Review: 2013 Fiat 500c Abarth

Photo by Curtis Reesor

After already reviewing both the 2012 Fiat 500 and 2012 Fiat 500c, I can say that while I do think these little Italian A-segment cars are crammed with character, pumped full of personality, and offer decent driving dynamics, there are things I don’t like. I’m not a fan of the seating position, which feels like you’re on a barstool. The 1.4-liter MultiAir engines are somewhat raucous, too. Both models I reviewed were equipped with automatic transmissions, which suck the power—and fun—from the driving experience. I briefly drove a 500 Abarth last year, but unfortunately, most of my 20 miles with the car were spent on the Interstate, so I didn’t get to experience the handling I’d heard so much about. Due to the highway experience I didn’t really get to soak in the distinctive exhaust note much, either. Since then, I’ve wanted to get into the Abarth again, and low and behold, I was able to nab the drop-top 500c Abarth for a week.

In the Driveway: 2013 Fiat 500c Abarth

We've been waiting to drive this one for a while: The 2013 Fiat 500c Abarth. This is, of course, the "hot" version of the Fiat 500c, so it's got 170 hp, a killer exhaust note, and a ragtop. First impressions have been good: Outstanding steering, quick acceleration, great brakes, and a killer exhaust note. And with the top down, that sound only gets better. The shifer is rubbery and rear visibility with top down is poor. However, step on it, and I dare you not to grin! More soon; stay tuned.

Top Five Summer Subcompacts

Summer is here, and it’s a great time for drop-top motoring. So what are our top subcompacts for summer? We thought you’d never ask.

Mazda MX-5 Miata
Whether you opt for a new Miata or and early version, these are the quintessential small modern convertibles. With peppy drivetrains, classic good looks, and superb driving dynamics, these drop-tops are sure to please anyone who enjoys driving. Those opting for newer versions can buy the power retractable hardtop, too. We loved the ones we’ve reviewed. Here’s a video of the top operation.

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MINI Cooper Convertible/Roadster 
The MINI Convertible has been out for years, and recently MINI added the Roadster model above. The Convertible can seat four; the Roadster, two. Both are cool looking subcompacts that drive as nicely as they look. Available with our without forced induction, the Cooper S and John Cooper Works models are downright quick.

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Fiat 500c
Fiat’s subcompact 500c takes everything you like about the 500 hardtop and allows users to open up the center section. Like the MINI, they’re available normally aspirated or with a turbocharger in the 500c Abarth. The Abarth not only looks sportier it certainly sounds sportier. Either one will have the super-trick sliding ragtop shown in the video we shot below.

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Geo/Chevrolet Tracker and Suzuki Sidekick

First offered in 1989, these two-door convertibles were available with a very capable 4WD driveline with a two-speed transfer case. These weren’t just “cute utes,” they had trail trail cred. Initially powered by an 80 hp 1.6-liter eight-valve engine, later convertible models came with a 2.0-liter making 127 hp. These are still inexpensive, capable vehicles that can be had for not much money. Plus there's a good-sized aftermarket.

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Volkswagen Rabbit Convertible/Cabriolet 
The Rabbit Convertible was introduced in the early 1980s and ran all the way through 1994 with essentially the same classic body style. Powered by a 1.8-liter mill, this was the 1980s compact convertible. Nimble and choked full of Euro character, there are a megaton of hop-up parts for these, and no that’s not a Rabbit joke.