The 0-60 time was high because the ESC traction control was left on. If it was off, there would be an ESC light showing in the speedo pod. Basically it did 7.7 with the brakes holding it back. I got one of these a couple months ago as a sub for my cbr600rr as it feels like a crotch rocket with doors and can cut through the pokey cager traffic better than other cars. I was never a Fiat fan, but the Abarth is a blast to pilot.
Let's keep in mind that MotorWeek has very conservative numbers. A Ferrari test driver got it down to 6.5 seconds to 60 and many other reviewers hit well under 7 seconds to 60 mph. And that's just talking about a car in a straight line, this will kill it in corners.
My Abarth, purchased brand new last December, has been totally reliable, and reminds me of a tuned Mini i used to own back in the 1980s. I promised myself i would not modify it, but i have already bought a set of Koni FSD dampers for it, and an alloy gear stick. A friend has owned three standard Fiat 500s, and was more than happy with their reliability and fuel economy. So far , my Abarth has been everything i hoped it would be, Reliable and superb fun.
I'm buying one in six months for my birthday. In my opinion it is much like a Buell motorcycle In the fact that it isn't going beat many cars in top speed or 0 to 60 times but offers great handling poise. It is incredibly fun to drive and is sure to put a smile on your face repeatedly !!. Can't wait to get mine and mod it sensibly while retaining its true charm.
This car actually sounds great! You just never get to hear it over Mr. Davis' scripted dialogue! I've watched Motorweek for years and now it just seems a bit dated compared to some of the other shows here on youtube. I'll continue to support Motorweek though because they're professional and have been in the game so long. They deserve to be watched.
Yes, im in the awkward position of having to choose between the abarth and a house :/ Already got a normal 500 and love it. A simple engine remap could get a euro abarth up to 175hp so i guess its no massive difference. Get a stainless steel exhaust, preferably a Raggazon one!
It makes a lot more than you'd think. Boost builds early and the car doesn't weigh much. To be honest- the way the car handles- it goes about as fast as you'd want. It gets real darty as you approach 100mph and actually goes into a tail wagging weave if you are the least bit aggressive on the brakes from that speed. A good 8/10ths car at less than 80mph but not a serious car for hard core drivers. The torque is what redeems the car.
The light @2:18 thats near the 130MPH speed indicator line in the gauge binnacle is most certainly a check engine light. The Shift up indicator is in the boost PSI gauge thats on the lower left hand side of the IP panel
Oh thats what he is referring to, as you also notice the other lights are blinking as well I would surmise that it is something to do with the frame rate of the camera
I love my 2013 Abart(the 'h' is silent) and its 0-60 time is quicker than my 1984 Ferrari 308GTS QV same with 1/4 mile times... Ferrari is only faster in Top Speed! But my Abart gets better gas mileage and sticks better in the corners! A complete performance bargain and surprisingly well made and reliable.
i got a 335 ci cabriolet but i have this too and is more fun to drive and standar 5 gears is very fun to drive only if you drive it you loveit and is very cheap
This car isn't supposed to be a super high performance vehicle. If you want better performance, go spend 3x the money. For 22,700 there's no other new car out there that can do what this car does. I think Fiat has done something that no other auto brand has been able to do: Making fun and sporty performance affordable for a lot of people. I've been in an Abarth and I have to say at times it can be more fun than my Mercedes-Benz E350. Find me an American made car that's this fun for that price.
Not all of us can afford a BMW M let alone the maintenance to keep one on the road.... So this is a perfectly good fun all around vehicle and with that exhaust note it's like owning a mini ferrari.
160/170 vs 101/98 hp/ft lb, neither output doubles , 60/70 % increases is not 2x, that's 1.6x and 1.7x respectively. Doubling would put both figures to 202/196. 40/30 hp/ft lb makes a significant difference when the engine is this small, to find that much more from the base engine could be a chip & software upgrade, but that's another 40/30 % tweak.
