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The start point for the best source of fleet information
You'd be forgiven for thinking you're looking at a Fiat 500, but this car doesn't carry that Italian manufacturer's badge.
Instead, it carries the Abarth name, which is to Fiat what AMG is to Mercedes and M-division is to BMW - namely a sportier brand, except in Fiat's case even the badging changes.
Further differences include the addition of a turbo to the Fiat 500's 1.4-litre engine, which has the dual result of boosting power from 100PS to 135PS and lengthening the car because the bumper sticks out to accommodate it.
Meanwhile a new sporty body kit, stiffened and lowered suspension, sporty seats and a new traction control system mean the 500 is now also a great drive. It's not super-quick, but it has a useful nippy-ness, which coupled to precise steering and little body roll provides the driver with ample fun.
For those that want a bit more power, Abarth offers an 'Esseesse' kit for £2500 that uprates the suspension further, includes larger alloy wheels and better brakes and also increases power to 160PS. This drops the 0-62mph time from 7.9 seconds in the standard Abarth to 7.4 seconds.
The clever part for fleets, is that, because the kit is essentially an aftermarket option, it does not alter the standard Abarth's CO2 figure of 155g/km. The only downside, is that some fleets don't allow options and would rule this kit out.
Abarth 500 1.4T 3dr manual
P11D price
£13,400
Model price range
£13,400-£15,900
Fuel consumption
43.4mpg
CO2 (tax)
155g/km (19%)
BIK 20/40% per month
£42/£84
Service interval
18,000mls
Insurance
group 13
Warranty
3yrs/60,000mls
Boot space
185 litres
Engine size/power
1368cc/135PS
Top speed/0-62mph
128mph/7.9secs
On sale
February 2009
Score
7/10
Verdict
Still a cute car with good residuals, but now a great drive
Verdict
Still a cute car with good residuals, but now a great drive