To Abarth or not to Abarth

[don jaime]

I basically became oddly obsessed with this little car since I saw it and learned it would be coming to the states. It's fairly cheap and have read tons a great reviews on it and would like to hear what some TCL Abarth owners have to say about it. I love just about everything about my GTI 337 and am about to pay it off so it would be nice to not have a car payment anymore but having just recently been able to get a decent-ish job again many repairs have built up due to lack of funds.

While the 337 isn't beat it will be needing some high ticket items addressed in the somewhat near future (turbo, paint, etc) not to mention it would be nice to finally have a car with a warranty and one that won't require much more than a tune up for some time.

Any experiences with the Abarth (performance, daily driveability, etc) are greatly appreciated. Also, how easy would it be to negotiate the price on one of these? I ask because I haven't seen a single one on the streets here in Phoenix so I'm assuming they aren't flying off the showroom floors.

[BLK9GEN]

Let me preface this by saying that I haven't driven the Abarth (just the 500 Sport), but I would say your current ride does everything the Abarth will do, and with much greater civility.

For the money there are so many other appealing options out there IMO. The Abarth is probably a hoot to drive, but as DD I can see the novelty wearing off rather quickly. My money would go to the BRZ, Genesis 2.0T, Mazda 3, or even the Veloster Turbo before the Fiat. Just my $0.02.

FWIW, Road & Track seemed to quite like the Abarth in spite of it's rough ride, subpar fuel economy, and hefty price tag, so I guess not everything can be measured by numbers:
http://www.roadandtrack.com/future-c...iat-500-abarth

[DasBaldGuy]

For the money there are so many other appealing options out there IMO. The Abarth is probably a hoot to drive, but as DD I can see the novelty wearing off rather quickly. My money would go to the BRZ, Genesis 2.0T, Mazda 3, or even the Veloster Turbo before the Fiat. Just my $0.02.

No Love for MINI?

[FastGTi]

People always give me sh!t for driving such an expensive car with a crappy dash and it's so girly, and ugly, and their mom's mazda is 7/10ths the car for so much less money!!!!!

Drive the car, and if you like it, buy it.

[Veakswagon]

I'm currently out looking at these too. You aren't seeing any because it is a very low volume car - most dealers don't even have one available to test drive. The 2012 run sold out in June. Most were sold before they are at the dealer. The 2013s are starting to trickle in just now availability should start to get better. Good luck finding one! I'm hoping to test one out at an event this weekend

BTW - they are also coming out with a 500T shortly. We essentially get the ROW Abarth Esse Esse (SS) model - but the upcoming 500T will be 135 hp which is the same as the ROW Abarth. It will be available in auto (ugh) and be uder $20k. It should sell pretty well - but I'm still holding out for the Abarth.

[slirt]

Don't forget, there's the new 500 Turbo that slots nicely between the regular base car(s) and the Abarth:

500 = 101 hp
500 Turbo = 135 hp
Abarth = 160 hp

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/2...iair-priced-f/

might be a worthy consideration...

[Bonanza]

I ask because I haven't seen a single one on the streets here in Phoenix so I'm assuming they aren't flying off the showroom floors.

I've seen plenty of 500s, but not a single Abarth. I guess the boy racer treatment on the Jennifer Lopze-mobile isn't the cat's meow after all. Who knew?

The icing on the cake is the attempt to play off the guido-partying, Jersey Shore appeal? Never before has a car's image been so unappealing. It basically screams out that whoever is driving it is racing home to catch the latest episode of Honey-boo-boo or whatever Jersey shore spinoff is hot this month.

[Tokyosmash]

It was cool and fun but ultimately I ended up with the Mini.

[Bias_Ply]

The Abarth seems to negate everything good about the 500 sport- fuel economy, short length and tight turning radius.

I guess it'd be cool to have a racy little car with a fancy name you'd read about in Road & Track before, but I'm much more interested in a Sport at this point. (all for the price of some much more impressive machinery)

[BLK9GEN]

BTW - they are also coming out with a 500T shortly. We essentially get the ROW Abarth Esse Esse (SS) model - but the upcoming 500T will be 135 hp which is the same as the ROW Abarth. It will be available in auto (ugh) and be uder $20k. It should sell pretty well - but I'm still holding out for the Abarth.

Source?

