2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Review: How is it?

Courtesy of YNN/ Time Warner Cable
Aired: 4/19/2012

If you’re in the market for a sub-compact car that gets great fuel economy, the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is small but wicked. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a closer look.

The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is a great little car that gets great fuel economy with great performance.

Make/ Model — 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
MPG — 28 city/34 hwy mpg
Engine — 1.4L 4-cyl. Multi-Air Turbo with 160 hp and 170 ft./lbs. of torque which gives a zippy feeling.
Transmissions
•Manual Transmission
Price — starts at $22,000 my test car $26,900

The Abarth name harks back to legendary tuner Karl Abarth. He was a Scorpio and the scorpion is his logo. His work and history with Fiat on Italian racecars like the 500 earned his vehicles the description “small but wicked.” Abarth had great success in racing internationally. This 2012 500 Abarth fits the bill too.

My test drive Abarth was Bianco with Rosso and Nero leather performance seats that rode on 17″ wheels. Abarth forged aluminum wheels with sticky Pirelli PZero tires. The ride was performance oriented with Koni shocks and a tighter ride then a small economy car, which gave it great handling on the street and on the track if you choose to try it there.

When the Sport mode switch is engaged there was a noticeable increase in power, torque, turbo boost and steering responsiveness. With a 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds, this cars meets expectations.

Competes with:
•Mini Cooper
•Volkswagen GTi

Likes:
•Genuinely fun-to-drive
•Athletic styling
•Excellent fuel economy
•Surprisingly spacious for two people

Dislikes:
•The seating position needs a telescoping steering wheel.
•Small

The new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is more than just stylized scorpion badges, it has a unique look that is a head turner, sounds great and a blast to drive. If you’re looking for fuel-economy performance and a head turner, the Abarth fits that need.

Visit www.fiatusa.com for more information.