It’s easy to understand why people might mistake the Abarth for the Fiat when choosing between these two Italian icons. Both share the same stylish retro design, but their differences go far beyond looks. Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of Dubai or cruising along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi, choosing the right model is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you decide between the Abarth and the Fiat based on performance, size, reliability, and more.
The Fiat has long been celebrated for its timeless design. Since its rebirth in the late 2000s, it has charmed drivers with its retro appeal combined with modern touches. The Fiat’s rounded curves, distinctive circular headlights, and playful design make it a popular choice among those looking for a chic city car.
On the other hand, the Abarth takes the Fiat’s styling and turns up the heat. As a performance-focused version, the Abarth is sportier, with flared wheel arches, a lower stance, and aggressive bodywork that hints at the power under the hood. While both cars are nearly identical from a distance, the Abarth’s sportier details make it stand out for those who want a car with a bit more edge.
Inside, both the Abarth and Fiat share a similar layout, with a large dash panel that matches the car’s exterior color, adding a touch of personality to the cabin. The Abarth, however, stands out with sportier materials like Alcantara or suede, depending on the trim, and a premium Beats sound system, which enhances the driving experience with superior audio quality. This is a feature exclusive to the Abarth, giving it an edge over the Fiat, which does not offer this sound system.
Both cars are equipped with a range of tech options, from basic features to modern touchscreens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. For driving in the extreme temperatures of the GCC, opting for a model with top-notch air conditioning and the best tech features is essential to ensure a comfortable journey.
Both the Abarth and Fiat have a solid reputation, although it’s important to note that the Fiat brand generally performs below average in reliability surveys. However, Fiat and Abarth benefit from being part of the Stellantis group, which includes other well-known brands like Jeep and Peugeot. This backing ensures a reliable supply of parts and service centers across the GCC.
Safety-wise, both cars are equipped with essential features, but the newer Fiat 500 Electric (500e) models offer improved safety ratings, making them a safer choice for families.
When it comes to driving, the Abarth and Fiat cater to different tastes. The Fiat is designed with urban driving in mind, making it perfect for city life in places like Dubai, Doha, or Riyadh. It’s light, nimble, and easy to maneuver, with a suspension setup that ensures a comfortable ride over speed bumps and through congested streets. The 1.2-liter and 0.9-liter engines offer adequate power for daily commutes, and the newer 1.0-liter mild hybrid engine provides improved fuel efficiency, perfect for GCC’s long drives.
In contrast, the Abarth is all about performance. Equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, it offers a thrilling drive that’s more akin to a go-kart than a city car. The stiffer suspension enhances handling, making it a joy to drive on winding roads, but it might be less forgiving on rougher surfaces. The Abarth’s sporty exhaust note and punchy acceleration make it an exhilarating choice for enthusiasts who want to stand out on GCC roads.
In terms of practicality, both the Abarth and Fiat are similar. They offer enough space for everyday essentials. However, if you’re regularly transporting larger items or plan on using the car for longer road trips, you might find the hatchback models more suitable. The compact dimensions make parking a breeze, even in the busiest parts of the GCC.
For most drivers in the GCC, the Fiat offers the best balance of style, comfort, and affordability. Whether you choose the petrol, mild hybrid, or electric variant, the Fiat is a practical choice for daily commuting and city driving.
However, if you’re looking for a car that delivers a more exhilarating driving experience and don’t mind sacrificing a bit of comfort, the Abarth is the way to go. Its performance-focused design and powerful engine make it a standout choice for driving enthusiasts in the region. Whichever model you choose, both the Fiat and Abarth bring a unique blend of Italian style and practicality to the roads of the GCC.
At Automax, we offer a range of both Fiat and Abarth models. Visit us to explore the options and find the perfect vehicle that suits your lifestyle in the GCC.
automax ® is a leading provider of exporting services for brand-new vehicles. We have been in business for over 27 years, and we have assisted thousands of customers import vehicles from Dubai to all over the world.
