I'll be the first to tell you that I wasn't exactly dying for the Fiat 500 to come back to the USA.
And when I drove the 500 last year at the introduction, it didn't make me any more loving towards the brand.
It LOOKED cool (Especially the convertible and special 'Gucci' edition) and I was really fond of the interior materials and design.
But when I DROVE it, depression set in.
Underpowered, ergonomically challenged, uninspired dynamics, soft on the corners and really disappointing mileage for a car that small and with that little horsepower.
But I knew the customers wouldn't care because the 500 is chosen as a FASHION statement and a pseudo green flag waver, parading down hip urban areas.
And although it didn't hit the original numbers, it sold pretty well.
I left the drive saying give me a MINI Cooper anyday over the 500.
So when I was invited to drive the Abarth I had a similar pre-conceived notion and was not dying to get on the plane to drive it.
It LOOKED great at the auto shows and was my favorite of all the model choices that they had but I couldn't help but think I would be letdown the second I turned the key in the ignition.
BOY, was I WRONG!
The second I touched it, I was in LUST.
WHY?
Because it's the first car I've driven in a long time that really felt like the GREAT little Sportscars of old like Alfa Spiders and Fiat 124's.
From the second you hit the gas on the Abarth (that is IF you can get to that moment because you will be ogling over the sexy interior treatments) you will realize it should be wearing a huge decal that says 'BORN TO SLIDE'!
It's so nice, light and nimble and WILD, that you will want to make doing a couple 360 donuts before you leave any parking lot a regular habit just for fun.
It's THAT exciting!
And the power and torque is PERFECTLY matched for this car.
It has perfect balance and has that 'just right' in every gear feeling.
Along with a clutch and shifter that is absolutely MAAHvelous!
As I drove to the track out of Las Vegas, I just didn't want the day to end in this ride.
And at the track it did NOT disappoint.
I'm not a real track person, but if I owned this car I might be a convert.
When you're driving it you imagine yourself driving the tight winding streets of the Sicilian Targa Florio.
And in your mind you have a couple hot Puttana's (for the non-Italians, look it up on Google) waiting for you across town after your day on the pad.
This is a $26k and change car that makes you feel like you're the owner of a special and elite little club racer.
Like that classic Italian sportscar you dream about buying and spending forever fixing only to end up driving something remarkably average and unreliable.
THIS is your answer. FORGET that idea and get THIS brand new REALLY GREAT sportscar and drive the HELL out if it!
It's got an awesome vibe.
And did I say it's fun to drive?
How about this?
It's the MOST fun to drive car under $35k. Period.
A budget BMW 1M.
Why?
The specs aren't amazing but when you're in it, the driving experience IS amazing and special for a driver of this bargain price.
It's got it all.
Uniqueness, beauty, quality, style and it DELIVERS on the mystique and legend of Abarth.
Any negatives?
Yes, but they are minor and to be expected.
1. 34 MPG rated but unless you're rolling downhill with the ignition off, forget it. Drive it like you stole it and you'll get 25-27. And you WON'T care it didn't hit the 34MPG. You will too happy with the total package.
2. For TALL drivers…6'0" and over, it has the WORST B-Pillar blind spot of anything in modern memory. This car SCREAMS for a lane departure warning light on the mirrors.
3. In my best PEABODY, Mass. accent…WICKED torque steer. But you won't care because you will think you're driving a car from the amusement park every time you turn it on.
That's it. It's ALL awesome after that.
Get one quick, because these are gonna sell out as if they had an Apple logo on them.
I'd go for the White, with two-tone Puttana Red/Black (NO, that is NOT the name of the Red, I just think it's FUN saying it) and the white painted wheels.
RUN, don't walk to to the Fiat dealer and get your name on one before it's too late.
Special thanks to the BEA-U-tiful Fiat Spokesmodel Catrinel Menghia. FIRST CLASS, ALL THE WAY.
And enjoy the amazing photos from the launch, the beauty, and the craziness of Las Vegas.
Fiat 500 Abarth USA Launch Photo Gallery
2012 Geneva Motor Show Preview Photo Gallery
