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.
I just bought a 2017 Abarth 500 manual in the rare celeste blue color. It is probably the cheapest fun car you can get these days. It is also one of the best sounding cars ever made.
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..
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.
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!
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.
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
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
@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"
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
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.
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.
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.
Your overly vague editorialized writing style would yield a lot more valid - and interesting - buyer info without terms like "not in supercar territory " and other stilted corporate training video grammar style comments. Come on now - you're writing for enthusiasts not corporate lawyers. I've noticed it in your other videos too and with AutoWeek's experience surely you can be more specific in your enthusiasm for new products especially! I'm just saying.
@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.
John Davis' narration is the gold standard for automotive shows.
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!
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
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?
Every reviewer who drives the 500 Abarth comes away smiling!
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.
I just bought a 2017 Abarth 500 manual in the rare celeste blue color. It is probably the cheapest fun car you can get these days. It is also one of the best sounding cars ever made.
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. 🤷
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..
the only complaint ive heard about this car are the seat bolstering, you still slide a little during an advanced turn.
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.
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!
Thanks for pronouncing "ABARTH" correctly!
He isnt
Without your helpful information I wouldn't have noticed the car was not a ZR-1 killer. Thanks, man.
You can also see this check engine light in the same position @ 4:30 when the start-up sequence begins.
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
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.
How does this have a slower trap speed than the standard 500?
TCS was ON during the 0-60 test. That's why your numbers were so high. You guys should know better than that.
Why is the check engine light on?
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
Hmmm, is that the alternator light blinking at 2:18?
Which ones are made in Tolucca, Mexico?
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 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.
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.
I like the views,...chasing the car from behind down the 1/4 is cool, as is through the slalom.
23k for this?
The 7 Speaker Bose Audio is Amazing!
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.
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
in black yes
Thats the check engine light along with several other lights, they are probably LEDs and its a trick of the camera
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.
Its not fast, but it’s pretty fun to drive. I’m replacing it when the z comes out
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
At 2:16? Not a "check engine" - it's a "shift up" indicator.
not only does it need a 6th gear, but we need the diesel variants as well.
is that in america? its certainly not that in europe.
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?
They're selling quite well actually.
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!
I think they didnt press the sport button..
Did I see a burnt out fog light?
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.
I felt the same way man! Haha, my friend just got one and installed a short shifter and can pull a good 6.5
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
Love this car! its only .2 secs quicker then my ZX2
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!
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
Any one notice the engine check light is on.
Traction control
Gotta love check engine light 😂
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...
Charlie, this is Motorweek, not Autoweek.
i feel like im watching wheel of fortune
You have to be secure in your manhood.
Does it come with a clown suit?
Ah, my bad, thanks for clarifying :)
You didn't answer my question. However, I have found the answer. Toluca, Mexico mfgs the Fiat 500.
Fiat Abarth for sure Italian engeniering
Exactly.
@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"
They can't drive it. They completely bogged it off the line. You're right, should be in the 6.9-7.1 area.
yeah I know. It can fit in my pick up truck.
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
I would push the sport button and then do the 0 to 60
You need torque for there to be torque steer.
the US market and for Europe and everywhere else its made in Poland
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.
3:35 one of the fog lights is not working...oh the italians!
He didn't touch the mirror this time...
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.
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.
You'd think an agency which reviews vehicles would know it's pronounced "ah-bart" and not "ah-barth."
It isn't even a Hyundai Sonata killer.
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.
I'd drive it....but I'd go with black.
There's plenty of it
I agree! He says it like AHHbarth and it irritates me every time.
Hahahaha!!!!! Plenty of torque??? Oh man, I needed a good laugh. Thanks!
Meh.
Your overly vague editorialized writing style would yield a lot more valid - and interesting - buyer info without terms like "not in supercar territory " and other stilted corporate training video grammar style comments. Come on now - you're writing for enthusiasts not corporate lawyers. I've noticed it in your other videos too and with AutoWeek's experience surely you can be more specific in your enthusiasm for new products especially! I'm just saying.
If your not confident enough about your sexuality to buy a nice looking car, you should re-evaluate your self.
they sell like 5 diesels eveywhere else in the world.
Its a shift light! Not a check engine light lmao
@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.
Thanks for the review, too slow for me.
Official 0-62 = 7.4secs
the car is built in mexico
Lol @ check engine light on 0-60 test
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.
An abarth tributo ferrari does it in 6.9 :S