2019 Fiat 500 Abarth

The Fiat 500 Abarth is the performance-based variation of the 500 range, where a turbocharged and intercooled version of the 1.4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine is utilized and mechanicals such as the suspension, brakes and exhaust system are tuned for the track. That being said, the 500 Abarth still makes for a decent daily commuter, offering fun street-legal go-kart-like driving dynamics in a two-door compact hatchback that exudes retro-Italian flair. For an attractive performance-based vehicle the 500 Abarth is reasonably affordable, with an MSRP of $20,495 it falls into a pricing range marginally cheaper than most of its rivals, though offers less in practicality and functionality in comparison too. With its compact nature comes both advantages and disadvantages, the question is whether the 500 Abarth will offer more to the everyday driver, or the track-day enthusiast.

Starting at a base MSRP of $20,495 the Fiat 500 Abarth is an affordable performance-oriented hatchback that packs a whole lot of fun in retro-Italian style. That's excluding tax, registration, licensing, and Fiat's $1,495 destination charge. Its MSRP is reasonable, placing it in a similar pricing range with the larger and heavier Ford Fiesta ST and around $5,000 cheaper than the Mini Cooper S.

As can be expected from a lightweight compact hatchback the 500 Abarth excels at handling and maneuverability in most driving situations. It's a nimble hatchback that can maneuver its way through high traffic streets comfortably and fit into even the most difficult parking spots. At both slow and higher speeds, the steering is somewhat communicative, giving decent road-feel and feedback with ample weight, just enough to comfortably know the position of the car. The 16-inch wheels supply admirable grip and the brakes are tuned exceptionally with use through turns, mitigating the 500's inherent inclination to understeer at the limit.

The Sport Mode, standard on Fiat 500 models, boosts performance up a notch with more precise steering and sharpened shift points, making the 500 Abarth a worthy track car on top of being a near perfected city-mobile. Abarth also boasts three-mode Electronic Stability Control for further advanced control at the limit. Through the sporty sounds, sensations, and responses that the turbo engine and performance-tuned mechanics elicit, the Abarth is experienced as a truly fun, cheeky and one-of-a-kind boutique vehicle.

Depending on what you're looking for the Fiat 500 Abarth could be either a great car or completely otherwise. For the enthusiast that would like to own a Fiat icon, the 500 Abarth is just that, a charming little vehicle that pays homage to its former racing life, ushering heritage and age-old character in the form of its modern self. It's a street-legal go-cart, not a race-car, but begs to be pushed hard with its punchy turbocharged engine and an exhaust note that'll leave you smiling, while still being a decent daily commuter. But, considering its gravely limited interior space and minimal comfort the 500 Abarth is no functional class-leader or family appeaser. It's also not particularly accomplished when it comes to handling and performance, thriving on the theater of noise and the amplified feeling of speed rather than capability of such.

Every moment behind the wheel leaves you smiling, but there are hot hatches out there who provide more fun, greater capability, and more practicality. For those after a true performance package, you'd be better off looking at the larger Ford Fiesta ST, perhaps.

Fiat offers the 500 Abarth as a standalone performance model, as it is, with no other trim options. So your decision will be based on whether you'd appreciate owning a Fiat icon as an enthusiast or for the fun of the drive - both of which the Abarth has in abundance over the standard 500 offering. Either way, the Fiat 500 Abarth is a one-of-a-kind. With limited options, we'd recommend the addition of the $895 Popular Equipment Package, as well as the Adventure package for the improved audio system.

The 2019 Ford Fiesta ST is similarly priced to the 500 Abarth, with an MSRP of $21,340, however, it's slightly more powerful, holds greater torque, and seats five. The Fiesta ST also shares identical safety scores by the NHTSA but does offer a little more safety features than the Abarth, such as the MyKey parental controls which allows the owner to set driving parameters for secondary drivers. Compared to the Abarth's 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, the ST's larger 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine is incrementally slower, reaching zero to sixty mph in 7.1 seconds. With the four doors on the ST and larger trunk, the ST may present more practicality than the Abarth, though comfort and ride quality remain similar. The Fiesta ST, however, is a more complete driver's tool, punching way above its weight dynamically, which is why we recommend it over the 500 Abarth.

The Mini Cooper S is more expensive than the 500 Abarth but does however deliver on value for that money increase. Where Mini Coopers have always excelled is in the high standard of quality, which is carried throughout, from the interior features to the performance specs. In comparison to the Abarth, the Mini Cooper offers superior interior materials and quality standard infotainment tech. The larger 2.0-liter turbocharged engine offers greater power with 189 horsepower, having the Mini sprint from zero to sixty in 6.7 seconds, not much faster than the 500 Abarth and also experiences some turbo-lag and is less fuel economical. When it comes to deciding here, a decision based on comfort will fall towards the Mini Cooper S, which also offers more trunk and cargo space, whereas a decision based on driving fun and hot-hatchery performance will highlight the 500 Abarth as the choice that offers more for a better price.