Search

Fiat 500 Abarth 1.4 Turbo Esseesse road test report

Abarth 1.4 Turbo Esseesse

Fiat’s new 500 is about the cutest and most desirable city car on sale. Following the re-launch of the famous Italian tuning brand in 2008, this even newer Abarth version is no cuter, but for keen drivers and committed petrolheads the ‘small but wicked’ 500 could prove utterly irresistible.

Road Test Reports Says 4.5 star rating
A front-facing image of the Fiat 500 Abarth 1.4 Turbo Esseesse

Print

Image number 2 of the Fiat 500 Abarth 1.4 Turbo Esseesse Image number 3 of the Fiat 500 Abarth 1.4 Turbo Esseesse Image number 4 of the Fiat 500 Abarth 1.4 Turbo Esseesse
TOM SAYS

Performance Performance - 5 stars

The most powerful Fiat 500, the 113mph 1.4, makes 100bhp. The turbocharged Abarth 500 makes 135bhp and so can hit 62mph from zero in 7.9 secs and reach 128mph. Or, for an extra £2,500, you can have your Abarth dealer fit an Esseesse (SS) kit, part of which will see bhp rise to 160 with 0-62 in 7.4 and a 131mph top speed. On the road the standard Abarth 500 has a crisp exhaust note and can provide speed and thrills aplenty. Also, both have generous torque low rpm which ensures that you rarely have to scream the motor to make genuinely rapid progress.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 5 stars

If you want a comfy ride, then you’ll be much happier with a Fiat, rather than an Abarth 500. The Abarth’s low profile tyres, lowered ride height and stiff suspension are all designed and tuned for a distinctly sporting driving style, and the Esseesse even more so. However, because both versions are so grippy, responsive and such fun to drive swiftly, their firm ride can’t be held against them. Hard drivers will be pleased to learn that the car’s electronic TTC (Torque Transfer Control) system acts like a limited-slip diff, and so effectively reduces understeer and helps the car ‘dig in’ and turn even more tightly.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 5 stars

In order to squeeze a turbocharger into such a small space, Abarth engineers had to slightly lengthen the 500’s nose section. But anyone concerned about the possible detrimental effects on reliability of such significant increases in horsepower should worry not, not least because an ‘Assetto Corse’ racing version makes a reliable 190bhp. Engine considerations aside, the Abarth 500, like the Fiat which spawned it, is built and finished to an impeccable standard throughout, with attractive, high-quality materials and exquisite detailing both inside and out.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 4 stars

Although the Abarth 500 hasn’t been subjected to the EuroNCAP crash test treatment, the effectively identical Fiat 500 won the full five stars for occupant protection (along with three for child and two for pedestrian protection). It could easily be argued that, given the same driving style, the Abarth is actually safer still due to its beefier, ventilated disc brakes, grippier tyres and more sophisticated chassis electronics – ESP is standard, as is the new Abarth-only TTC system. The Abarth also boasts seven airbags, remote central locking, a locking filler cap and an immobiliser. (An alarm is a dealer-fit option.)

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 4 stars

As you would expect, this is pretty much as per the Fiat 500, which is to say that it’s cosy in the front and even cosier in the rear, although for the first time I actually went for a short ride in the rear of an Abarth 500 and was surprised at how much room there was. Okay, I wouldn’t want to go too far as a rear seat passenger, but the 500 is a lot roomier in the back than it looks. Boot space is quoted at a decent-enough 185-litres minimum (same as the Fiat), although the 50/50 split, or optional split/fold rear seats can obviously increase that figure significantly.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 4 stars

Fuel consumption is 43.4mpg combined with CO2 emissions at 155g/km for both the standard Abarth and the Esseesse-kitted version. Insurance is group 13U for the standard car and 14U for the Esseesse. Totting everything up on the options list could mean adding almost £3,500 to the £13,600 otr price. Throw in that £2,500 for the Esseesse pack and you could theoretically be looking at the best part of £20k for what’s a essentially a small city car! But this Abarth is so much more than a city car, and I suspect that in the current climate that it may well attract buyers who might otherwise have spent double that or more on a bigger performance car that’s ultimately less exciting to drive, and much less cute.

Submitted: 16/02/2009 14:19:51

Performance Cars & Hot Hatches comparison road tests

Fiat road tests

  Available on the App Store

Read real opinions: Thousands of consumer reviews on all major car and van models.
Make your voice heard: Submit your own consumer review about the car or van you drive.
Learn more

 Road Test Reports App screenshots

Other people need your help

Your review will help others decide which vehicle to buy. By spending just a little bit of time filling out a review you can share your experiences with other drivers, giving information only owners will talk about, no marketing spiel, just the real thing. We publish all reviews, whether you rate the vehicle high or low. We are impartial. We are independent. We are committed to 100% real reviews. Please give others the benefit of your advice: give them your review.

Your review will be checked for offensive language within the next few days and then put on RoadTestReports.co.uk and all of our partners websites.

Have your say!

Submit your own review

Lease Buy

* Required

^ Back to Top