2018 FIAT 500 C Abarth
What’s new
- New, more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- New Urbana appearance package
- A rearview camera is now standard
- Part of the first-generation 500 introduced for 2012
Pros
- Fun and distinctive styling
- Handling abilities are much better than other low-priced superminis
- Fairly comfortable ride for a car of this size
- Lots of personality for the price
Cons
- Cramped interior
- Abarth model isn't very quick or much fun
- Poor rear visibility with the convertible's top lowered
- Disappointing fuel economy given the slow acceleration
2018 FIAT 500 C Abarth pricing
in Ashburn, VAWhich 500 does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
Subcompact cars generally aren't much to write home about. They usually sacrifice materials quality, quick acceleration and an exciting driving experience in exchange for a rock-bottom price tag. Something must have been lost in the English to Italian translation, however, because the 2018 Fiat 500 offers what others don't. Not only is this pint-size coupe fun to drive, but it also brings distinctly European design flair to this otherwise dowdy segment.
The 500 has been on sale for a while now without any significant refresh, but the things we liked about it when it debuted for the 2012 model year hold true even today. The cabin design surpasses many in this field, and its cute looks still command attention on the road. Plus, the previous naturally aspirated base engine has been replaced with a turbocharged unit, so this year's 500 is noticeably quicker than the 2017 model.
On the other hand, we're not sold on the top Abarth trim's performance chops, especially considering you can get the more luxurious and faster Mini Hardtop for about the same price. We think the base Pop and more luxurious Lounge are both better buys. There are still some inherent downsides, too, such as the cabin that's really only big enough for two people. Overall, though, the 500 is a good choice if you want an affordable subcompact with some personality.
Trim levels & features
The 2018 Fiat 500 is a small city car with seating for four, although the rear seats are only suitable for very small children. It's available as a two-door hatchback or convertible (Fiat calls this the 500C) that uses fixed roof rails and a folding center portion. The base Pop model is lightly equipped, but its price is quite reasonable. The midlevel Lounge is more expensive, but many will find the leather upholstery and other goodies worth the extra cost. The performance-oriented Abarth rounds out the lineup, with a peppier engine, sport-tuned suspension and boisterous exhaust note.
All three trims are powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic is optional. In the Pop and Lounge models, the engine produces 135 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. Abarth models receive a modest but noticeable power bump: Manual-equipped versions produce 160 hp and 170 lb-ft, while automatic models make 157 hp and 183 lb-ft.
Standard features for the Pop trim include 16-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, hill start assist, heated mirrors, foglights, keyless locking and unlocking, air conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a 7-inch color driver information display, 50/50-split folding rear seatbacks, a tilt-only leather-wrapped steering wheel, a cargo cover, and Fiat Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment interface with a 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, voice controls, and a six-speaker Alpine audio system with an auxiliary audio input and two USB ports (one for mobile device integration, the other for charging). The Pop convertible also comes with rear parking sensors.
The luxurious Lounge trim includes all of the above, plus chrome exterior trim, a fixed glass roof, rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery and satellite radio.
At the top of the Fiat 500 food chain is the performance-focused Abarth. It includes the parking sensors from the Lounge and adds a more powerful engine, a rear spoiler, sportier suspension tuning, upgraded brakes with red-painted calipers, a performance exhaust system, distinctive exterior and interior styling tweaks, premium cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped shift knob, a sport steering wheel and front floor mats.
Some of the Lounge's extra features can be added to the Pop and Abarth as options. Other popular options include a sunroof for coupe models, 17-inch wheels for the Abarth, a six-speaker Beats Audio sound system with a trunk-mounted subwoofer, a navigation system, and a variety of Mopar-branded exterior and interior styling enhancements.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Fiat 500C Abarth Convertible (turbo 1.4L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2015, the current 500 has received some revisions, including a new touchscreen in 2016. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's 500, however.
Driving
2Acceleration
2.5Braking
2Steering
2Handling
2Drivability
2Comfort
2.5Seat comfort
2.5Ride comfort
3Noise & vibration
2Interior
2Ease of use
2Getting in/getting out
2.5Roominess
2Visibility
Quality
2Convertible top
2Utility
2Consumer reviews
There are no consumer reviews for the 2018 FIAT 500.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite 500 safety features:
- ParkSense Rear Park Assist System
- Sounds an alert as the Fiat 500 approaches an object behind the car.
- ParkView Rear Backup Camera
- Displays an image of the area directly behind the car in the central touchscreen.
- Hill Start Assist
- Keeps the brakes applied even after you let your foot off the pedal while on a hill to prevent rolling backward.
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2018 FIAT 500 C Abarth for Sale
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See your car's valueBy now, almost everyone has encountered a Fiat 500 on the road. With its unmistakable, diminutive profile, retro Italian styling and cute mustachioed front end, it is hard not to feel some joy when you're looking at one. Now, more than six years since its U.S. launch, the car is no longer unique in its defining features, but there's no denying that the Cinquecento (Italian for "500") still serves as a stylish, affordable runabout for a driver without older children.
For 2018, the base non-turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder has been dropped and replaced by a turbocharged unit, the same one that was unceremoniously dumped from the options list last year. This means every model — the bare-bones Pop, the more luxurious Lounge and the sporty Abarth — comes with a boosted engine under the hood to give the Fiat 500 a bit of pep in its step. While we'll miss the old motor's superior fuel economy, the benefits to acceleration are palpable. Other notable changes for this year include the new Urbana appearance package and a standard rearview camera (it wasn't even offered as an option previously).
Inside the 500, you'll find the same vintage-inspired and colorful interior, still surprisingly spacious enough for two — but not four. Under the hood is the returning 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine that was previously available in models prior to 2017. It's noticeably quicker than last year's naturally aspirated motor, but speed demons will want to consider the Abarth, which is faster still. The cabriolet (convertible) top still annoyingly converts into an accordion, blocking any vision in your rearview mirror. Finally, the exterior is unchanged. Despite its iconic appearance, the 500 could use a face-lift after six years — something that's yet to be adopted from its overseas counterpart.
Though the 2018 Fiat 500 has some shortcomings, it is still a stylishly simple, affordable hatchback. Provided you choose the hatchback over the cabriolet, there's enough cargo storage for a weekend trip or an errand trip around town, delivered with a lot of personality and a fun driving experience. Let Edmunds assist you in finding the right Cinquecento for your dolce vita.
2018 FIAT 500 C Abarth Overview
The 2018 FIAT 500 C Abarth is offered in the following styles: , and C Abarth 2dr Convertible (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M).
What do people think of the 2018 FIAT 500 C Abarth?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 FIAT 500 C Abarth and all its trim types. 0 Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 500 C Abarth.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 FIAT 500 C Abarth and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 500 C Abarth featuring deep dives into trim levels including C Abarth, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Read our full review of the 2018 FIAT 500 C Abarth here.Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2018 FIAT 500 C Abarth?
2018 FIAT 500 C Abarth C Abarth 2dr Convertible (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2018 FIAT 500 C Abarth C Abarth 2dr Convertible (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
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Which 2018 FIAT 500 C Abarths are available in my area?
2018 FIAT 500 C Abarth Listings and Inventory
There are currently 4 new 2018 FIAT 500 C Abarths listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $27,015 and mileage as low as 3 miles. Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 FIAT 500 C Abarth.
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 FIAT 500 C Abarth for sale near you.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2018 FIAT 500 C Abarth and all available trim types: C Abarth. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2018 FIAT 500 C Abarth include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 FIAT 500?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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Related vehicle information
2018 FIAT 500 Information
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