2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Review: Pocket Rocket (Con Brio!)

Originally published June 2012.

Milan, Italy — It was an authentic Italian experience on par with sipping wine and eating pasta under a Tuscan sun: I was circumnavigating the shimmering beauty that is Lake Como from behind the wheel of a 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth, one of the higher-performing versions of the iconic little car that was reintroduced to the motoring public in 2007.

Fiat 500 Abarth 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in about 7.1 seconds

This test drive was arranged in anticipation of the 500’s debut in this country—which took place last year. The Italian Abarth was powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder that produced 135 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque; the Canadian 500 was, at that point, a “turbo-less” version of said engine that generated 101 horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque.

The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth, a sportier version of the Fiat 500, is known for its peppy performance. It has an approximate 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration time of about 7.1 to 7.2 seconds when equipped with a manual transmission. Keep in mind that this time can vary slightly depending on factors such as road conditions and the driver’s skill, but it gives you a good idea of the car’s acceleration capabilities.

Driving Impressions

This is a big difference to be sure, but the surprising thing about the naturally aspirated 500 is that it still felt peppy during a sweltering week driving in and around the GTA. The key to this engaging subcompact is that—while it’s significantly bigger than the original Cinquecento Nuova that was offered from 1957-77—it’s still a very small car that weighs in at less than 1,000 kg.

The Abarth is a genuine pocket rocket, to be sure. With sport mode engaged, engine torque jumps to 152 lb-ft and the car produces enough punch to spin the front wheels at stoplights. The top speed for the car is rated at 205 km/h, decent for a city car if somewhat unspectacular compared to just about anything else on the road these days. By and large, though, the experience of driving the Fiat 500 Abarth was fantastic.

Sure, the steering was a bit imprecise, the shifter on the 5-speed manual was somewhat slack, there was an annoying rattle in the back and the turning circle was disconcertingly large. But all of this mattered little because the little car was simply a blast to pilot around the tiny, twisty roads that encircled the lake. Even when the weather gods conspired against me for a few brief moments, the Fiat displayed surprising refinement in dealing with the slick conditions.

Earlier this year, I secured a return engagement with the Abarth: During a trip this spring to Arizona, I drove the U.S. spec version of the higher-performing Fiat and it again proved to be a revelation. No, the Fiat is not an incredibly fast machine, but it offers spirited performance, a raspy exhaust note, and acres of style. Che bella macchina!

The Abarth is a genuine pocket rocket, to be sure. With sport mode engaged, engine torque jumps to 152 lb-ft and the car produces enough punch to spin the front wheels at stoplights.

Back home in Toronto, the 2012 Fiat 500 provoked more enjoyment. This car, built for the North American market in Mexico, had none of the quality control issues I experienced during my Italian renaissance. There were no rattles, the steering seemed more direct and, apart from some reluctance to go into reverse, the 5-speed manual was a distinct pleasure.

Fiat 500 Abarth Interior

For all the modernization that has taken place, the new Fiat 500 remains a very small car. The back seat is roomy enough for children—or adults with inherent bendiness—so the car is better described as a 2+2 instead of a true 4-seater. Due to its pleasingly round shape, though, headroom for front-seat passengers is solid, and visibility is equally as good. The cargo area is tiny at only 185 litres, but the back seats fold down to create space for a shopping run or two.

As befits a modern car with a decidedly premium sheen, the Fiat comes equipped with the kind of technology that people could not even imagine when the original 500 first appeared, including ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution and stability control. But the appeal of the Fiat 500 does not derive from such mundane considerations as airbags or cargo hooks—it’s all about image.

The 500 Abarth has a funky cabin that includes sports seats, aluminum pedals with rubber inserts, a chunky steering wheel, and a leather-covered shifter and handbrake lever. The gauge set is impressive, too, with an analog turbo pressure dial the icing on what is a very tasty cake.

The 500 tested in Canada—the top-of-the-line Lounge edition—featured the same basic gauge set (minus the boost meter), a body-colour dashboard, and leather for the seats, steering wheel, and shift knob. All in all, it was very slick as well.

Driving all three versions of the new Fiat 500 proved one thing: Despite a lingering affection for oversized vehicles in certain parts, there will never be too many small, fun, and fuel-efficient cars in this world—in fact, they’re needed more than ever right now. With fuel prices as uncertain as ever, the thought of 6.7 L/100 km in the city and 5.1L/100 km on the highway has a nice ring to it.

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Images