Jamie Martinello furknee06 it's not the check engine light.. it's the traction control light..as it slips/grips it'll blink... though it can be partially or fully disengaged... not all cars have that option and disengaging it improves 0-62
I work for Fiat the 500 is strictly made in Italy.... And chrysler is owned by fiat not the other way around... Fiat cars and Chryaler cars are still seperate, they do not interchange..
I have to add my 2 cents. I have had so many cars I lost count. From American sports cars with the it V-8's to the 3 cyl Chevy Sprint to Cadillacs Fleetwoods of the '70's and everything in between. I sold cars for years and was always trading my car from wanting to try a different one. I should of been an automotive journalist. Hands down the most fun cars I owned where the pocket rockets and I'm 6'2" tall. Why the pocket Rockets? Besides using all the engine I pay for, and not having to watch
I saw the "upshift light" in the view from the cockpit. Which means they tested it in eco mode and esc engaged... I had a Focus ST that I took to 300hp/380tq, and my tuned Abarth feels like when I bought the ST off the showroom floor. So maybe 6.3ish modded.
racing oriented = frs, realistically, for someone like me who occasionally does some spirited driving, civic si or mazdaspeed 3, Fiat abarth is good but i highly doubt its reliability for being owned by chrysler, made in mexico, and an italian 1.4L turbo, i will skip the sentra for sure lol
Shucks, i just did a little google searching and found that its down to the multiair engine that we dont get :( Must be the first time the u.s has got a better sportscar than europe.
Everyone complaining about performance. What about poor fuel economy from such a tiny car/motor... 28/34?? My 20 yr old Lexus ES300 with a 3.0L V6 & 200k still getting 24/30.
So the new car does get better mileage and is a million times more fun. What's your point? A 1992 Civic probably does just as well. Doesn't mean I want one.
@RockerChris1234 lol im not gay but really when i say "gay" I mean it looks girly and not what you'd expect for a guy to drive. So what if I don't like the fiat and you do? It's just personal opinion. I'm used to harcore supercars to come from Italy not $20k sub-compact cars with "style"
@fran1244 hating on a cars looks doesn't make me gay. Serisouly I don't mind it but I've seen alot of fiat 500 and most drivers were woman. It's like calling someone gay when they hate the corolla. Everybody hates Toyota corolla doesn't make them gay.
Funny people say the Z3, Miata and Abarth are chic cars yet haven't been to a track day to see who drives these. Tell them it's a chic car. On another note it's totally hot to see a chic put them through its paces on a road course. My daughter drives angry.
@SUPERBOOM777 so? a girl can easily get someone to in a exploding exhaust. Sound can be changed, styling can't. It's a god damn fiat dont expect it to be a cool guy car.Anything but Ferrari and lamborghini from Italy looks gay.
The 0-60 time was high because the ESC traction control was left on. If it was off, there would be an ESC light showing in the speedo pod. Basically it did 7.7 with the brakes holding it back. I got one of these a couple months ago as a sub for my cbr600rr as it feels like a crotch rocket with doors and can cut through the pokey cager traffic better than other cars. I was never a Fiat fan, but the Abarth is a blast to pilot.
Exactly right!
John Davis' narration is the gold standard for automotive shows.
This copy couldn't get more complimentary if it was a Vegas high-roller.
RegularCars vintage savage
@@agenericaccount3935 Not savage, just the usual, immature, juvenile remarks from their Channel as if their reviewers are all about 14 years old.
@@1970borntorun ok boomer
I wish Jon and the crew would revisit this car. Motorweek used to revisit cars. The 2019 500 is the same car but many things have changed
Every reviewer who drives the 500 Abarth comes away smiling!
Let's keep in mind that MotorWeek has very conservative numbers. A Ferrari test driver got it down to 6.5 seconds to 60 and many other reviewers hit well under 7 seconds to 60 mph. And that's just talking about a car in a straight line, this will kill it in corners.