[66Satellite]

Drive the car, and if you like it, buy it.

Yep. I had it for a few days and it did nothing for me. I thought it was cute but silly. But I don't really like anything FWD. My girlfriend loved it, though. I'm waiting for a RWD Alfa (and I might be waiting for a very long time...)

[don jaime]

Let me preface this by saying that I haven't driven the Abarth (just the 500 Sport), but I would say your current ride does everything the Abarth will do, and with much greater civility.

For the money there are so many other appealing options out there IMO. The Abarth is probably a hoot to drive, but as DD I can see the novelty wearing off rather quickly. My money would go to the BRZ, Genesis 2.0T, Mazda 3, or even the Veloster Turbo before the Fiat. Just my $0.02.

FWIW, Road & Track seemed to quite like the Abarth in spite of it's rough ride, subpar fuel economy, and hefty price tag, so I guess not everything can be measured by numbers:
http://www.roadandtrack.com/future-c...iat-500-abarth

those cars are more potent in many different areas than the Abarth but don't seem quite as exciting to me. Second gen Mazda 3's are hideous and Mini's are overpriced albeit amazing looking.....from the outside.

I'm currently out looking at these too. You aren't seeing any because it is a very low volume car - most dealers don't even have one available to test drive. The 2012 run sold out in June. Most were sold before they are at the dealer. The 2013s are starting to trickle in just now availability should start to get better. Good luck finding one! I'm hoping to test one out at an event this weekend

BTW - they are also coming out with a 500T shortly. We essentially get the ROW Abarth Esse Esse (SS) model - but the upcoming 500T will be 135 hp which is the same as the ROW Abarth. It will be available in auto (ugh) and be uder $20k. It should sell pretty well - but I'm still holding out for the Abarth.

Availability isn't an issue, the 3 dealers in town have about 10 or so available. Only problem is they are all the striped versions and 98% of have leather seats which is a horrible option in Arizona.

[kmead]

I drove an Abarth at the recent Fiat Lancia Unlimited event in Virginia (first weekend of August). Fiat was giving demo drives which was great.

Its a fun car, if you get it you will enjoy it. Great sound, great handling and a nice retro interior with excellent seats.

One of the nice things you do get with an Abarth purchase is the Abarth Experience which is part of the purchase price:
http://www.fiat500usa.com/2012/08/do...iat+500+USA%29

Changes to the Abarth for 2013 are:

2013 Fiat 500 Abarth changes:
•Heated seats available
•Revised Icons on steering wheel and cluster bezel
•New carpet
•Make door locking strategy configurable on EVIC
•One push to unlock all doors or first push driver second push passenger
•Tire pressure monitoring system to display pressure values in EVIC
•Speed sensitive volume for premium audio


2013 Fiat 500 and 500 Abarth Audio System
•FIAT premium audio system replaces BOSE premium audio
•Six premium speakers and 276-watt amplifier
•Premium Beats Audio® Package is now available as an additional option
•Available on Sport and Lounge
•Beats™ Audio studio-quality sound system includes
•Six premium speakers
•8-inch dual voice coil (DVC) subwoofer with trunk mounted enclosure
•Eight-channel 368-watt amplifier with Beats Audio digital sound processing (DSP) algorithm.

There will be a 500T Sport:
http://www.fiatusa.com/en/?pid=Handr...annel=e_direct
http://blog.fiatusa.com/vehicles/int...iat-500-turbo/

A more complete listing of what the car will have is here:

New Fiat 500 Turbo delivers more performance to the lineup
For the driving enthusiast who wants a Fiat 500 Sport with more power and performance, the new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo answers the call with a new 135-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, dynamic styling, sport-tuned suspension, track-proven brakes and unique sport-styled interior.

Behind its performance-designed front fascia, the new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo features a single turbocharger, twin intercoolers and sport-tuned exhaust to deliver 34 percent more power (135 vs. 101 horsepower) and 53 percent more torque (150 vs. 98 lb.-ft.) compared to the Fiat 500’s naturally aspirated 1.4-liter MultiAir engine.

