2019 Fiat 500 Abarth
Starting at $21,790 est
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Overview
The tiny 500 goes from pipsqueak to badass as the hot-rod Abarth, the heart of which is a raucous 160-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. A coupe or sliding-canvas soft top are both available, though in open-air form it can get a little pricey. Still, the Abarth is a special car with a ton of charisma.
Engine, Ride, and Handling
A five-speed manual is standard; a six-speed automatic is optional. The exhaust note is addictive, and a lowered suspension gives the Abarth handling as feisty as its styling. When we tested a convertible model with the automatic transmission in 2015, it zipped to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. Handling is sharp and sporty but the ride is downright punishing on broken stretches of pavement.
Interior and Technology
With an interior that's tight for two and a real pinch for three or four, the 500 Abarth shouldn't be the choice for those with a need to haul passengers; those who do should look at the Volkswagen Golf GTI or the Honda Civic Si. The driving position won't suit everyone and the steering wheel adjusts for tilt but doesn't telescope. Sitting atop the 500 range means that the Abarth comes standard with a lot of equipment, including a 5.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, rear parking sensors, a digital gauge display, and racy aluminum covers for the pedals. Automatic climate control, heated front seats, SiriusXM satellite radio, leather upholstery, in-dash navigation, and a sunroof are all optional features.
