It’s a tight and hot engine compartment. The engine’s increased heat generation and track role called for the use of an oil cooler, synthetic oil, and shorter oil change intervals. A “Sport” button on the dash unleashes the engine’s full power, and quickens the steering.
Fuel economy? Yes there is some. Fiat Canada figures 7.1 L/100 km city and 5.7 L/100 km highway.
Best steering wheel
The highlight of the interior makeover is the leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel. It looks and feels just about perfect. A welcome addition is the analog turbo-boost gauge, thought it’s a bit hidden away.
Throughout the cabin you’ll find requisite red-themed appointments. The contoured seats fitted me well, though some journalists wished for more lateral support during aggressive track maneuvers.
Going, Going, Gone
Almost forgot… Fiat 500 Abarth is also a road car. For a car intended for some track work, the Abarth will not beat you up on the daily grind, though some road noise and the exhaust wail will certainly not let you forget about its edgier side.
It’s not for everyone, but that’s hardly a worry for Fiat Canada. They’re more worried about how many units they can get their hands on. “We’ll sell everyone we can get,” says Ed Broadbear, VP of Marketing, Chrysler Canada. He half-jokingly added that he’s got his fingers crossed that the Abarth flops in U.S., so more units can be diverted north.
He’s already heard from many Canadian customers who got it bad for Abarth and can’t wait to get their hands on one. Its potential for future cult status has already been noted by Hagerty Insurance, who included the Fiat Abarth 500 on its current list of “Future Collector Cars Under $100,000.”
Fuel economy? Yes there is some. Fiat Canada figures 7.1 L/100 km city and 5.7 L/100 km highway.
Best steering wheel
The highlight of the interior makeover is the leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel. It looks and feels just about perfect. A welcome addition is the analog turbo-boost gauge, thought it’s a bit hidden away.
Throughout the cabin you’ll find requisite red-themed appointments. The contoured seats fitted me well, though some journalists wished for more lateral support during aggressive track maneuvers.
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| The highlight of the interior makeover is the leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |
Going, Going, Gone
Almost forgot… Fiat 500 Abarth is also a road car. For a car intended for some track work, the Abarth will not beat you up on the daily grind, though some road noise and the exhaust wail will certainly not let you forget about its edgier side.
It’s not for everyone, but that’s hardly a worry for Fiat Canada. They’re more worried about how many units they can get their hands on. “We’ll sell everyone we can get,” says Ed Broadbear, VP of Marketing, Chrysler Canada. He half-jokingly added that he’s got his fingers crossed that the Abarth flops in U.S., so more units can be diverted north.
He’s already heard from many Canadian customers who got it bad for Abarth and can’t wait to get their hands on one. Its potential for future cult status has already been noted by Hagerty Insurance, who included the Fiat Abarth 500 on its current list of “Future Collector Cars Under $100,000.”
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