2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

88 Spam posts already? The death penalty is too good for these people.

I am glad to finally haver a GRM opinion on the Abarth. I was not impressed with it (haven't driven it of course) but this changes my opinion. Please throw a VW GTI in with the test with the Mini. For the cost, that is what I …

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Yeah, sorry about the spam outbreak. Hopefully it has been neutralized.

where's this going to slot in stock class autox? how's the clearance for wider tires?

I agree with pinchvalve, it would be great to see comparisons between cars that we actually cross-shop. Real world enthusiasts do not limit themselves to certain cars based on the auto industry's size classifications. We look at all the options in our budget range with the abilities and/or features we wish to have. Great to see a report of the Abarth.

I seriously hope they remix this with the convertible. Can't let MINI have all the topless fun. I could use another Italian convertible. I've only had 2 at this point.

I wouldn't cross-shop a GTI and an Abarth, ones a compact and the other is a sub-compact.

I want a video of the Abarth!

In Europe, the Abarth IS available as a 'vert, so let's hope that it comes here, too.

I hope to christ it's better as a driver than it is as a build quality.... I've seen better dashboards in K cars.

sat in the Abarth in the Atlanta auto show, disappointed considering the high price. cheap "carpet" and a rubbery shifter. I'd hold out for the upcoming Fiesta ST, or a Sonic RS.

I like the effort and want more...cars with performance. The John Woods Mini would be a good car to see. The new Golf R is another car I would like to see tested

Does the MINI Cooper S finally have some real competition? Publisher Tim Suddard just drove the new Fiat 500 Abarth: 160 turbocharged horsepower, stiffer suspension and factory Koni shocks. And the driving experience wasn't a brief encounter--he covered a few hundred miles out West while also lapping Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch.

We love the details. Up front, the Abarth sports a degree and a half of negative camber from the factory. Left-foot braking is easily accomplished. The factory seats are both supportive and comfortable.

Here's our favorite line from the review:

"While it gives up a little power to the MINI Cooper S--and don’t think for a minute we won’t be comparison testing these two cars shortly--the Abarth feels lighter and doesn’t have the understeer and wheelspin of the Cooper."

His verdict? This car rocks. It's fast. It's comfortable. It looks cool. Speaking of looks, enjoy the photos, and look for the full review in the May issue of Grassroots Motorsports. To request a free sample, click here

Join in the conversation about this car on our forum.