“The car is wonderful. I am completely satisfied with it. I love my new fiat 500 abarth.”
2015 FIAT 500 Abarth: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2015 FIAT 500 Abarth is a light update rather than a redesign. Its biggest change is a newly optional six-speed automatic transmission for both the hatchback and Cabrio.
About the 2015 FIAT 500 Abarth
1st U.S.-market generation (2012-2019), light update year with new tech features and an added automatic option.
FIAT positions the 500 Abarth as a tiny performance car with racetrack roots and everyday-road attitude. The core appeal is big personality in a very small package: a turbo engine, sharp suspension tuning, aggressive styling, and a loud, characterful feel that stands apart from ordinary subcompacts. Compared with rivals, the Abarth leans harder into style, sound, and playful city-size performance than practicality or rear-seat space.
For 2015, the fixed-roof Abarth is the more direct, driver-focused version, with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, sport-tuned suspension, high-back front seats, red brake calipers, and dual exhaust. The Cabrio keeps the same performance-focused hardware but adds a three-position power-folding cloth top that operates at speeds up to 60 mph, plus rear parking sensors.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A six-speed automatic transmission joined the lineup as an option for both the fixed-roof Abarth and the Abarth Cabrio.
Tech
Every 2015 Abarth gained a standard 7-inch digital instrument display with Abarth graphics and a turbo boost gauge, standard Bluetooth streaming audio, a revised center console, a USB input, and a second charge-only USB port.
2015 FIAT 500 Abarth specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl MultiAir Turbo 1.4L | 4-Cyl MultiAir Turbo 1.4L |
| Transmission | Manual, 5-Spd | Manual, 5-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 160 hp | 160 hp |
| Torque | 170 lb-ft | 170 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 9.5 cu-ft | 5.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.7 in | 31.7 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Tilt Wheel | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2015 FIAT 500 Abarth?
The biggest change is the addition of an optional six-speed automatic transmission. It joined the 2015 hatchback and Cabrio alongside the existing manual transmission.
Does the 2015 FIAT 500 Abarth have an automatic transmission?
Yes. Some 2015 FIAT 500 Abarth hatchbacks and Cabrios have a six-speed automatic, which was new to the lineup that year.
What technology was added to the 2015 FIAT 500 Abarth?
The 2015 model gained a standard 7-inch digital instrument display with Abarth graphics, Bluetooth streaming audio, a revised center console, and two USB connections, including one used only for charging.
Was the 2015 FIAT 500 Abarth redesigned?
No. The 2015 FIAT 500 Abarth remained part of the first U.S.-market generation and received a light update focused on the automatic transmission and cabin technology.
Did both 2015 FIAT 500 Abarth body styles receive the updates?
Yes. Both the fixed-roof hatchback and the Cabrio received the automatic-transmission option, 7-inch instrument display, Bluetooth streaming audio, revised center console, and added USB connection.
2015 FIAT 500 Abarth Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 FIAT 500 Abarth.
4.3
2015 FIAT 500 Abarth
(115 reviews)
“I love this car. It's the first time in years that I've had a real emotional connection with a vehicle. My favorite word for my car is "zippy." Great power for such a small vehicle, great maneuverability, decent, if not stellar, gas mileage.”
“Fiat needs to address the paint issue caused by the emblem on the front bumper cutting into the paint and lifting it.”