I'm not a Fiat fan, but for some reason, the Fiat 500 Abarth has caught my eye. The regular 500 is a cutesy small A-car, which I would never buy as-is. But by stuffing a 160+hp engine in a car that weighs right around what the Fit weighs but is smaller dimensionally, I'm intrigued. That, combined with a starting price of $22,000, should make it a gem who want performance, and Italian style at a relatively low price. Hopefully the days of "Fix It Again Tony" are over (and it sounds as if they are)!

I wouldn't buy one as an everyday car since it really is not what I would call a practical car (only because of its size), but this pocket-rocket would be a fun little toy. What do you guys think of it?






And for some comic relief, here's the Abarth commercial, which may or may not make the Super Bowl because it's being scrutinized as "too racy".:rolleyes:
FIAT 500 Abarth -- Seduction -- 2012 Super Bowl Contender - YouTube

 

I agree with everything you said. The price makes it very tempting and I bet it's a lot of fun to drive. It's significantly less expensive than a Mini Cooper S and I doubt that it will be any worse in maintenance/reliability.

Given the money, I'd rather have a Mazda Speed3.

 

See, this is exactly the dilemma. The Abarth may have some "exclusivity", but the Speed3 is more practical and will be just as quick and fun as the Abarth. Not to mention if both were to break down for whatever reason, it'll be a bitch to find a Fiat studio nearby!

 

I would purchase this car in a heart beat. The are 2 Fiat dealer close to me. I enjoy the Fit so much because of the compact size. So just imagine the compact size of the Fiat with a Turbo... oh and a sweet looking kit.

 

I have not seen a test, but I'm guessing the Speed3 is quite a bit faster both in a straight line and around a track. The Speed3 is a seriously fast car. The huge plus for me is the 4-doors.

It's not near as cute or exclusive, but you got to also consider the Civic Si. It's in the same price range, can be had with 2 or 4 doors, has proven reliability and I'm sure is great driving with the 2.4. The 2.0 was fantastic. I'd like the 2.4 even more because of the better low end response. I'm betting that it's very close in speed to the Abarth.

 

I got to sit in one at the LA auto show and it made me want one as soon as I sat down inside. Too bad the bad pricing/safety/reliability makes it a no brainer to look at other cars like the mini s...

 

A good friend of mine drove one of these here in the states.

He basically said "It was awesome in every way".

He is a driver and I trust his judgement 100%. I will test drive for shits and giggles when and if they hit the showroom here. I'd never buy it as a primary car and it's too expensive for me as a track slut, so I guess that's a no-go.

I can appreciate it for what it is though.

 

I've driven a stock fiat 500... And it's horrid. I would hope that one is better.

 

I want the steering wheel. That's about it.

 

that's a very small car to have 160HP.

 

I dunno about this car. Of course, I like it in a lot of ways. The performance, light weight and quirkiness are desirable, but it's just too fuckin' euro. I can't believe I said that, but it's true. These cars look about as in place on our roads as a tata nano. We do not see the original 500 in the design. It has no heritage here. It's probably going to flop. :(

 

Indeed it is... looks like an egg rollin' by on wheels.
I'd switch the HP with mine but that's about it.

 

A pregnant rollerskate. (^_^) Actually, it's not that bad.

 

does this thing burn up on its own (like some other euro cars?)

 

LOL...too early to tell, but that's kind of where I was going suggesting the speed3 or Si. They are much less likely to burst into flames or cost a ridiculous amount to maintain.

 

makes me want to take one out for a test drive ,will update if I do

 

I would probably take the woman version of the car, first.