Fiat Abarth Driving Experiences

The Fiat Abarth - or Abarth 500 to give it its full name - is the performance car version of the popular Fiat 500 that had gone into production two years before in 2007, and was unveiled at the 78th Geneva Motor Show in 2009, following the relaunch of the Abarth name and brand in 2008.

At Driving Experiences, we currently offer it to drive at both our Rockingham and Three Sisters venues as part of Hot Hatches driving experience packages. And when you take to the wheel of one you soon understand why they have become so popular to drive.

Even though this is one of the smallest track cars we offer, it’s power is phenomenal to say the least. In terms of engineering, what’s included is a five-speed C510 transmission, low ride suspension and electric power steering with sport setting.

And that’s all before you’ve got onto the engine - a souped up 1.4 litre Fire I4 petrol engine, offering 160 bhp. With achievable top speeds of 135 mph, it cruises rapidly from 0 - 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, leaving you in no doubt you’re driving a hot hatchback that’s really special.

When Fiat launched the Abarth 500 in the North American market in 2012, Hollywood actor Charlie Sheen and Romanian model Catrinel Menghia appeared in its accompanying TV advert, following in the footsteps of Jennifer Lopez who had been the face of the original 500 model’s launch the year before.

In celebration of the Abarth company’s 50th anniversary in 2013, Fiat also included the Abarth 500 as part of its celebrations, with this and 594 other Abarth models competing in a ‘digital rally’ for fans through an iPhone and Android app for phones and tablets.