In an increasingly difficult market for small cars, the 2018 Fiat 500 and 500c convertibles are trying to lure buyers by offering a turbocharged engine for each model. Unfortunately for Fiat, buyers continue to gravitate toward compact SUVs, especially since gas remains relatively cheap. To its credit, this new 500 has a unique look, bold color palette, and plenty of available features. Although passenger space isn't great, the 500 is great for city commuting. It's fun to drive, guzzles gas, and doesn't cost much to own. With the Ford Fiesta soon to leave the scene and the Mini Cooper rising in price, the 500 Pop, the saloon and the sporty Abarth can still capitalize on this niche market.
Used FIAT 500 Abarth 2018 prices
The 2018 Fiat 500 range sees a slight price increase this year, with a starting MSRP of around $17,500. The saloon goes up to just over $21,000, while the convertible version adds around $1,500 to each trim level. The Abarth starts at around $21,750, a gain of just $750 over last year's car. Available only in California and Oregon, the 500e Electric retails for around $34,240. However, incentives and tax credits can significantly lower this price. The 2018 Mini Cooper Hardtop starts at around $22,500 and can top $35,000. Fiat includes a 4-year/50,000-mile Mini-equivalent bumper-to-bumper warranty with roadside assistance and a 3-year/36,000-mile courtesy maintenance package. Kelley Blue Book's fair purchase price should reflect actual transaction prices near MSRP, so be sure to double check before you buy. Projected five-year residual values for the 500 are well below those of the Mini, but still slightly higher than those of the Ford Fiesta.
Driving used FIAT 500 Abarth 2018
With its new performance and lightweight bodywork, the 2018 Fiat 500 is a much more enjoyable drive. The base 500 isn't a GTI (you can look to the 160-hp Abarth for that), but the 500 is now a competent road car, making short work of ramps, lane crossings, and twitchy passing manoeuvres. The 500's small size makes it ideal for city driving, and since it's no taller than 140 inches, finding a parking spot is a breeze. The 500's steering is quick and precise, and its new suspension reduces pitch and bounce while keeping the ride reasonably comfortable. The 500's excellent 5-speed manual transmission is wonderful, but we know that the reality of extraordinary traffic makes the 6-speed automatic a more logical choice. However, if enthusiast-oriented Abarth is your thing, the manual is a must. For the environmentalist, Fiat builds the 500e, an electric version that can travel up to 140 kilometers on a single charge.
inner comfort
The 2018 Fiat 500 subcompact is roomier than expected in the front and as cramped in the rear as it gets. The interior styling lives up to the promise of the quirky yet stylish exterior, and we found the materials, build quality, and seating comfort to be impressive for a car that starts at around $17,500. As the athlete of the group, the Fiat 500 Abarth features heavily bolstered front seats, unique red stitching and a thick-rimmed, flat-bottomed steering wheel.
exterior styling
The 2018 Fiat 500 subcompact is a modern take on the diminutive 1957 rear-engined original. Although taller than the original, it's still seven inches shorter than the current Mini Cooper. The iconic sloping rear end embodies the character of the 500, though it limits rear headroom. The Fiat 500 is available as a stretched 4-door model, eliminating many of the coupe's shortcomings. The 500 is offered in Pop, Lounge and Abarth trims, all available as a coupe or convertible. The electric 500e is only offered as a coupe. Wheels, trim, and body panels set the models apart.
favorite features
SMART POWER CONVERTIBLE TOP ABARTH
Unlike most convertible tops, which drop completely into the trunk, the 2018 Fiat 500c uses a roll-top canvas top that exposes occupants to the outside world without removing the protective metal frame around the windows and doors. The roll-up design also allows for operation at speeds up to 60 mph.
There aren't many light and agile cars that also offer the power of a turbocharged engine. Both the GTI and Mini have grown in size and price, and the spirited Ford Fiesta ST will soon be gone. In the 500 Abarth you will find an affordable model that loves curves.
standard functions
For 2018, the Fiat 500 Pop includes a leather steering wheel, 16-inch aluminum wheels, a 5-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, cruise control, as well as power windows, power door locks, and power heated outside mirrors. Also standard is Bluetooth, a reversing monitor, and a 5-inch touchscreen audio system with 6 speakers and a USB port for portable music players. The top-of-the-line Abarth variant includes a 276-watt Alpine audio system, 16-inch hyper-black wheels, sport-tuned suspension, and a leather-trimmed dash. Standard safety features include seven airbags and hill start assist to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards on steep grades.
