“Fun to drive, great pick up, comfortable front seats, back seat is tight, radio turns on in car when started even if you turn it off before turning the car off. that is an annoying feature”
2016 FIAT 500 Abarth: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2016 FIAT 500 Abarth is a standard 5-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Bluetooth audio streaming and voice commands. Otherwise, it is largely a carryover from 2015.
About the 2016 FIAT 500 Abarth
1st North American generation (2012-2019), mid-run update year.
FIAT positions the 500 Abarth as a tiny performance car with oversized personality — a city-sized hatchback built around noise, quick responses, low weight, and racing heritage rather than space or comfort. Its core appeal is that it feels more playful and dramatic than most small cars, with aggressive Abarth styling, a turbo engine, and an available open-top Cabrio version that few direct rivals offered in the US.
The 2016 500 Abarth hatchback is the small, loud performance model, with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, an Abarth-tuned exhaust, firmer suspension, and high-back front seats. The Cabrio keeps that same character but adds a three-position power cloth roof for open-air driving. Both body styles have a 7-inch digital gauge display with Abarth graphics and a turbo boost gauge.
What changed, by category
Tech
A 5-inch Uconnect touchscreen becomes standard on both the hatchback and Cabrio. It includes Bluetooth audio streaming and integrated voice commands.
2016 FIAT 500 Abarth specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl MultiAir Turbo 1.4L | 4-Cyl MultiAir Turbo 1.4L |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd HD | Automatic, 6-Spd HD |
| 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 main change to the 2016 FIAT 500 Abarth?
The main change is a standard 5-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Bluetooth audio streaming and integrated voice commands. The rest of the 500 Abarth is largely unchanged from 2015.
Was the 2016 FIAT 500 Abarth redesigned?
No, the 2016 FIAT 500 Abarth was not redesigned. It received a modest touchscreen update while retaining its existing body styles, turbocharged engine, transmissions, suspension, brakes, and Abarth styling.
Did both 2016 FIAT 500 Abarth body styles get the new touchscreen?
Yes, both the 2016 500 Abarth hatchback and Cabrio have the standard 5-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Bluetooth audio streaming and voice commands.
Did the 2016 FIAT 500 Abarth engine or transmission choices change?
No, the 2016 model keeps the turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and the manual-or-automatic transmission choice from the prior year.
How does the 2016 FIAT 500 Abarth differ from the 2015 model?
The key difference is the 2016 model’s standard 5-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Bluetooth audio streaming and voice commands. Beyond that technology update, the Abarth formula and lineup carry over.
2016 FIAT 500 Abarth Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 FIAT 500 Abarth.
4.3
2016 FIAT 500 Abarth
(12 reviews)
“The car is excellent and fun to drive. America's are just too fat to understand that you do not need a SUV to go to the grocery store. Small cars are far more fun to drive. If you understand what you are getting, the car is amazing.”
“Love the styling and image. Was looking for a sporty European car with personality and a manual transmission.”