The 2012 Fiat 500 was initially put on sale in the year 2011. At that point of time, auto experts believed that though this was a small car, it was quite fun driving it around. However, most of the experts believed that the car did not possess the power and agility to match up to the Mini Cooper. These opinions are likely to change once the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is put up for sale in 2012.
The base edition of the Fiat 500 had been provided with a four-cylinder 1.4L engine that had the capacity to generate a maximum power of 101Hp. Though the Abarth variant has retained the four-cylinder 1.4L engine, it has been tweaked and now delivers an impressive 160Hp. On the external front, the Abarth variant creates a separate identity for itself with its Abarth badges as well as specially designed rear and front grilles.
Tim Kuniskis of Chrysler Group LLC, who also heads the FIAT brand in North America, has mentioned in a statement to the press that the car has been provided with a wicked attitude and is going to offer the best Italian performance. What adds to the incentives of the consumers is the fact that they will not have to shell out a six figure sum for getting this experience.
The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is definitely loaded with enough power for a car in the sub-compact segment. However, it is still not able to match the higher variants of Mini Cooper in terms of power generated. The 2012 edition of the Mini Cooper S, which has been priced at $23,800, is able to generate a maximum power of 180Hp. On the other hand, the 2012 edition of the John Cooper Works, priced at $30,600, generates a peak power of 208Hp.
Auto journalists, who have had the opportunity of test driving the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth do not doubt the increased capability that this car has been provided with. At the same time, the vehicle still needs to improve particularly while taking turns.
In the press release made by FIAT, it has not been specified as to when they are planning to put the Abarth on sale. However, as per reports from within the industry, it is expected to be made available from the end of March. The starting price of the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth has been kept at $22,000.