Developed for high-output applications, the Fiat 500 Turbo is paired to the track-proven C510 five-speed manual transmission with a 3.35 final-drive gear ratio for quick acceleration and faster top speed, while achieving up to 34 mpg highway. In addition, the beefed-up powertrain features an intermediate shaft with equal-length and 23 percent larger (28.1 mm vs. 22.8 mm diameter in the Fiat 500) half shafts to mitigate torque steer. To handle the increased power and torque of the new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, larger constant velocity (CV) joints with 53 percent greater torsional strength (2600 N•m vs. 1700 N•m in the Fiat 500) deliver added durability and refinement.

For a more aggressive appearance, the new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo features a pronounced front fascia, pushed 2.7 inches forward of the Cinquecento’s signature “whiskers and logo” face, to accommodate the new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine. Below, larger openings provide greater engine cooling, while twin “nostrils” are precisely positioned on both sides of the front fascia to maximize airflow in and out of the two intercoolers (both intercoolers are visible through the “nostril” inlets). Finishing off the front are new Gloss Black headlamps and parking lamp bezels for a more menacing look.

The Fiat 500 Turbo features bolder side skirts to create a more vertical bodyside profile, while enhancing its iconic Cinquecento shape. Behind the unique 16-inch aluminum wheels with Nero (black) painted pockets, the Fiat 500 Turbo features a high-performance brake system with semi-metallic brake linings at all four corners, larger 11.1-inch ventilated front rotors for greater stopping power (up from 10.1-inch) and brake calipers lacquered in Rosso (red) paint. To make sure this Cinquecento properly handles the more powerful engine, the Fiat 500 Turbo features a unique lower control arm and the 500 Sport model’s sport-tuned spring rates, shock tuning and steering calibration.

At the rear, a liftgate-mounted spoiler extends the roofline of the Fiat 500 Turbo and improves the hatchback’s aerodynamic behavior. New taillamps with Gloss Black bezels replace chromed units for a discrete look. Below, the two-piece rear fascia accentuates the road-holding stance of the Fiat 500 Turbo with a black-accented rear diffuser designed to optimize airflow, while a new sport-tuned exhaust provides an enthusiast-desired sound.

Inside, the new Fiat 500 Turbo features sport-styled seating, sport-designed leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel accented with Argento (silver) stitching and Grigio/Nero (gray/black) seating and interior environment. For an even more upscale look, heated leather seating in Nero/Nero (black/black) or vivid Rosso/Nero (red/black) is available.

Good luck with your search, buy the car you really enjoy, Fiat, Mini, GTI or whatever.

[A.Wilder]

I basically became oddly obsessed with this little car since I saw it and learned it would be coming to the states. It's fairly cheap and have read tons a great reviews on it and would like to hear what some TCL Abarth owners have to say about it. I love just about everything about my GTI 337 and am about to pay it off so it would be nice to not have a car payment anymore but having just recently been able to get a decent-ish job again many repairs have built up due to lack of funds.

While the 337 isn't beat it will be needing some high ticket items addressed in the somewhat near future (turbo, paint, etc) not to mention it would be nice to finally have a car with a warranty and one that won't require much more than a tune up for some time.

Any experiences with the Abarth (performance, daily driveability, etc) are greatly appreciated. Also, how easy would it be to negotiate the price on one of these? I ask because I haven't seen a single one on the streets here in Phoenix so I'm assuming they aren't flying off the showroom floors.

just enjoy having no car payment for a while. at least a year.

[don jaime]

just enjoy having no car payment for a while. at least a year.

I'd like but again I'm sort of worried about reliability issues. This car has had a habit of crapping out on me at the worst times.

[atomicalex]

That ad is very funny. Chrysler marketing is really stepping up!

[CBJ]

....my GTI 337 and am about to pay it off so it would be nice to not have a car payment.....

Wasn't the GTI 337 a 2002 specific model?

[Vanilla_Coke]

I'm guessing the 500T is going to come with the Sport's color palette?

I wouldn't mind rocking this, with a little more oomph.

[SimplyBao]

My brother has an Abarth. I have a MINI Cooper S. I have quite a bit of seat time in his car and it's a riot to drive. The exhaust sounds cool tool. It's completely unexpected for such a small car. That said, the exhaust drone can be a bit much after a while. On the highway it's a little loud, but you don't buy this car for the highway ride.

The 2 minuses for me on his car are the highway ride and the seating position. There is no telescoping wheel. I'm short, 5'6" and my arms aren't long enough to reach the wheel unless the seat sits too close. But, after a while you get used to it. It does feel like you're riding around in a high chair.

