Enthusiast drivers understand the beauty of the hot hatch—performance-focused variants of small and practical commuter cars. Hot hatches, like the quintessential Volkswagen GTI - opens in new window or tab., make routine errands much more enjoyable. But few offer more fun behind the wheel than the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth, recently offered on eBay.
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The wee Fiat measures just 12 feet from nose to tail. That’s two feet less than a new GTI. More than that, the Abarth 500 is a featherweight, tipping the scale at only 2,512 pounds. That’s about 600 pounds less than a GTI. The result is an engaging, lively, and tiny performance car— arguably the ultimate hot hatch. It’s light, powerful, and tossable in the twisties, making every drive an event.
A Buzzy Growl
There aren’t many Fiat 500 Abarths, so rarity adds to the appeal. Production ended in 2019. You’ll probably be the only Cinquecento Abarth slicing and dicing through commuter traffic.
Abarth, Fiat’s in-house performance arm, provides the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine - opens in new window or tab. that cranks out an impressive 160 horsepower. It’s mated to a five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. The powertrain delivers an immediate throttle response.
Best of all, Abarth models benefit from a unique low-resistance exhaust system, with one of the more raucous and grin-inducing soundtracks in any hot hatch. It sounds even better when pushed to the redline, with a buzzy growl that pops and makes the engine sound larger than it is. For improved breathing and increased performance, this Abarth was fitted with a custom intake from Sila - opens in new window or tab., a specialty provider of Fiat 500 accessories.
Stealthy Subcompact Performance
The 500 Abarth, offered on eBay in December, is finished in gleaming factory black paint with contrasting red side mirrors and brake calipers. This Abarth is devoid of stripes and scoops. Instead, it presents a stealthy, businesslike appearance—the subtle rear spoiler reveals the car’s sportier underpinnings. The look is also enhanced by Vogtland lowering springs - opens in new window or tab. and 16-inch Motegi wheels - opens in new window or tab. for an improved center of gravity and cornering. The seller includes the original springs and 17-inch wheels with the sale.
The striking color scheme continues in the elegant cabin, with black and red leather seats and matching door panels and dashboard. The factory Bose audio system - opens in new window or tab. includes satellite radio capability and a CD player, along with the one-year-only subwoofer available exclusively on 2012 models. This loaded example also features a power sliding sunroof, automatic climate control, and power controls.
For decades, the Abarth division has been making Fiats go faster—much like AMG for Mercedes-Benz and the M division for BMW. Yet, Abarth is hardly known in the States. That’s sadly the case for the entire Fiat brand after it departed from the US market in the early 1980s.
Fiat returned as a small-car manufacturer when American buyers were flocking to SUVs. Thus the 500—whether Abarth or not—was never a hit here. That’s what makes this low-mile example such a great value. With just 76,000 miles accumulated over 10 years, this Fiat 500 Abarth is a rare and desirable modern classic that can be driven every day and is likely to increase in value. At $9,000 with a rebuilt title, due to theft, few cars on the road can match its bang for the buck.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.