Fiat’s smallest model gets more standard power for 2018 as this tiny two-door drops last year’s entry-level engine in favour of the turbo motor that was formerly an extra-cost option.
That means performance ratings of 135 hp and 150 lb-ft, increases of 34 and 53, respectively, over the 2017 model’s naturally aspirated engine.
The move to an all-turbo lineup addresses one of our key complaints about this car: the old base engine lacked personality, but the sportier Abarth is a bit much for daily driving.
By the way, the Abarth uses the same 1.4L turbo engine, but tuned for 160 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, impressive figures for a car this little.
Surprisingly enough given industry trends, a manual transmission remains the standard means of getting that power to the road, while a six-speed auto is an option.
Regardless of whether you choose a regular model or the Abarth, the Fiat 500 is about a different kind of performance than the Mini Cooper. That BMW-made subcompact is a better handler and, in Cooper S and JCW versions, offers more refinement in the way it puts its power down.
That said, the 500 arguably boasts more personality than some other subcompacts, like the Chevrolet Spark and Mitsubishi Mirage.
Other additions to this year’s list of standard kit include 16-inch alloy wheels, “performance” brakes and suspension, body-colour fascia and side skirts, fog lights, spoiler, air conditioning and a 7.0-inch touchscreen to access the 500’s Uconnect infotainment system.
Among traits carried over is this diminutive car’s charming retro styling and its tiny interior. The 500 may have a back seat, but it is only nominally a four-seater. For most purposes, you’re better off folding the rear seatbacks down to expand the also-tiny trunk.
Standard features in Pop trim include body-colour instrument panel trim, electronic vehicle information centre, front floor mats and reading lights, leather-trimmed steering wheel, air conditioning, Uconnect infotainment with 7.0-inch touchscreen, media centre with auxiliary input and two USB ports, power windows and locks, tilt steering, 50/50 split-folding rear seat, sun visors with vanity mirrors, halogen projector headlights, rear window wiper/washer, 16-inch alloy wheels, engine block heater, keyless entry and tire pressure monitoring and a tire service kit.
Move up to Lounge trim to add a 7.0-inch customizable gauge cluster display, automatic temperature control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, chrome shifter, heated and power-adjustable side mirrors in chrome housings, fog lights, panoramic glass roof, premium audio system with satellite radio, passenger assist handle, leather-faced seats and heated front seats.
Beyond its more potent engine, Abarth trim brings performance-tuned suspension and brakes with red calipers, 16-inch wheels, unique body trim and badging, performance front bucket seats with racing harness pass-through, flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminum pedal covers, cruise control and three-mode stability control system.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
