Fasten your seatbelts: this little motor means business. The 1.4 litre, 16-valve turbocharged engine delivers blistering performance; with manual transmission there is a staggering 135bhp at 5500rpm and with the MTA paddle-shift system power is increased to 140bhp, while peak torque is a wrenching 206Nm at 3000rpm in Sport mode. Just the potent levels of performance you would expect from an Abarth car, but with surprisingly low fuel consumption, averaging 33mpg (Urban cycle), and CO2 emissions of just 155g/km. The result? A sturdy, economical road car with all the thrills of a racing car. We like.

The Abarth 500 looks good for a reason. Every detail has been designed for exceptional performance, from the specially designed bumper to the large rear spoiler and twin tailpipe exhaust. We’ve extended the front to create space for the turbocharger, giving it a distinctive profile that echoes its 1960s forebears. Triple air intakes provide perfect airflow to the engine and twin intercoolers. A choice of wheel styles, 16 or 17 inch, means this is a car you can make your own. And a liberal adornment of the Scorpion completes a look that’s unmistakably Abarth. 

The Abarth 500 hasn’t just been designed to thrill; it’s packed with sophisticated safety features too. A piece of technical wizardry called ESP ensures tyres keep their grip when the going gets tricky, while Hill Holder technology makes hill starts a breeze. A brilliant  feature called Torque Transfer Control (TTC) improves the transfer of torque to the wheels, ensuring impeccable behaviour on bends for a safer, more enjoyable ride. Plus there are the airbags: up to seven, no less, even including one for the driver’s knees.

Inside, the car is pure Abarth style. Wraparound bucket seats with combined head restraints and lateral support provide containment on the sharpest of bends. The sculpted steering wheel and leather gear knob offer anatomical grip and superior comfort. Aluminium and rubber pedals enhance the racing look and feel. And then there’s the dash: sporty and seductive, with an array of clever instrumentation, including an analogue pressure gauge for measuring the turbo pressure, and an LED indicator prompting you when it’s the perfect moment to change gear.

To find out more about this exciting model contact your local Abarth Dealership.