The Fiat 500 Abarth launch was put on hold abruptly for a number of reasons earlier this year, but the model will finally be launched in the following weeks.
You read it first on MotorBeam. The 500 Abarth has been a long awaited offering from Fiat India that has somehow taken eons to arrive in the country. Showcased at the Auto Expo last year, the 500 Abarth was originally scheduled for launch late last year but was pushed to early 2015 and was later put on hold due to the rise in excise duty taxes and the sudden resignation of the then Fiat India President and MD, Nagesh Basavanhalli. However, for all the Italian aficionados that have been patiently watching the clock, the wait is finally over as Fiat India will finally launch the 500 Abarth in May this year.
A pure driver’s delight, the Fiat 500 Abarth comes with the smouldering Italian looks made out of classic retro lines with a dash of modernity and is powered by the 1.4-litre 16-valve, turbocharged petrol MultiAir engine that belts out 160 BHP of power at 5500 RPM and 230 Nm of torque at 2500 RPM, paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Keeping the fun quotient intact, the 500 Abarth competes against the MINI range in the country, apart from other premium luxury hatchbacks including the Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1-Series.
Fiat has showcased the 500 Abarth time to time with the ‘esseesse’ kit as well as the 595 Competizione and we expect both the versions to be available to customers in the country, among other customization options. To be brought in as a CBU, Fiat India will be retailing the sporty hatchback with a price tag of around Rs. 25 lakhs (ex-showroom). With the 500 Abarth finally landing at dealerships, we can expect Fiat to take a firm decision with the highly awaited Jeep brand as well that is also lingering for so long now.
