2015 Fiat 500 Abarth Quick Spin Review

2014 fiat 500 abarth

The 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth—and its drop-top Cabrio sibling—represent the dedicated high-performers of the 500 family. Performance-tuned to earn the “Abarth” name, the cars did bow to popular demand by debuting a six-speed automatic for the current selling season.  Also new is the gauge cluster, which actually has been replaced by a 7-inch high-def display screen, and a more practical center console.

Styling

Aggressive yet functional body mods are the order of the day here, as the Fiat 500 Abarth models have their own, more aerodynamic front fascias that also have been re-engineered to make room for the cars’ turbo engine. Additionally, the front air intakes are now wider, to help that powerplant breathe, and repositioned, too, to be more stylish, while Abarth side sills and standard 16-inch wheels help complete the package; 17-inch wheels are available as well, with four wheel designs offered in total, in aluminum, Hyper Black and white, and with all wearing Abarth scorpion center caps. The Cabrio is distinguished yet further by a unique rear spoiler integrated into its soft top.

A similarly athletic appearance then marks the cabin, highlighted by a thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped Abarth steering wheel with a motorsports-inspired flat-bottomed design; sport seats for the driver and front passenger, complete with prominent bolsters and a pass-through for racing harnesses.

Capping off the look are a range of Abarth-specific design cues, from the scorpion shield to signature exterior striping that’s offered in red, black or white.

Performance

The 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth showcases a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with Fiat’s MultiAir valve technology, with that powerplant serving up two slightly different output lines depending on transmission. Leveraging the standard five-speed manual, drivers can tap into 160 hp and 170 lb.-ft. of torque. Opting for the six-speed automatic results in 157 horses and 183 lb.-ft. of torque. Either way, of course, that’s plenty of pop for a city-sized car, especially one that also rides on a track-ready suspension, relies on hi-po brakes for exceptional stopping prowess, and features extra performance enhancers like sport-steering, a three-mode electronic stability control system (with a full “off” setting), and available Pirelli P-Zero Nero tires.

But that turbo engine, combined with the nimble proportions of the Fiat 500 Abarth, also combine for relatively strong EPA ratings of up to 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway/30 mpg combined.

Safety

Despite its nimble proportions, the 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth does fit in seven airbags, including advanced, multistage airbags for the driver and front passenger, a driver’s-side knee airbag, full-length side-curtain airbags and seat-mounted, side pelvic-thorax airbags.

Pricing and Features

Affordable performance is another key mission of the Abarth-prepared 500, and it delivers with an MSRP of $22,395. Even the Cabrio, with its multi-positionable retracting roof, can be had for $26,395.

Other premium features found in the Fiat 500 Abarth include a Beats by Dr. Dre sound system and the “BLUE&ME” hands-free communication technology. That upscale audio choice boasts a 368-watt, eight-channel amplifier, six upgraded speakers and an 8-inch dual-voice coil subwoofer mounted in a trunk enclosure. As for BLUE&ME, it’s a voice-activated, Bluetooth-enabled calling setup that also can integrate a 4.3-inch portable navigation device from TomTom.

A final feature: Every 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth comes with a complimentary Abarth Track Experience, designed to teach new owners how to wring the most from their rides. (Although, to be clear, the track-day events rely on their own fleet of cars.)