago Auto Show just the day before, there’s not a lot of point in covering the Toronto Auto Show, except for the fact that it often allows a much closer look at new and upcoming models. Chicago is already low-key but the media day at the Canadian International Auto Show is sparsely attended at best and so we got the best access we’ve had yet to Fiat’s high-powered Abarth version of the 500.

We’re not overly fond of the Fiat 500’s European econo looks, but add on some aerodynamic treatments, a lowered suspension and some 17-inch wheels and we’re starting to see the appeal. Plus, in the Abarth mode, the 500’s standard 1.4-liter 4-cylinder gets a turbocharger (one of the smallest we’ve ever seen), to create 170-hp and 170 ft-lbs of torque.

While no production date is set, the 500 is scheduled to U.S. and Canadian shores and that’s likely to mean the Abarth 500 will also follow. We were surprised at how high-grade the car’s interior is, looking like a slightly lower-grade Audi, with some well-bolstered seats and a nice meaty steering wheel. If Fiat is to make a success of a car like this it will have to sell it as a premium vehicle, competing with the MINI Cooper. With slightly less power but also less weight, a model like this Abarth is sure to be a hit amongst enthusiasts.

This is a great little car. Anybody know the price point on it?

Nick

They are really quick! Not all that special in the corners, but so quick around town.

I will definatly look into one of these for my next auto purchase. I love the hot hatch category but it may be hard to choose from with the VW R20 coming

yeah the GTI-R is going to be legit

wow! that looks nice. 1.4lite turbo making 170hp, impressive.

Originally Posted by Ohio Speed

I will definatly look into one of these for my next auto purchase. I love the hot hatch category but it may be hard to choose from with the VW R20 coming

Not really. We all know how well the MKV R32 sold, and there's no way I would spend $35K+ on a Golf, even with R nomenclature.

Those things are really insane... for a Fiat

I've driven the 120 and 160 bhp strong version several times, and each time it's a joy to drive them!

it does somehow look cool,

but sitting in it it just feelt WAY too small for me, even though I've owed and driven very small cars for years now...

and in my opinion it's too heavy as well


and my 993 cc car produces around the same amount of power =)

They are pretty neat but won't be sold in the us;(