Open-air motoring – Abarth style in the UK

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The new Abarth 500C, which has just gone on sale in the UK, allows drivers to combine unrivalled small car performance with the thrill of wind-in-the-hair motoring in one stylish and well-equipped package.

Abarth’s hard-top version of the 500 has caught the imagination of drivers everywhere and helped cement the return of Abarth to the public consciousness. By thoroughly re-engineering the soft-top 500C, Abarth is planning to attract an entirely new audience to the attributes of the resurgent brand, broadening that appeal and encouraging the discerning driver to enter the world of Abarth.

The Abarth cornerstone is performance and the Abarth 500C embodies that with innovations that transform it into the fastest and most focused soft top of its size. The most radical of these is the Abarth Competizione gearbox. Developed specifically by Abarth engineers, the Manual Transmission Automated (MTA) allows drivers to change gear using paddles mounted behind the steering wheel for a sportier feel. Or, for more relaxed progress, to push a button on the dashboard console, turning the five-speed unit into a full automatic.

The engine is the same 1.4-litre turbo that’s used on the Abarth 500 hatchback model. However a reprogramming of the ECU adds another 5bhp, boosting it to 140bhp. This gives a top speed of 128mph (206 km/h), while 0-62mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration is dispatched in 8.1 seconds. But the new engine is also eco friendly, complying with Euro5 standards and emitting just 151g/km of CO2.

Just because it’s clean doesn’t make it boring, however, and the racy rasp of the exhaust note is matched with urgency at the wheel thanks to the 206Nm (152 lb/ft) of torque produced by the engine from just 2000rpm. The performance on tap can be adjusted according to the driving environment using the vehicle’s Sport button. When Sport is selected gear changes are made quicker, engine responses are sharpened, and the electric Dualdrive steering weights up. At the press of a button, drivers can also select TTC (Torque Transfer Control).

This latter system uses the ESP sensors and braking system to mimic a limited slip differential and inhibit understeer. It sharpens handling that’s already been finely honed. Spring and damper rates have been tuned to ensure an exciting ride that’s also very compliant. It remains predictable and safe at all times yet offers the dynamic responses expected of an Abarth.

An additional welcome benefit is that the 500C is a very safe car. A high level of passive safety, including seven airbags as standard, is supplemented by an array of active safety devices such as Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD).

As well as being extremely safe, the Abarth 500C is also very stylish. The front and rear have been redesigned in keeping with the Abarth 500 hard top. But, in line with Abarth principles, this isn’t just cosmetic. Space had to be created in the engine bay to house the 1.4-litre turbo engine. And that power plant has to be fed with sufficient air to extract the maximum performance. The result is a deep front spoiler with sporty vents to the side, lower side skirts and an extended roof spoiler.

This has been lengthened to improve its effectiveness but still sits on the electric soft top and incorporates the high-level brake light which cleverly remains visible even when the roof is fully open. With a choice of 16 and 17-inch wheels and a wide choice of colours and trim, including new bi-colour paint work, the Abarth 500C should appeal to a wide audience.

Would-be customers should certainly be impressed by its standard equipment, which includes a sporty thick-rimmed flat-bottomed, leather steering wheel, electric front windows and door mirrors, air conditioning, and height adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel. There are figure-hugging high back sports seats and a radio/CD/MP3 player with steering wheel controls.

The innovative and unique Blue&Me hands-free communication system is also standard. And as an option, Blue&Me MAP can be specified. This employs motor racing technology to help drivers improve their skills at the wheel as well as offering regular satellite navigation.

On top of this there’s a wide range of options. These include automatic climate control, red brake callipers and a leather interior. And for drivers wanting to boost the performance of their Abarth further, an esseesse (SS) performance upgrade will become available too.

This high level of specification doesn’t just ensure open air performance driving will be more comfortable than ever. It should also appeal to the head as well as the heart with the fun and funky Abarth 500C set to join every other Abarth model in boasting excellent residual values.

Source: Abarth (press release/media site)