I Have One Of These For The Next Week

"Patrick George" (pgeorge)
08/08/2013 at 11:58 • Filed to: Fiat 500 Abarth, Fiat 500

It's a Fiat 500c Abarth, and it's very difficult to drive like a sensible person.

I don't see myself putting down the top all that much because I'm in Texas at the moment and it's hot as hell (I know, who goes to Texas in August, right?) but the car is obscenely fun. And loud. Very, very loud and fun. Did I mention it was fun? Also loud.

Full review coming soon, but in the meantime, I'd be happy answer any questions you might have about it.

DISCUSSION (19)

CalzoneGolem > Patrick George
08/08/2013 at 11:58

I can't get over how tall these are.

twinturbobmw > Patrick George
08/08/2013 at 11:59

Wait...wait, your driving a Fiat in Texas and you haven't been run over yet?

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > Patrick George
08/08/2013 at 12:00

Even the little Pop version like mine, in sport mode makes you want to drive...enthusiastically. Welcome to the club, Patrick.

twinturbobmw > Patrick George
08/08/2013 at 12:01

Have you driven the hardtop as well. If so, how is it compared to that?

Alex Murel > Patrick George
08/08/2013 at 12:04

Hey, Texas in August is a wonderful time. To stay indoors. Until college football starts at least.

SuperChargerHeaven Live in USA > Patrick George
08/08/2013 at 12:06

What engine is in it now?

And do you know how it compares to the ESSESSE version?

I recently saw a couple ESSESSE in Japan. They had a lot more "flair".

Patrick George > twinturbobmw
08/08/2013 at 12:06

I've only had it since last night. Give it time. Actually, the car doesn't feel small on the road, and like a sportbike, its exhaust makes it hard to miss.

Patrick George > twinturbobmw
08/08/2013 at 12:07

I drove the hardtop and the cabrio briefly back to back on the Fiat 500L drive. They felt awfully similar to me. The hardtop version actually seemed a bit louder, if you can believe it, but I may be mistaken.

SuperChargerHeaven Live in USA > SuperChargerHeaven Live in USA
08/08/2013 at 12:07

Kinja'd!!!

Or maybe not...

Patrick George > Alex Murel
08/08/2013 at 12:08

Oh yeah, it's great if you never go outside. And if you do, make sure it's to a swimming pool.

twinturbobmw > SuperChargerHeaven Live in USA
08/08/2013 at 12:08

In the US we only get the "essesse" version. The normal Abarth is the 500 turbo. So 1.4 Turbo- 160hp.

J. Walter Weatherman > Patrick George
08/08/2013 at 12:12

Nice! My wife is actually considering one of these right now (well, to be honest, she has only expressed interest in the base 500, I am the one trying to convince her to go for the Abarth). I have a number of questions, but, for your sake, will limit them to just a few:

(1) Back seats - useable at all?

(2) I have heard complaints about ergonomics - your thoughts?

(3) Aside from your natural car-guy urges to drive it hard, can it be driven in a civilized fashion around town, or is it pretty high-strung? (She currently drives a GTI, which is nice because it can be quite civilized when you want it to be).

Thanks! Can't wait for the full review!

Shane Moore > Patrick George
08/08/2013 at 12:13

Watch your head on the side pillars. I don't know if they are enlarged or lower because of the top but I seem to hit it every time I got in and out of the C. Other than that it is a blast, especially with some lift-off oversteer.

Patrick George > twinturbobmw
08/08/2013 at 12:13

As I understand it, it's a different motor than the EsseEsse version from Europe, but they put out similar HP numbers. It's a 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo four with 160 hp and 170 pound-feet of torque.

Patrick George > J. Walter Weatherman
08/08/2013 at 12:16

1. I was able to put them down and cram a surprising amount of luggage in the car. As for sitting in the backseat, let me get back to you on that.

2. The switches are a little confusingly laid out, and some things have odd placements, like seat levers on the right side. It's not nearly as bad as a Mini Cooper, though. It's just quirky.

3. Yeah, it can definitely be driven in civilized fashion. You always hear that raucous exhaust sound, and that's what pushes you to drive like you're being chased by the cops. A GTI is quite a bit more refined.

minardi > twinturbobmw
08/08/2013 at 12:21

In the US you get the Abarth 160 HP Turbo. The 500T is a Fiat 500 with a turbo and a few improvements. The Euro Abarth has about 140 HP while the Essesse kit brings it to the specs of the US Abarth

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Patrick George
08/08/2013 at 12:35

Have you drag raced any bro-trucks with it yet?

Patrick George > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
08/08/2013 at 12:36

It's on my weekend to-do list.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Patrick George
08/08/2013 at 12:37

Dash cam it up, please?