Abarth, the Italian carmaker that specialises in giving Fiats a racing edge, is all about attitude. The company’s logo depicts a scorpion and a recent American commercial for the Fiat 500 Abarth featured Charlie Sheen. Yes, that Charlie Sheen. The ad opens with the racy-looking car speeding through a mansion while a party is in full swing. When it finally screeches to a halt, the “troubled actor”, as he is now officially known, pops out wearing an ankle monitor.
“I love being under house arrest,” he says, before asking a tall brunette: “What do I get for good behaviour?” Less media coverage is one possible answer to that question, but before the house-guest can reply, the ad slogan appears: “Not all bad boys are created equal.”
“Charlie Sheen personifies the edgy and fun attributes of the Fiat 500 Abarth,” says Olivier Francois, Fiat’s head of branding. Road safety advocates will be concerned about this partnership, given how Sheen likes to refuel, but hey, as he himself once put it: “That’s how I roll. And if it’s too gnarly for people, then buh-bye.”
“Gnarly” is a good term to describe the Fiat 500 Abarth and 500C, the convertible version. Thanks to a 133bhp, 1.4 litre turbocharged engine, both models are a buzz to drive and arguably represent the most thrills you can get for your money from a mainstream car without risking your licence.
Both models are not new as such, but there are significant developments that warrant attention. Abarth, while linked to Fiat, is a standalone brand. Until recently, buying one of its cars here has involved importing it from Northern Ireland or maybe Britain, but not any more. The country is about to get its first Abarth outlet this summer when a new dealership opens at Agnelli House, Fiat’s headquarters on Dublin’s Naas Road.
Advertisement
Irish buyers will be able to test-drive the Abarth and will also have the option of specialist aftercare, should they wish. When the 500 and 500C were launched in 2008, the former came with the option of a manual. The 500C was fitted with a paddle-shift automatic transmission only, annoying purists and adding about ¤1,500 to the price. A manual 500C, however, became available late last year and the car pictured here is one of the first examples to arrive in Ireland.
Fiat doesn’t have official prices yet. The 500 is likely to be around €24,000 and the 500C somewhere close to €26,000. Neither is cheap, but then these are performance cars, with added aggression, mechanical tweaks and more radical styling.
The 500C on test might look cute, but it packs the venom to match its sporting detail. It isn’t blindingly fast or totally chuckable, yet it’s a hoot to drive and induces plenty of grinning. The engine sound and throttle response are fantastic. The manual gearbox, although not as sharp as you would like, makes the engine’s potential that bit more usable. Get the revs right at certain shifts and it will even give a tasty “pop” before firing on. Handling is good, although there is slight body roll and steering feedback is somewhat limited. The suspension is bone-rattlingly hard which, on rough backroads, can cause a loss of composure that makes the car tricky to drive. The driving position could also be better.
Potential buyers should note space is limited. The car has a small boot and the sports seats take up much of the room inside. They should also be aware that Fiat’s projected pricing means both models only slightly undercut the Mini Cooper S and Cooper S convertible. The Mini is a very competent car with a loyal following and the smaller, albeit sparky, Fiat could struggle in comparison tests.
Overall though, this a cracking little car. Pocket rockets are not for everyone, but are loved by many. Drive the 500C Abarth and you’ll discover why.
Advertisement
Fiat 500C Abarth
ENGINE 1368cc, 4 cylinders
POWER 133bhp @ 5500rpm
TORQUE 152 lb ft @2000rpm
TRANSMISSION 5-speed manual
Advertisement
ACCELERATION 0-62mph: 7.9sec
TOP SPEED 127mph
FUEL 43.4mpg
CO2 155 g/km
ROAD TAXBAND C (€330)
Advertisement
PRICE €26,000
RELEASE DATE On sale now