He bought his car for a little over $24K. It has every option except the 17" OZ wheels. For that price, I think it's a fantastic little car. If I didn't have my MINI, I'd buy one of these. But then again, I have a soft spot for fun small hatchbacks.

[horsty69]

I have nothing to add but I love them also and they are on my future short list.

[Veakswagon]

The common criticism of the Abarth's seating position is a "feature" that has been on most Italian cars since the 60's. It's based on the little known fact that most Italians are apparentlty built like orangutans with very long arms and short legs

The rest of us are forced to drive with our legs bent and splayed out to the side just so we aren't forced to drive the car straight-armed.

I remember diving a FIAT 124 coupe: my legs were all bent, but the wheel was tilted at an odd angle up: I could only grasp the wheel at the 7 and 5 position otherwise my arms were almosrth straight out. Crazy. Oh but the sound of that car....

[chuckster1]

I drove up next to one at a stop light recently. I rolled down my window to hear the exhaust note. It was fantastic. Totally unexpected from such a small car.

Get it.

[Chris_V]

The common criticism of the Abarth's seating position is a "feature" that has been on most Italian cars since the 60's. It's based on the little known fact that most Italians are apparentlty built like orangutans with very long arms and short legs

The rest of us are forced to drive with our legs bent and splayed out to the side just so we aren't forced to drive the car straight-armed.

I remember diving a FIAT 124 coupe: my legs were all bent, but the wheel was tilted at an odd angle up: I could only grasp the wheel at the 7 and 5 position otherwise my arms were almosrth straight out. Crazy. Oh but the sound of that car....

The Italian Driving Position is based on driving from the bottom of the steering wheel and doing a shuffle steer, so you get funny bus-like steering wheel angles and what seems like long distances to the "normal" part of the steering wheel. And yeah, all my Italian cars have been like that.

[Chris_V]

I've seen plenty of 500s, but not a single Abarth. I guess the boy racer treatment on the Jennifer Lopze-mobile isn't the cat's meow after all. Who knew?

The icing on the cake is the attempt to play off the guido-partying, Jersey Shore appeal? Never before has a car's image been so unappealing. It basically screams out that whoever is driving it is racing home to catch the latest episode of Honey-boo-boo or whatever Jersey shore spinoff is hot this month.

What woud a Fiat 500 thread be without Bonanza and his irrational hatred of the cars? Cmon, dude, did some Italian guy anally rape your grandmother and now you have a blood feud against anything Fiat?

You should realize that all you do is look like a complete moron every time your fingers hit the keyboard.

[mtbscoTT]

I came close to buying an Abarth a few months ago when they first became available. I thought it was a blast to drive and price/value ratio is good. I opted out mainly because my current MINI JCW does everything better, as it should for almost $10K more. If I was buying from scratch again, the Abarth would be on my short list.

I, like a couple others here have noted, just happen to like small, light, quick FWD hatches.

[B3passatBMX]

I have nothing particular to add other than I saw one driving the other day and it sounded incredible. Such a pleasant rumble from a small 4cyl.

[SimplyBao]

I'll just add that if you've never driven one, go drive one. They are a blast to drive. To me, they make the perfect little city car. They are quick and darty. Moving in and out of traffic is a breeze. They aren't "fast", but they feel fast. I like driving slow cars fast rather than fast cars slow. But that's my preference. Because the car is so small, the sensation of speed is crazy.

If I didn't have my MCS, I'd definitely buy one.

[JThw8]

I actually own one. Been living with it for a few weeks and about 1500 miles so far. I commute 140 miles round trip every day with it.

Excellent car, loads of fun when you want it to be, mild mannered driver when you just need to drive.

The folks over on GRM wanted me to do a long term impressions thread (as I did for the 3 years I owned and commuted with a smart car) so it has been started over there if you'd like to see the detailed versions of my impressions thus far.

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/for...s/54194/page1/

[ValveCoverGasket]

I'm guessing the 500T is going to come with the Sport's color palette?

