The Fiat 500 Abarth. Just the name conjures images of a feisty little terrier with a booming bark, a pocket rocket ready to punch well above its weight. We at cardiagnosticnearme.com have long admired the Abarth’s charm: that eager turbocharged engine, the sensation of speed even when not breaking land speed records, its playful handling, and that exhaust note – a raucous symphony that rivals cars twice its price.
But for years, there was a sticking point for some enthusiasts, something that felt out of sync with modern driving: the manual transmission was the only option. Then came the 2015 model year, and with it, the availability of a six-speed automatic transmission. Suddenly, the Abarth became accessible to a wider audience, but also raised a crucial question: could an automatic gearbox capture the essence of what makes an Abarth so special?
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), now Stellantis, was kind enough to lend us a 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio for a week to answer just that. And yes, they even encouraged us to put it through its paces, track time included! Our initial reaction to seeing the “PRND” on the gear selector was mixed. Excitement to get behind the wheel of an Abarth was quickly tempered by apprehension about how an automatic would alter the experience.
The 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth Automatic option, priced at $1,350, marked a significant shift for the model, with the manual remaining the standard choice. Our concern wasn’t about whether the automatic worked, but rather if it would dilute the raw, engaging character that defines the Abarth.
Beyond the transmission, the core Abarth formula remained unchanged. The heart of the beast is the same 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a spirited 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Our test car, the Cabrio variant, featured the Power Sunroof, a delightful feature that allows for customizable levels of open-air driving. The as-tested price, including the automatic transmission, satellite radio, and Beats Audio system, came to $31,595.
Another notable update for the 2015 Abarth was the introduction of a new digital gauge cluster, a welcome improvement over the previous, less user-friendly chronograph style. The new cluster is clear, informative, and even incorporates fun graphics like a G-meter, adding a touch of sporty flair. Sport Mode activation even brings a visual change with italicized fonts in the display.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that beneath the surface of fun and performance, the Fiat 500 Abarth does have its compromises. Interior materials in certain areas can feel budget-oriented. Integrated navigation is not an option, and Bluetooth audio streaming requires a specific phone app. The sound system, while branded, is not particularly impressive. Ergonomics can also be a challenge, with a driving position that some find awkward due to the lack of a telescoping steering wheel. Even the standard manual transmission, a five-speed unit in this day and age, isn’t without its criticisms, described as rubbery and vague with an oversized shift knob. Ultimately, the Fiat 500 is derived from a budget-conscious European subcompact, and some of that DNA is present in the Abarth.
But here’s the magic of the Abarth: when you’re actually driving it, those imperfections fade into the background. The sheer joy of piloting this little firecracker takes over. The grin-inducing exhaust note, the nimble handling that encourages you to toss it into corners – these are the elements that define the Abarth experience.
The critical question remained: could the automatic transmission preserve this essential thrill? The answer, surprisingly, is yes, to a significant extent. In normal driving conditions, the Aisin-sourced six-speed automatic is smooth and responsive, behaving much like you’d expect in a standard Fiat 500, just with a healthy dose of added sound and pep. It makes the Abarth arguably more civilized and user-friendly for everyday driving.
Engage Sport Mode, however, and the automatic transmission reveals its more aggressive side, mirroring the Abarth’s transformation into its inner hooligan. The transmission demonstrates intelligent programming, including automatic rev-matching on downshifts, accompanied by satisfying exhaust pops. Shifts become quicker and more decisive, and the transmission holds gears effectively during spirited cornering, even in full automatic mode. Upshifts in Sport mode are also punctuated by enjoyable pops from the exhaust.
It’s clear that this automatic is designed to complement the Abarth’s sporting character. The main omission, and a point of contention for enthusiasts, is the lack of paddle shifters. While manual gear selection is possible via the gear lever (with the correct “up for down/down for up” configuration), paddles would offer a more engaging and intuitive driving experience, especially for track use. Many enthusiasts dream of an Abarth with a lightning-fast dual-clutch transmission and paddle shifters, elevating it to a true pocket-sized performance machine.
Fiat emphasizes the Abarth’s track-worthiness, even offering a free driving instruction day to new owners. To truly assess the automatic’s performance in a demanding environment, we took the Abarth to Harris Hill Raceway. On the track, the Abarth automatic proved to be just as entertaining and surprisingly capable as it is on public roads. The engine provides ample power for navigating the track without being overwhelming, and the car exhibits impressive grip in corners, with a playful rear end that adds to the fun. The Abarth thrives when driven hard, and its forgiving nature makes it easy to push its limits.
Interestingly, during track driving, leaving the transmission in full automatic mode and focusing on throttle and braking inputs yielded the best results. The automatic gearbox consistently selected the appropriate gear and held it through corners, never feeling like a hindrance to performance. Despite this competent performance, paddle shifters would undoubtedly enhance the track experience, offering more precise control and driver engagement. It’s a feature noticeably absent, especially considering that some international Abarth models, like the 595 and 695, do offer paddle shifters.
We now live in an era where automatic transmissions no longer automatically detract from a car’s driving enjoyment. Modern dual-clutch and advanced conventional automatics, like those from ZF, offer impressive speed and engagement, sometimes even surpassing the performance of a traditional manual.
While the automatic transmission in the Fiat 500 Abarth is competent and adds a new dimension of accessibility, it doesn’t fully unlock the car’s ultimate potential. It’s a good automatic, but it somewhat softens the Abarth’s raw, untamed spirit. For the purist and driving enthusiast, especially those considering track days or weekend blasts on backroads, the manual transmission remains the more rewarding choice. If you’re advising someone on buying an Abarth, steer them towards the stick shift – they’ll likely thank you for it.
