This last week has definitely been a challenge, but a fun one at that. You see when I normally review cars, I always get the automatic ones, since honestly I have never driven manual in my life, and never got the chance to learn. There seemed to be a little mix up and I ended up with a manual Fiat 500 Abarth. So not only would this be a review period for me, but a forced way to learn how to drive manual as well. So how would I fair with the Fiat 500 Abarth, and would I enjoy the time?
Style
The Fiat 500 Abarth is a good looking mini car. Just like in my review of the Fiat 500c, the 500 Abarth gets the same amount of attention as the 500c. During my review period, I had quite a few people come up and asking me how much the car went for. Plus quite a few people gave the nod of approval as I drove by. The Fiat 500 Abarth kicks it up a notch though with some cool racer inspired looks.
The 500 Abarth color I had was Rosso (Red) Exterior Paint, with white accents. The white parts of the car came on the rims, rear-view mirrors, and along the side car in the form of a decal. I’m typically not a fan of the color red, but this 500 Abarth looks good in red! On the inside, the interior continues to look good as the outside with the Performance Leather Trimmed High-Back Bucket seats that is in Black with Red trim.
Tech
Again like the Fiat 500c, the tech was a little underwhelming. It has just about the same features as the 500c, but I wish it has more. Just like the 500c, the 500 Abarth had Bluetooth connection for my phone, but only for talking, no streaming music through it. I was able to play music via an AUX IN connection, but that was in the glove compartment which was kind of annoying there. It did have a BOSE sound system which was very good, but only with the windows up, if you have the windows down and sunroof open, even at the highest volume it was a little low while driving on a highway. I wish there was a little more tech features in his vehicle.
Experience
What an experience indeed. As I mentioned earlier, this was the first time ever in my life driving a manual car. The first day was rough, as I had trouble getting out of the parking garage (which goes up a small hill), and had to figure my way out while embarrassingly being watched by other people trying to get their cars and go home. Before I had watch a YouTube video that went through how to drive an manual car. I took this and applied with quite a few stall out along the way home from midtown Manhattan to the Bronx. But what a difference a couple days make. Today I can now only drive the Fiat 500 Abarth with no stalls, but switch gears, drive on the free way, and I even can take on some hill with minimum issue.
Being that I was comfortable driving the Fiat 500 Abarth by Friday, the weekend I can say I had a lot of fun with the Fiat 500 Abarth. For a little car, the Abarth definitely has a lot of kick to it. While I wasn’t brave enough to kick in the Sport mode and have a look at the Turbo feature of it, I definitely have gotten quite comfortable switching gears and getting up to speed quickly!
I now understand the fun it is to drive a manual car, but at the same time it can be quite annoying in the city lol. Despite that I now look forward to driving other manual cars in the future thanks to the Fiat 500 Abarth.
Wrap Up
Starting at $22,000, the Abarth model comes in a little higher than the entry Fiat 500 which clocks in at $15,500 but is oh so worth it. I mean if you are going to get a small car, then might as well get one that is sporty.
The Fiat 500 Abarth is racer-inspired and quite the performance, don’t let the small size fool you. Good on gas, fun to drive, and an affordable price. While the tech area leaves much to be desired, if you don’t consider yourself a tech head, then you might be okay with this one.