I wouldn't mind rocking this, with a little more oomph.

holy crap that looks awesome with those wheels

[Haring]

I don't have an Abarth but since I spend 2 hours a day sitting in traffic to/from work, I went with the Sport. Not bad for only $17k. I was coming from a 2.0 GTI so power didn't mean much to me. I also didn't want to worry about the turbos breaking down or using 93 octane gas like I had to do with my Passat. I'm not gonna win any races with only 101 HP but then if I had an Abarth I'm sure be on a first name basis with the local police officers. I can't wait to see the Turbo when it comes out. Looks just like the Abarth but since I'm happy with my Sport I doubt it will convince me to upgrade. I've already put an RRM Intake on it and planning on an exhaust.

[don jaime]

Wasn't the GTI 337 a 2002 specific model?

It was, and being limited to only 1500 examples it comes pretty nicely equipped over other MKIV's and also more exclusive.

I'm just curious as to how liveable an Abarth is, say to a modded MKIV GTI. I'm not worried about ride harshness, loudness or droning of the exhaust, or things like that. Those are all things I've grown used to in my current car and I'm not worried about the Abarth not being "fast enough", my GTI isn't exactly a rocket .

It also doesn't look terribly spacious as far as cargo space goes, but people have said that it has more room than a Mini so that's another thing that has me a bit concerned. And to those that have one; how willing are dealers to haggle on the price?

[horsty69]

It was, and being limited to only 1500 examples it comes pretty nicely equipped over other MKIV's and also more exclusive.

I'm just curious as to how liveable an Abarth is, say to a modded MKIV GTI. I'm not worried about ride harshness, loudness or droning of the exhaust, or things like that. Those are all things I've grown used to in my current car and I'm not worried about the Abarth not being "fast enough", my GTI isn't exactly a rocket .

It also doesn't look terribly spacious as far as cargo space goes, but people have said that it has more room than a Mini so that's another thing that has me a bit concerned. And to those that have one; how willing are dealers to haggle on the price?

Im a big Fiat fan and want an Abarth...my wife also has a MINI...I know they say the 500 is larger and some measurements back that up but without any bias I feel like there is way more room in the MINI.

[71DubBugBug]

Have not driven one, but had one take off next to me at a light, and they sound great



there an aftermarket for those engines yet?

[nismo4life]

I test drove a black Abarth about a month ago. I enjoyed it. It was fun, nimble and quirky. Its obviously not the fastest thing in the world, but with a tune it makes some really impressive numbers. The exhaust IS RIDICULOUS. ITS AWESOME and loud, no mufflers from factory like the SRT-4. The steering wheel is imho too thick, and the seating position is a bit awkward because you sit like your sitting at the kitchen table. Other then that, it was fun and I enjoyed it. Check it out you'll probably like it.

[JThw8]

I'm just curious as to how liveable an Abarth is, say to a modded MKIV GTI. I'm not worried about ride harshness, loudness or droning of the exhaust, or things like that. Those are all things I've grown used to in my current car and I'm not worried about the Abarth not being "fast enough", my GTI isn't exactly a rocket .

It also doesn't look terribly spacious as far as cargo space goes, but people have said that it has more room than a Mini so that's another thing that has me a bit concerned. And to those that have one; how willing are dealers to haggle on the price?

It's very liveable. The supposed exhaust drone is not there at speed. Its got a great exhaust note when you romp on it but out on the highway just cruising it's quiet. The ride is not that harsh (IMO) either. Certainly not cushy like some cars but its European car stiff not slammed on coil overs stiff.

Not sure if it has more room than the mini, I dont carry passengers, and I survived with a smart car for 3 years so the cargo capacity is more than adequate for my needs.

Dealers haggling is really dependent on your area, high demand areas are still getting a "market adjustment" on them but some other areas (and I think AZ falls in this group) are starting to come off MSRP a bit. I got mine for $1000 under MSRP in an area that is still charging the market adjustment due to a dealer error, props to the dealer for standing by the mistake and giving me the price anyway.

Have not driven one, but had one take off next to me at a light, and they sound great

there an aftermarket for those engines yet?

Yes and its growing, right now there are 2 options for piggyback computers which have dynoed at the wheels around 190hp and 210 lb ft of torque. With a CAI and different exhaust one retailer was able to get their shop car to dyno at 201.

Remember this car has been out in europe for awhile so alot of their aftermarket is being imported already but some US model specific stuff is starting to come out now as well.

I'm just waiting like a vulture for a few to hit the junkyard, I really want to put this drivetrain in my Yugo