Love my Abarth… Its not muscle car/supercar fast, its just quick and fun!
Is it reliable?
mines been fine so far, have driven it back and fourth 150 miles twice a week
My Abarth, purchased brand new last December, has been totally reliable, and reminds me of a tuned Mini i used to own back in the 1980s.
I promised myself i would not modify it, but i have already bought a set of Koni FSD dampers for it, and an alloy gear stick.
A friend has owned three standard Fiat 500s, and was more than happy with their reliability and fuel economy.
So far , my Abarth has been everything i hoped it would be, Reliable and superb fun.
I'm buying one in six months for my birthday. In my opinion it is much like a Buell motorcycle In the fact that it isn't going beat many cars in top speed or 0 to 60 times but offers great handling poise. It is incredibly fun to drive and is sure to put a smile on your face repeatedly !!. Can't wait to get mine and mod it sensibly while retaining its true charm.
What are the differences between the 2012 and the newest models?
Edit: how does it compare to the FIesta ST?
This car actually sounds great! You just never get to hear it over Mr. Davis' scripted dialogue! I've watched Motorweek for years and now it just seems a bit dated compared to some of the other shows here on youtube. I'll continue to support Motorweek though because they're professional and have been in the game so long. They deserve to be watched.
You can also see this check engine light in the same position @ 4:30 when the start-up sequence begins.
Love my 2019, so quick, reliable and handling is superb!
..it’s been 8 months, is it still running? 😏
@@aaronmacy9134 130k flawless miles on my 2013. 🤷
Yes, im in the awkward position of having to choose between the abarth and a house :/ Already got a normal 500 and love it. A simple engine remap could get a euro abarth up to 175hp so i guess its no massive difference. Get a stainless steel exhaust, preferably a Raggazon one!
It makes a lot more than you'd think. Boost builds early and the car doesn't weigh much. To be honest- the way the car handles- it goes about as fast as you'd want. It gets real darty as you approach 100mph and actually goes into a tail wagging weave if you are the least bit aggressive on the brakes from that speed. A good 8/10ths car at less than 80mph but not a serious car for hard core drivers. The torque is what redeems the car.
Without your helpful information I wouldn't have noticed the car was not a ZR-1 killer. Thanks, man.
Thanks for pronouncing "ABARTH" correctly!
He isnt
The light @2:18 thats near the 130MPH speed indicator line in the gauge binnacle is most certainly a check engine light. The Shift up indicator is in the boost PSI gauge thats on the lower left hand side of the IP panel
Yeah I caught that too in the video
the only complaint ive heard about this car are the seat bolstering, you still slide a little during an advanced turn.
TCS was ON during the 0-60 test. That's why your numbers were so high. You guys should know better than that.
Oh thats what he is referring to, as you also notice the other lights are blinking as well I would surmise that it is something to do with the frame rate of the camera
Depends. If you're going to be drifting, then definitely the FRS. Personally, I would go for the 500 abarth, it's a little rocket :D
I love my 2013 Abart(the 'h' is silent) and its 0-60 time is quicker than my 1984 Ferrari 308GTS QV same with 1/4 mile times... Ferrari is only faster in Top Speed! But my Abart gets better gas mileage and sticks better in the corners! A complete performance bargain and surprisingly well made and reliable.
i got a 335 ci cabriolet but i have this too and is more fun to drive and standar 5 gears is very fun to drive only if you drive it you loveit and is very cheap
in black yes
no the altenator light is in shape of battery. This is cecouse it is in sport mode like a launch control on sports cars
I like the views,...chasing the car from behind down the 1/4 is cool, as is through the slalom.
The 7 Speaker Bose Audio is Amazing!
This car isn't supposed to be a super high performance vehicle. If you want better performance, go spend 3x the money. For 22,700 there's no other new car out there that can do what this car does. I think Fiat has done something that no other auto brand has been able to do: Making fun and sporty performance affordable for a lot of people. I've been in an Abarth and I have to say at times it can be more fun than my Mercedes-Benz E350. Find me an American made car that's this fun for that price.
