Abarth 500

Overview

When Fiat relaunched the 500 in 2007, Abarth was waiting. Within months of the new 500’s debut at the Geneva Motor Show, Abarth unveiled its tuned version — the model that confirmed the scorpion brand’s revival was not merely nostalgic but genuinely performance-focused. The Abarth 500 took the pretty Fiat 500 body, fitted a 135 hp 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, stiffened and lowered the suspension, upgraded the brakes, and added the twin-outlet sports exhaust that became the Abarth brand’s sonic signature.

The formula was disarmingly simple and spectacularly effective. The 500’s lightweight body — under 1,100 kg — meant that 135 hp felt considerably more muscular than comparable power figures in heavier competitors. The Koni suspension system and sports brakes brought a level of chassis engagement that surprised drivers expecting a city car. Abarth’s esseesse kit, available as a factory option, tuned the engine to 160 hp and added a Borrani alloy wheel, sports air filter, and retuned suspension, taking the 500 into 595 Turismo territory at a significantly lower price point.

In Azerbaijan, the Abarth 500 is the most accessible entry point to the brand. Its relatively modest power makes insurance more affordable than the 595 Competizione, and its shared Fiat 500 mechanical components mean parts are widely available in Baku’s automotive supply chain. The car’s compact dimensions are perfect for Baku’s narrow lanes and tight parking, and its retro-Italian styling generates attention wherever it goes. For the buyer who wants their first Abarth experience, the 500 is the ideal starting point.

Abarth 500 in Pictures

The Abarth 500 is one of the most photographed small cars in the world — its combination of retro Fiat 500 curves and Abarth’s aggressive body kit is irresistibly photogenic in any colour.

Abarth 500 — Front View

Abarth 500 — Profile View

Abarth 500 — Rear View

Abarth 500 — Interior

Abarth 500 — Twin Exhaust Detail

Abarth 500 — 1.4 T-Jet Engine

Key Specifications

• Engine: 1.4-litre T-Jet turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Power: 135 hp (standard) / 160 hp (esseesse kit)
• Torque: 206 Nm (135 hp) / 230 Nm (esseesse)
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• 0–100 km/h: 7.9 seconds (135 hp)
• Top speed: 209 km/h
• Fuel consumption: 6.5–7.0 L/100km (NEDC)
• Kerb weight: approximately 1,085 kg
• Suspension: Sport-tuned with Koni dampers
• Brakes: Ventilated front discs; rear drums (base)
• Exhaust: Dual-outlet sports exhaust (Record Monza not standard on base 500)
• Body: 3-door hatchback; 500C cabriolet variant also available

Variant Comparison

What Makes the Abarth 500 Stand Out

The Abarth 500 achieves something that very few cars manage: it is genuinely exciting to drive at any speed, even when stuck in Baku city traffic. The secret lies in its light weight, communicative chassis, and the soundtrack from its sports exhaust.

• Brand revival significance: The 500 is the car that proved Abarth was relevant to a new generation — its success in 2007 funded everything that came after, including the 695, 124 Spider, and 500e
• Lightweight advantage: At 1,085 kg, the 500 weighs 200–300 kg less than most hot hatches, making 135 hp feel considerably more impressive than bare statistics suggest
• Escalation path: The esseesse kit upgrades the 500 to 160 hp at a fraction of the cost of buying a 595; a unique factory-approved upgrade path that improves the car progressively
• Iconic styling: The 500’s retro design ages beautifully; a well-maintained 2009 500 Abarth still looks as striking as a new one — a rare quality in automotive design
• Accessible entry price: A good 2010–2015 Abarth 500 represents the most affordable way to own a proper Italian performance car in Azerbaijan, with strong community support from Abarth enthusiasts
• Simplicity: The base 500’s relatively modest power means the drivetrain leads a less stressed life than the 595 Competizione; well-maintained examples can cover 150,000–200,000 km without major issues

Maintenance & Repairability in Azerbaijan

The Abarth 500 is the most maintainable car in the Abarth lineup in Azerbaijan. Its shared Fiat 500 components, lower power output, and established global production history mean parts and expertise are widely accessible.

• Parts availability: Fiat 500 mechanical components are available from local dealers and general parts importers; the 500 and Abarth 500 share over 80% of their parts
• Engine servicing: Oil change every 15,000 km, air filter every 30,000 km; the 135 hp tune is gentle enough for local mechanics with European car experience
• Timing belt: Replace at 60,000 km or five years; this is the single most important maintenance item on any T-Jet engine; budget $250–400 in Baku
• Turbo care: The turbocharger needs oil — never switch off immediately after hard driving; allow 60 seconds idle time to prevent oil coking in hot summers
• Brake system: The base 500’s rear drums are less expensive to service than the 595’s Brembo rear discs; standard pad and shoe replacements are available locally
• Suspension: Koni dampers are rebuildable; standard Fiat 500 suspension bushes and links are available from Baku parts suppliers at competitive prices
• Early car age: 2007–2012 Abarth 500s are now 12–17 years old; inspect coolant hoses, rubber suspension bushes, and brake lines carefully; budget for preventive replacement of rubber components on older examples

Abarth 500 vs. Competitors

Cost-of-Ownership Calculator (Azerbaijan)

The Abarth 500 is one of the most cost-effective Italian performance cars to own in Azerbaijan. Its relatively modest power reduces fuel consumption versus the 595, and its widely available parts keep service costs low.

