The Open Road vol.1 - Reviewing my '13 Abarth 500

Hello Everyone!

I would like to share my interest and passion of cars with you all.
Some things you can expect to see:

1. Real World Car reviews- no race tracks, no blocked roads- only real world reviews that share how that car is to live with and drive in the real world- with traffic, bad weather, and stuff to carry

2. Adventures in motoring- the rare chance I get to leave the real world and work on a car, drive a dream car, or anything else

3. Car World- the automotive industry- news, rumors, opinions, and all things surrounding the cars

I can also work by request, so if you'd like to see something, please comment and I will try to get right on it!

Anyways... the first Car Review... my own Daily Driver- a 2013 Fiat Abarth 500

To start off- here are the categories that will be reviewed

1. Driving dynamics- engine, suspension, transmission
2. Reliability/build quality
3. Economy
4. Utility- storage, towing, carrying ability
5. Fun Factor-- will you feel good about driving it or will it make your day even worse

DRIVING- 7/10

The little Abarth is the sport version of the regular Fiat 500. All the mechanicals have been given some more focus on making the car fun to make the Abarth more...fun. The changes definitely worked.
The 1.4L (1400cc) 4 cylinder engine got a turbo and the option for a engine re-map. The gains go from 100 horsepower to 160 hp. This gives the car more punch. Hit the sport button and the engine becomes even more responsive.
The best part is the sound that you hear from the exhaust which has no mufflers.
Where we're going...we don't need mufflers. :)

The transmission is only a 5 Speed-- a 6 speed auto is now available but for the most fun, the manual option is the best way to go. However, beware highway driving because your ears will be begging for the extra gear to shut down the noise.

The suspension- simply: good for cornering, bad for rough roads. It tends to be bouncy until you hit smoother roads, then you can carve some good corners. YAY!

RELIABILITY- 6/10

It was built as an economy car and then given the Abarth- go faster parts. The interior is OK but far from luxurious. Don't expect soft touch materials, or no rattling. After 40,000 miles, there are a few but nothing horrid.



The mechanical parts have had 1 issue-- the gear shifter cables are connected to the gear box with some rubber/resin connectors. The 2013 models have inferior materials for this part. Try to get them replaced while in warranty or under good will. The newer connectors are much better!

ECONOMY-6/10

MPG is about 28 (city and highway). This is pretty low for a 1.4L engine but the turbo and the exhaust tempt you (me) into going faster. Faster= burning more gas.
Good news- the gas tank is only 10 gallons. Filling up will be more inconvenient than it is expensive.

UTILITY- 7/10


Actually, very good. I have been able to haul paintings, all kinds of groceries, 500 lbs. of marble tile, and an air compressor (200 lbs- omg). The hatchback opens wide to allow for easy access and to fit a very wide assortment of this. This is probably another one of the stronger suits of the car. I have move my wife and I in this a couple times.

FUN FACTOR- 9/10

This is this car's purpose. It may not be the fastest, the biggest, the most fuel efficient, or even the easiest to work on, but it makes me smile everyday...even while going to work. The total package, the racecar exhaust popping, burbling, and making all the right sounds, the engine pulling strong with a wonderful note, the transmission having the right gear ratios and the suspension being set up to change directions better than most, sets the car in a different category for fun.

Overall, it's a 35/50. I am being honest with my evaluations, while also giving room for other future reviews that would have better ratings.
I love my little red car because of its mix of personality, *becauseracecar, and practicality.

If you have any requests or any comments about this review, I would love your feedback!

Thank you and enjoy the Open Road!