They are 19995 now..reduced msrp
It is American made
Central American
Made in Mexico
Not all of us can afford a BMW M let alone the maintenance to keep one on the road.... So this is a perfectly good fun all around vehicle and with that exhaust note it's like owning a mini ferrari.
Thats the check engine light along with several other lights, they are probably LEDs and its a trick of the camera
Any one notice the engine check light is on.
Traction control
I love Motorweek, no longer do I need any sleeping aids
And if your wit is any indication, your jokes are even MORE effective at putting us to sleep!
It's pretty much all fixed with a torsion bar upgrade. all 150 bucks and 30 minutes of your time.
Link?
I will attest to the terrible turn radius as much as I love my Abarth, it doesn't affect it at speed though.
Do u still have the Abarth?
Sport riders should go to the FIAT dealer and test drive one. Probably the most bike like soul of any car made. The SRT guys tuned the car.
I drive a 2012 420(ish)hp 5.0 Mustang GT and I want one of these. Not a girly car at all.
No it does not need a sixth gear first off it's called the 500 5 gear manual du and own one and it's fine
Its not fast, but it’s pretty fun to drive. I’m replacing it when the z comes out
I felt the same way man! Haha, my friend just got one and installed a short shifter and can pull a good 6.5
160/170 vs 101/98 hp/ft lb, neither output doubles , 60/70 % increases is not 2x, that's 1.6x and 1.7x respectively. Doubling would put both figures to 202/196. 40/30 hp/ft lb makes a significant difference when the engine is this small, to find that much more from the base engine could be a chip & software upgrade, but that's another 40/30 % tweak.
He said nearly doubles
Love this car! its only .2 secs quicker then my ZX2
Hmmm, is that the alternator light blinking at 2:18?
At 2:16? Not a "check engine" - it's a "shift up" indicator.
Anybody notice the check engine light was on during acceleration?
I did I wonder y??
Jamie Martinello furknee06 it's not the check engine light.. it's the traction control light..as it slips/grips it'll blink... though it can be partially or fully disengaged... not all cars have that option and disengaging it improves 0-62
Why is the check engine light on?
not only does it need a 6th gear, but we need the diesel variants as well.
I work for Fiat the 500 is strictly made in Italy.... And chrysler is owned by fiat not the other way around... Fiat cars and Chryaler cars are still seperate, they do not interchange..
How does this have a slower trap speed than the standard 500?
They're selling quite well actually.
You have to be secure in your manhood.
Which ones are made in Tolucca, Mexico?
Gotta love check engine light 😂
I have to add my 2 cents. I have had so many cars I lost count. From American sports cars with the it V-8's to the 3 cyl Chevy Sprint to Cadillacs Fleetwoods of the '70's and everything in between. I sold cars for years and was always trading my car from wanting to try a different one. I should of been an automotive journalist. Hands down the most fun cars I owned where the pocket rockets and I'm 6'2" tall. Why the pocket Rockets? Besides using all the engine I pay for, and not having to watch
Ah, my bad, thanks for clarifying :)
I think they didnt press the sport button..
i feel like im watching wheel of fortune
I noticed there was no commentary on using it as a daily driver. Some other reviews have said it's horrid on anything other then smooth roads.
It has a great ride. I've been daily driving mine for 4 years!
I daily drive mine. Perfectly adequate for the shitty roads in the US.
You need torque for there to be torque steer.
Exactly.
I wear a 10.5 and can maneuver quite easily. Sounds like you haven't driven one. Don't knock it till you try it!
Did I see a burnt out fog light?
0-60 in 6.8 actually
yeah I am not sure what altitude they did this at... but I hit 60 in less then 7 seconds regularly
I saw the "upshift light" in the view from the cockpit. Which means they tested it in eco mode and esc engaged... I had a Focus ST that I took to 300hp/380tq, and my tuned Abarth feels like when I bought the ST off the showroom floor. So maybe 6.3ish modded.
is that in america? its certainly not that in europe.
