“Love the vehicle. Small but is very fun to drive. Our one son has graduated but we still have a 14 year old that lives with us. Only major problem is when the top is all the way down you cant see out rearview mirror. But very fun to drive and a great purchase at this time in our lives.”
FIAT 500 Abarth: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The FIAT 500 Abarth is a tiny front-wheel-drive performance car based on the 500 city hatchback, sold as a hatchback and during part of its run as a convertible. It is known for turbocharged punch, sharp suspension tuning, and a loud exhaust note.
The 500 Abarth turned the regular 500’s small footprint into part of the fun. Throughout its U.S. run, it stuck to the same basic formula: turbo power, sporty chassis tuning, bold Scorpion styling, and an outsized exhaust note. It favored personality and driver involvement over cabin space or refinement.
Strengths
- Its tiny footprint makes it easy to place on crowded streets while helping it feel lively and responsive.
- The turbo engine gives the small body real punch, with the 2019 hatchback rated at 160 horsepower.
- Its sport-tuned suspension, stronger brakes, and distinctive exhaust make it feel meaningfully different from a regular 500.
- The five-speed manual suits its hands-on character, while 2015-and-newer examples also include six-speed automatic versions.
- It balances performance with reasonable fuel use, with the 2019 hatchback rated at 33 mpg on the highway.
Who it's for
It best fits someone who wants a small, lively car for commuting, city driving, and fun back-road trips. It especially suits buyers who care more about sound, responsiveness, and personality than rear-seat or cargo room.
FIAT 500 Abarth lineup
The 500 Abarth was not a broad trim ladder; it was the performance-focused member of the larger 500 family, and in 2019 it was sold as a single Base trim. Pick the hatchback for the core Abarth experience and the more enclosed, practical body. Across much of the U.S. run, the Abarth Cabrio paired the same turbocharged character with a folding fabric roof, making it the open-air alternative. Manual versions deliver the original hands-on feel, while 2015-and-newer examples also include six-speed automatic models for easier daily driving.
FIAT 500 Abarth generations
From 2014 to 2019, the 500 Abarth spans 1 generation. The current 1st U.S. Generation arrived for 2012.
1st U.S. Generation (2012–2019)
The first U.S.-market 500 Abarth paired a small front-wheel-drive hatchback or Cabrio with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, sport-tuned suspension and brakes, a louder dual exhaust, and distinct Abarth styling. Its later years brought small comfort and technology upgrades rather than a redesign.
5 In Stock
2019
The broader 500 range dropped the Pop hatchback, while the Abarth itself carried over without major mechanical changes.
2018
The turbo engine, sport-tuned hardware, dual exhaust, and Abarth styling carried over.
2017Trim changes
The hatchback and Cabrio carried over with the same turbo engine, performance hardware, and 5-inch touchscreen.
2016
A 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth audio streaming and voice commands became standard across the Abarth lineup.
2015
A six-speed automatic became an option. A 7-inch digital gauge display, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a revised center console were also added.
2014
The front passenger seat was lowered for more headroom and gained an armrest and seat memory. A new 16-inch wheel design became standard.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the FIAT 500 Abarth.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the FIAT 500 Abarth?
The FIAT 500 Abarth is a small, two-door performance hatchback based on the regular 500. It adds a turbo engine, firmer suspension, stronger brakes, a louder exhaust, sport seats, and Abarth-specific styling.
What is the FIAT 500 Abarth known for?
It is known for making everyday drives feel lively. Its tiny footprint, 160-hp turbo engine, sharp handling, and unmistakable exhaust note give it more personality than a typical small city car.
Is the FIAT 500 Abarth practical enough for daily driving?
It can work well for one or two people who value easy parking and lively driving over space. Later hatchbacks seat four, but the small cargo area and tight rear legroom make it less suited to frequent passengers or bulky loads.
Is the FIAT 500 Abarth a hybrid or electric car?
No. The U.S.-market 500 Abarth uses a turbocharged gasoline engine. The electric 500e was a separate member of the broader FIAT 500 lineup, not an Abarth trim.
Is the FIAT 500 Abarth front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?
The U.S.-market FIAT 500 Abarth is front-wheel drive. Its turbo engine sends power to the front wheels; an all-wheel-drive Abarth version was not part of this lineup.
How many generations of the FIAT 500 Abarth were sold in the U.S.?
The U.S. received one generation of the modern 500 Abarth, introduced for 2012 and sold through the end of the 500 range's U.S. run after 2019. Later examples brought updates, but no full redesign.
FIAT 500 Abarth Reviews
What owners are saying about the FIAT 500 Abarth.
4.3
FIAT 500 Abarth
(202 reviews)
“It's an Italian car, and if you are not familiar with the quirks that come with that, do research first. this was my 3rd Italian & 2nd Fiat. They put aesthetics above functionality at times and it works in most cases but it takes getting used to. The 500 Abarth is a blast to drive and has a very loyal online following.”
“Sporty car not seen every day. Fun, economical, and a sports car sound that can't be beat.”
“The Fiat 500 Abarth is a blast to drive. You don't expect it to be as powerful as it is. I find excuses to drive more since I got this car.”
“The Blue&Me voice has difficulty pronouncing words correctly, which is either amusing or annoying. Overall, I love my Fiat 500 and enjoy driving it every day.”
“I've never had so much fun driving a car. The Abarth is the little Italian spit-fire I was missing in my life.”
Sources
- media.stellantisnorthamerica.com — Newsrelease.Do
- media.stellantisnorthamerica.com — Newsrelease.Do
- fiatusa.com — Pdf / Brochure / eBrochure FIAT 2 Door Catalog (2018)
- fiatusa.com — Pdf / Brochures / FIAT 2 Door Catalog 2017
- fiatusa.com — Pdf / Brochures / 2016 Fiat Brand Book
- fiatusa.com — Pdf / Brochure / eBrochure FIAT 2 Door Catalog (2018)
- fiatusa.com — Pdf / Brochures / 2015 Vehicles
- fiatusa.com — Pdf / Brochures / 2014 Vehicles