• Estimated annual fuel use: 1080 litres
• Estimated annual fuel cost: $702
• Total annual ownership estimate: $2452
• Average monthly ownership estimate: $204

Used Abarth 500 Buying Checklist

• Timing belt confirmation: The single most important check; a 500 without documented belt replacement at or before 60,000 km is a significant risk regardless of price
• Turbo health: Check for oil around the turbo housing, blue smoke at startup, or excessive boost lag; a healthy T-Jet pulls cleanly from 2,500 rpm
• Age-related rubber: On pre-2015 cars, inspect coolant hoses, brake hoses, and suspension bushes; rubber components harden and crack after 10–12 years
• esseesse kit verification: If advertised as esseesse, verify the factory kit parts (air filter, ECU map, wheel, springs) are genuinely present and match Abarth part numbers
• Aftermarket modifications: Many 500s have been modified with aftermarket exhausts, intake kits, and ECU tunes; ask for receipts and verify these do not mask underlying mechanical issues
• Gearbox smoothness: The 5-speed manual should shift cleanly; notchy synchromesh on second and third gears indicates high mileage or abuse
• Bodywork originality: The 500’s charming styling is easily damaged in city parking; inspect all panels for paint texture mismatches indicating minor accident repairs
• Genuine Abarth vs. conversion: Confirm the car left the factory as an Abarth by checking the VIN — some sellers present Fiat 500s with Abarth bodywork as genuine Abarthis; the VIN must include the Abarth SCPB code

Abarth 500 in Azerbaijan FAQ

Is the Abarth 500 a good first performance car in Azerbaijan?

Yes — the Abarth 500 is an ideal first performance car. Its 135 hp is enough to be genuinely exciting without being intimidating, the chassis is forgiving enough to allow learning the limits safely, and the car’s compact dimensions make it easy to manage in Baku traffic. It teaches driver skills through its communicative steering and handling balance, making it an excellent foundation for progressing to more powerful performance cars later.

How do early (2007–2012) Abarth 500s hold up today in Azerbaijan?

Early examples are now 12–17 years old, and their condition varies enormously depending on maintenance history. The ones that had regular oil changes, timely timing belt replacement, and careful owners are mechanically sound and can continue for many years. The main concerns are age-related rubber deterioration and rust in damp climates — Azerbaijan’s relatively dry climate is actually beneficial here. Budget $800–1,500 for preventive rubber replacement and a full inspection on any early car before purchase.

What is the difference between the Abarth 500 and the standard Fiat 500?

The differences are substantial beyond the badging. The Abarth 500 has a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine (the Fiat has a 1.4 naturally aspirated or 0.9 TwinAir), sport-tuned Koni suspension lowered by 15 mm, upgraded front brake discs, a twin-outlet sports exhaust, Abarth-specific steering tune, sports seats, and exclusive exterior details. The result is a fundamentally different driving experience — the Fiat is a fashion item, the Abarth is a driver’s car.

Can the Abarth 500 be used for family duties in Azerbaijan?

The 500 is a two-door car with a genuinely tiny rear seat and a 185-litre boot — smaller than most city cars. It will carry two adults comfortably and two children at a squeeze. For shopping, daily commuting, and weekend drives it is fine; for family holidays with luggage it is not suitable. Most Azerbaijani 500 owners use it as a second car or commuter vehicle, which suits its character perfectly.

Is the Abarth 500 esseesse kit worth adding in Azerbaijan?

The esseesse kit — which adds 25 hp, a Borrani alloy, sports springs, and air filter — is worth fitting if you are confident in the base car’s mechanical health and plan to keep the car for several years. The kit transforms the 500’s character significantly and brings it close to the 595 Turismo’s performance. The challenge in Azerbaijan is sourcing genuine Abarth esseesse parts; ensure any kit is genuine Abarth-part-numbered components rather than aftermarket equivalents.

Should You Buy an Abarth 500?

The Abarth 500 is the most accessible and arguably the most honest car in the brand’s modern lineup. It does not pretend to be a track weapon like the Competizione or a collector’s piece like the 695 — it is simply a brilliantly entertaining small car that happens to be Italian, happen to have motorsport DNA, and happen to produce one of the greatest exhaust sounds in its class. For those qualities alone, it deserves serious consideration.

In Azerbaijan, the Abarth 500 makes excellent practical sense as a performance car purchase. Its parts accessibility, lower running costs than 595 models, and strong used-market pricing make it the most rewarding entry point to Abarth ownership. Whether you choose the standard 135 hp car or add the esseesse kit, you will end up with a vehicle that delivers more smiles per kilometre than almost anything else available at its price point in Baku’s used market.