Fiat Launches RHD Abarth 500C in the UK

Fiat has just announced that it has brought the Abarth 500C model to the UK.

The right hand drive version of the microscopic open-top hot hatch uses a 1.4 liter turbocharged engine that produces 140 hp and 206 Nm of torque (these are available from 2,000 rpm in order to offer a good drivability). The unit is mated to a manual automated transmission called Abarth Competizione.

The UK’s roads will see the Abarth accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 8.1 seconds, while the country’s racetracks will see the vehicle reach a top speed of 128 mph.

Thanks to its size, the vehicle manages to keep the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions at a decent level, returning a fuel economy of 43.5 mpg, while emitting 151 grams of CO2 per km (the figures are offered for the combined driving cycle).

The braking power is provided by a system that uses four rotors, with a 284mm for the front axle and 240 for the rear one.

One of the best toys for the open-top subcompact rocket’s drivers has to be the sport button that, once pushed, sharpens the gear changes, engine response and the Dualdrive steering.

“Abarth’s hard-top version of the 500 has caught the imagination of drivers everywhere and helped cement the return of Abarth to the publicconsciousness. By thoroughly re-engineering the soft-top 500C, Abarth is planning to attract an entirely new audience to the attributes of the resurgent brand, broadening that appeal and encouraging discerning and confident females to enter the world of Abarth,” stated the press release.

The Abarth 500c has a starting price of 17,500 pounds (OTR).