Fiat Abarth for sure Italian engeniering
He didn't touch the mirror this time...
racing oriented = frs, realistically, for someone like me who occasionally does some spirited driving, civic si or mazdaspeed 3, Fiat abarth is good but i highly doubt its reliability for being owned by chrysler, made in mexico, and an italian 1.4L turbo, i will skip the sentra for sure lol
One of the fog lights was out
This is why I turn to auto week, realistic, real-world performance. Motor trend and Car&Driver tend to overstate stats to help sell the brands.
Motor Week.
Charlie, this is Motorweek, not Autoweek.
yeah I know. It can fit in my pick up truck.
23k for this?
You didn't answer my question. However, I have found the answer. Toluca, Mexico mfgs the Fiat 500.
I would push the sport button and then do the 0 to 60
the US market and for Europe and everywhere else its made in Poland
They can't drive it. They completely bogged it off the line. You're right, should be in the 6.9-7.1 area.
Why are you making such a fuss over a car you don't own, don't plan to own, etc? You don't have a horse in this race...
0-60 is in 6.8 seconds not in the high 7s
Probably forgot to press the Sport button. In non-sport mode, it only outputs 135 HP and 150 torque.
Shucks, i just did a little google searching and found that its down to the multiair engine that we dont get :( Must be the first time the u.s has got a better sportscar than europe.
3:35 one of the fog lights is not working...oh the italians!
Fix It Again Tony!
Does this guy talk to his wife in that voice?
buildmorefarms100 talks but nothing more
Everyone complaining about performance. What about poor fuel economy from such a tiny car/motor... 28/34?? My 20 yr old Lexus ES300 with a 3.0L V6 & 200k still getting 24/30.
Um you're comparing EPA for one car with I'm assuming your real world not a real comparison bro!
20 year old car? C'mon cheapie, time to spring for a new ride.
So the new car does get better mileage and is a million times more fun. What's your point? A 1992 Civic probably does just as well. Doesn't mean I want one.
@RockerChris1234 lol im not gay but really when i say "gay" I mean it looks girly and not what you'd expect for a guy to drive. So what if I don't like the fiat and you do? It's just personal opinion. I'm used to harcore supercars to come from Italy not $20k sub-compact cars with "style"
Hahahaha!!!!! Plenty of torque??? Oh man, I needed a good laugh. Thanks!
Meh.
It isn't even a Hyundai Sonata killer.
Does it come with a clown suit?
I'd drive it....but I'd go with black.
You'd think an agency which reviews vehicles would know it's pronounced "ah-bart" and not "ah-barth."
An abarth tributo ferrari does it in 6.9 :S
There's plenty of it
@fran1244 hating on a cars looks doesn't make me gay. Serisouly I don't mind it but I've seen alot of fiat 500 and most drivers were woman. It's like calling someone gay when they hate the corolla. Everybody hates Toyota corolla doesn't make them gay.
Funny people say the Z3, Miata and Abarth are chic cars yet haven't been to a track day to see who drives these. Tell them it's a chic car. On another note it's totally hot to see a chic put them through its paces on a road course. My daughter drives angry.
I agree! He says it like AHHbarth and it irritates me every time.
SRT didn't actually tune this lol
they sell like 5 diesels eveywhere else in the world.
the h is silent
the car is built in mexico
Its a shift light! Not a check engine light lmao
ford fiesta st or gti for like 3k more. if you want rwd and na, then brz/frs. so much more to choose from than the fiat.
Official 0-62 = 7.4secs
So just as fast as a 2024 civic which you called fast....lol
second!
@SUPERBOOM777 so? a girl can easily get someone to in a exploding exhaust. Sound can be changed, styling can't. It's a god damn fiat dont expect it to be a cool guy car.Anything but Ferrari and lamborghini from Italy looks gay.