Abarth 500 (09 on) - Review Review by Simon Harris on 26 February 2009 The 500 has been a big success for Fiat, so a fiery version of the model from Abarth - a separate high-performance brand within Fiat - is no surprise. Wearing the distinctive scorpion badges, the Abarth 500 has been significantly re-engineered and is only available through the small network of Abarth dealerships. Thanks to a peppy turbocharged 1.4-litre engine, it performs as well as the striking looks suggest. Sharp steering and minimal roll in corners make it hugely fun to drive too. For those who want even more performance, there's an Esseesse version which increases engine power and adds stiffer suspension and better brakes. 4.5 out of 5 Other Abarth reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Gallery Also Consider 4.5 out of 5 MINI Cooper S (06 on) Strong performance, retro styling, great fun to drive, funky interior Few bargains for the used buyer, air con wasn't standard on earlier models Read full review 3.5 out of 5 Renault Twingo Renaultsport (08 on) Good fun to drive, peppy engine, funky hot hatch styling, good value Noisy at motorway speeds, not especially refined, cramped rear seats Read full review 4 out of 5 Vauxhall Corsa VXR (07 on) Hot hatch styling, great turbocharged engine, nimble handling, decent ride quality Too 'boy racer' for some, snappy throttle response, struggles to put power down cleanly Read full review Find other hatchback cars Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Abarth 500 cars for sale We have 56 models like this for sale. Find Abarth 500 cars for sale Previous: Buying & Selling Next: Company Car Info
4.5 out of 5 MINI Cooper S (06 on) Strong performance, retro styling, great fun to drive, funky interior Few bargains for the used buyer, air con wasn't standard on earlier models Read full review
3.5 out of 5 Renault Twingo Renaultsport (08 on) Good fun to drive, peppy engine, funky hot hatch styling, good value Noisy at motorway speeds, not especially refined, cramped rear seats Read full review
4 out of 5 Vauxhall Corsa VXR (07 on) Hot hatch styling, great turbocharged engine, nimble handling, decent ride quality Too 'boy racer' for some, snappy throttle response, struggles to put power down cleanly Read full review