Photo: Jeffrey Ross
The 2015 Fiat 500C Abarth model is the same version that was sold in Europe nearly 7 years ago. Sure, it has a little more power in its US version but overall, it’s the same car. That doesn’t mean we didn’t have fun while reviewing it though.
As a matter of fact, the one word that could describe our experience overall is ‘fun’ but then again, the Abarth version of the 500C is more than that.
Fortunately (for enthusiasts alone) the car is still coming fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox and that really brings out the sporty character of the 500. Fiat promised that it would deliver a 6-speed automatic as well but so far nothing of the sort arrived across the ocean.
As for us, we prefer it that way and we kind-of know what we’re talking about. This is the third time we’re testing a Fiat based on this platform after the conventional version without the retracting roof and the 695 Edizione Maserati. We still can’t get enough of the car though.
The 1.4-liter 160 HP engine under the bonnet gets the job done just right. After all, the convertible weighs barely a little over 1 ton and that’s plenty of power. What makes you go wild is the exhaust though.
We found that waiting at red lights gets a lot better with this car as the exhaust popping and revving will get your adrenaline levels going. Of course, that will also affect your fuel ratings but hey, you can’t have it both ways.
There are also shortcomings, the biggest one being the rear bench that doesn’t offer that much space compared to other cars. On the other hand, if you’re looking at this segment alone, it’s rather impressive.
All things considered, the biggest flaw of this Abarth creation is its price tag. At nearly $30,000 it’s just too much, considering what other models you can get for this kind of money. Don’t worry though, we’ve told you all about it in our full 2015 Fiat Abarth 500C review.
Fortunately (for enthusiasts alone) the car is still coming fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox and that really brings out the sporty character of the 500. Fiat promised that it would deliver a 6-speed automatic as well but so far nothing of the sort arrived across the ocean.
As for us, we prefer it that way and we kind-of know what we’re talking about. This is the third time we’re testing a Fiat based on this platform after the conventional version without the retracting roof and the 695 Edizione Maserati. We still can’t get enough of the car though.
The 1.4-liter 160 HP engine under the bonnet gets the job done just right. After all, the convertible weighs barely a little over 1 ton and that’s plenty of power. What makes you go wild is the exhaust though.
We found that waiting at red lights gets a lot better with this car as the exhaust popping and revving will get your adrenaline levels going. Of course, that will also affect your fuel ratings but hey, you can’t have it both ways.
There are also shortcomings, the biggest one being the rear bench that doesn’t offer that much space compared to other cars. On the other hand, if you’re looking at this segment alone, it’s rather impressive.
All things considered, the biggest flaw of this Abarth creation is its price tag. At nearly $30,000 it’s just too much, considering what other models you can get for this kind of money. Don’t worry though, we’ve told you all about it in our full 2015 Fiat Abarth 500C review.
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