job options
A fully equipped 2018 Fiat 500 Lounge includes a 6-speed automatic transmission, leather seats, heated front seats, rear parking sensors, navigation, Beats by Dr. Dre audio system, and climate control. The 500 Pop Convertible Sport Package adds 16-inch Hyper-Black alloy wheels and black-accented headlights, while the Popular Equipment Package offers dual-zone climate control and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The mighty Abarth offers larger 17-inch wheels, two-tone leather-trimmed seats, and a choice of white or red side stripes.
motor/gear
The 2018 Fiat 500 front-wheel drive subcompact is powered by a small but refined 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that features Fiat's patented MultiAir technology, which varies intake valve timing and lift. Fiat tunes this engine at two power levels: the 500 Pop and Lounge get a 135-hp version, while the Abarth makes 160-hp. The electric 500e is rated at 111 hp and 147 pound-feet of torque. With the exception of the 500e, all 500s offer the choice of a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. We like the automatic transmission for its extra gearshift and responsiveness, even though it cuts fuel efficiency by more than 10 percent. The 500e uses a single-speed automatic transmission. 1.4 L turbocharged inline-4 (pop, lounge) 1.4 liter inline 4-cylinder turbocharger (Abarth) Permanent magnet electric motor (500e)
135 CV a 5.500 rpm
150 pound-feet of torque at 2400-4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/33 mpg (manual), 24/32 mpg (automatic)
160 CV a 5.500 rpm
170 pound-feet of torque at 2,500-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/33 mpg (manual), 24/32 mpg (automatic)
111 picosecond
147 pound-feet of moment
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 122/103 mpg equivalent
EPA range on a full charge: 87 miles
KBB Vehicle Rating and Rating Methodology
Our expert ratings come from hours of driving and number calculations to ensure you choose the best car for you. We thoroughly test and analyze every new SUV, car, truck or minivan for sale in the United States and benchmark it against the competition. When all that dust settles, we'll have our reviews. We need new ratings every time an entirely new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes on the market. Additionally, we reevaluate these ratings when a new generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle upgrade; Basically, a middle-aged car (usually around 2-3 years old) gets a little facelift, often with upgraded feature and technology updates. . Rather than pulling random numbers out of thin air or scratching them off a meaningless checklist, KBB editors put a vehicle where it belongs in its class. Before a car gets its KBB rating, it has to prove that it's better (or worse) than the other cars it's competing with, as it tries to trick you into spending your money to buy or lease it. Our editors drive and live with a specific vehicle. We ask the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the equipment, the comfort and, of course, the price. Does it fulfill the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is to travel efficiently to and from work across town, to keep your family safe, to make you feel like you've made it to the top, or that you're on your way, or if you do that feel like you you've finally found the right match for your lifestyle). We take each vehicle we test through the mundane—parking, lane changing, reversing, cargo space, and cargo—as well as through the essentials: acceleration, braking, handling, interior quietness and comfort, build quality, material quality, reliability.
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FAQs
How much is a 2018 Fiat Abarth worth? ›
Used 2018 FIAT 500 Abarth Pricing
The Lounge climbs to just over $21,000, while the convertible version adds about $1,500 to any trim. The Abarth starts right around $21,750, a gain of just $750 over last year's car. The California-and-Oregon-only 500e electric tops out around $34,240.
Prices for a used FIAT 500 Abarth currently range from $6,985 to $25,699, with vehicle mileage ranging from 14,014 to 148,732.
What is the rarest Abarth? ›TRIBUTO FERRARI EXTREMELY RARE 1 OF 152 RHD & 1 OF 500 WORLDWIDE.
Is an Abarth 500 worth it? ›The Fiat 500 Abarth is one of the better small sport hatchbacks on the market. It has the style aspect down in particular and has an exciting enough feel and drive to provide a great overall experience. However, this car isn't without its issues.
How many miles does a Fiat Abarth last? ›They're designed in a way that allows them to do the most for drivers. According to enginepatrol.com, the best Fiat models will last 200,000 - 250,000 miles if cared for properly. This lifespan is excellent for a quality brand.
Are Abarth engines reliable? ›Even though the Abarth, is the tuned version of Fiats popular 500, it is just as reliable to own and run, and because of its increased performance, its brilliant fun to use on a daily basis. It's build quality is excellent, and has a particular charm all of its own.