The 2019 Fiat 500 Abarth is more than just an economy micro-mini hatchback — it’s actually a finely-tuned performance machine at a price that even the most cost-conscious of us can be comfortable paying. While no Fiat is ideal for anyone larger than your slightly-less-than-average driver, the Abarth is a fun, forceful little zipper of a compact, loaded with Italian performance, though this leaves less room for anything else!
A Big Growl from a Little Guy
The 2019 Abarth seems small enough to pick up and put in your pocket, but this little Fiat’s got some serious power under the hood pushing its diminutive frame. Its turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4 engine throws out an impressive horsepower, more than enough to send this little guy screaming. The 183 foot-pounds of torque provide some nice power, especially in a micro-compact this small, and combining it with a standard five-speed manual transmission for the most fun in a Fiat you can have with your clothes on.
Performance at speed is nimble with the 2019 Abarth, especially because most of the weight of the vehicle is over its front wheels. This makes cornering a breeze, providing lots of grip for high-speed maneuvering while countering any understeer. Altogether, there’s little in the 2019 Fiat’s Abarth performance trim package that doesn’t contribute to excellent performance.
Not Quite a Clown Car
Inside, the 2019 Abarth isn’t exactly roomy, but you won’t feel quite so cramped as to have your knees up around your ears, either. Despite that, this Fiat is designed primarily around performance and price, and as a result, some of the interior features are a bit on the less-comfortable or functional side. That being said, the 2019 Abarth still offers high-back sport seats, a 5-inch touchscreen display, and up to 26.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats tucked down.
Some of these interior features can be upgraded, like an optional navigation package and the available SYNC 3 infotainment system. Yet overall, the Fiat Abarth is geared towards providing excitement and performance on the road, and everything within and without this pint-sized powerhouse delivers that in a big way. Combine that with an MSRP of around $20,000, this hot hatch has it going on for speed and performance enthusiasts looking to get their track experience on a budget.
