Abarth 500
The Fiat 500 is already one of the most stylish superminis money can buy, but the Abarth version takes this to a new level. Featuring a distinctive bodykit, larger wheels and aggressive scorpion badges, the Abarth 500 looks great, and thanks to a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine it has the power to match. Steering is very direct and body roll is minimal, making the Abarth fun to drive. However, the ride is very firm and Abarth cars are only available through a limited network of dealers. An Esseesse kit is available which boosts power further, and adds stiffer suspension and more powerful brakes.
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Pros:
- Eye-catching sporty looks
- Sharp handling
- Cheap to run
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Cons:
- Rock-hard suspension
- Limited interior space
- Flagship Esseesse version is expensive
The Abarth 500 is a more focused performance version of Fiat's hugely popular city car, and despite its small dimensions, its 1.4-litre turbocharged engine makes it seriously quick. It's also one of the best looking, charismatic small cars money can buy, but watch out for the price... If you go wild with the optional extras, the car can quickly become expensive - even when compared to rivals like the MINI Cooper S and Citroen DS3.
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Pros:
- Distinctive looks, especially with two-tone paint
- Sharp handling not compromised by loss of roof
- Open-air thrills
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Cons:
- Options can bump up the price
- Rock-hard suspension
- Not a full convertible
There's nothing quite like the Abarth 500C. It has more power than the standard Abarth 500, and gets its own unique colour options, too. The folding roof is the same as that found on the Fiat 500C, so you get a length of fabric in place of a metal roof, while the rest of the bodywork is the same as the 500 hatchback's.
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