@@exoticolors9953 SMH so what matters is there bank account. So you can't just go out and enjoy bikes or cars if you're bank account Isn't that big... Why do I feel like I'm speaking to a ignorant teenager 🤦♂️
I just bought a 2015 with 4,300 miles on it. An older guy had it in his car collection and decided to sell it. LUCKY ME! I'm 71 and I feel like 25 driving my Fiat 500 Abarth. I just can't stop driving it. In my younger years I had a TR4, MGBGT, Saab Sonnet, and a Datsun 240Z. This is more fun than any of them. VROOM VROOM!
~ My 73 year old friend has just bought a 2019 plate Fiat 500 Abarth, 1.4 turbo with 180 BHP .. She traded in her 240 BHP John Cooper Works Mini Cooper for it .. She can't stop grinning whenever she gets in the drivers seat .. Driving this car is pure joy she tells us .. And the sound of that exhaust is out of this world .. An absolutely fabulous little creature, with a deadly sting in it's tail ..
Was in a parking garage last week and heard one of these comming up.....said to myself...what the hell is comming up here.....you can guess the surprise on my face when i actually say what it was...the exhaust os just great...
When the Abarth Fiat was first coming out, I saw a young woman at the car wash. I told her there was a car show that day in San Luis Obispo and she should take the car there. Turns out that she was worked either for Fiat or the distributor and she was in town just for the car show. When she pulled out to leave I heard the exhaust for the first time and was really impressed.
In a two week period I drove my 500 Abarth from Key West to Michigan and back twice. Ran great and I was amazed how well the down force worked when I got up around 100. I've had the car for a year and love it no problems and it's the perfect car for Key West where I live.
I'm jealous, I lived in Key West from 1975 to 1978, my dad was the captain of Coast Guard Cutter diligence. Key West was awesome back then, the population was much much fewer.
I needed a fuel efficient vehicle to get back and forth to work and after watching this video I purchased a 2015 fiat Abarth because the car is absolutely bonkers. Everyone that sees it smiles ear to ear.. It's a great little car.. Thanks for making this Video Jay Leno because I may have ended up in a Honda Fit or Kia if I didn't see your video.
+Todd Porterfield Better than a Kia I know I own a Kia Soul now and thinking how can I get one of these.. test drove a 15 500 Abarth 6 speed auto yesterday... IMPRESSED!!! very Impressed with power, handling, sound did not know until I saw this video it has straight exhaust.....
I just bought a 2013 Abarth. I test drove one, just for grins, after watching this video. A week later I bought one. The car feels faster than it is. Handling is great and there is not much under steer for a fwd car. It is truly a hoot to sling around through traffic with the short wheelbase and the sticky Pirelli P Zeroes. Fun stuff!
My daughter has a 500 Pop convertible (non-Abarth) and I "borrow" it every chance I get. It is a 2012 with 103k miles, runs great, and is a blast to drive. I think alot of people stateside don't realize what a massive seller the 500 is in Europe, and how well engineered it is. If the regular version is so much fun I can't even imagine the Abarth!
Just bought this car yesterday (a 2013 Chrysler owned vehicle, got it for $10000 less than a new 2015 one with 2k on the odometer) and love it so far! Haven't driven it a ton with the winter we are having in PA so far but never had a turbo before and even though there is some turbo lag I love it! It is still fun to drive with it set in fuel economy mode (when not in sport mode)! Impressive how they use the turbo to account for early shifts for MPG (shift light goes says go to 4th at 27 MPH and 5 at 34MPH). Still pulls you along well for around I could see that as long as you aren't opposed to smaller cars that even the naturally aspirated models will treat you well! Especially if you drive the manual!!!
@@theresAsnakeInMaBoot - ah yeah, shorter wheelbase than a SUV will help! I was wondering if the 16" would help the horrific wheel lock from the wheels being so tight next to the engine that is stuffed into such a small space. Wouldn't change it for anything though.
I just bought a 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo Coupe middle part of July of this year and I have wanted one for many years now and I'm so glad that I finally got one. Everytime I get behind the wheel of her she makes me smile. Everytime I look out the window at her I smile. She's got a 109,000 miles on her and I hope she and I have many wonderful years together. I named her Aurelia and she's a sweetheart. Most fun vehicle I have had since my 92' Dodge Daytona ES!!
Great car. I just rented one in Milan. the 595 model and drove to st tropez then venice then como. It was a real hoot, mountain driving was fun and the turbo helped keep the power up high. Think I might buy one. What Jay says is always true. You can have a lot of fun in this car at slower speeds. Exhaust note is great
akrokdesign Not yet. Where I live and the traffic. I'm going to wait. But, I am lucky and travel to Europe a fair amount and have time to rent one. Hertz has them in Milan. So much fun. I have driven a fair amount of cars and the Abarth has a fun factor that I think is way,way up there. Aloha
I've just pick up my Fiat 2013 Abarth, and I must say, WOW! Its a very fast machine. I previously owned a 07 Civic SI, 03 S2000, 07 SRT8 Cherokee, and a 300ZXTT. The Abarths acceleration (when Sports Mode) is similar to that of the SRT8 Cherokee. The steering and handling is like the S2000, but 5 times better. And when you push the Sports mode button, the Abarth flies to 100 mph in no time. The skyscraper seating reminds me of an SRT4 Neon. I recommend to go out and test drive one.
Gorgeous Italian hot rod! The only car that makes you smile and can’t wait to drive! I’m on my second Fiat 500 - and did the Abarth upgrade this time! Very quirky although not for everyone. You know your driving something very special with either Italian version! I get more looks with my Ferrari yellow Abarth then you would get with a corvette!
my wife brought a base model 500 home th e other day and I wasn't to happy but after smoking not one but two minis on the highway today it made me smile
I have a 2013 Bianco Abarth that I modified with some Italian tricolore stripe graphics I cut myself. Love the car. Got a few other mods too. It's like a mini-Ferrari...both in 'feel' and sound. THAT SOUND. :D Some of the domed wheelcaps I made also ended up on Jay Leno's garage (on another Abarth). Small world. :D Jay, it was great meetin' ya at The Snake on Mulholland!
If you decide to bail out of this video early skip to 8:35. Hand brake drift turn around and then smoke the tires with a funny Leno giggle. It's hilarious.
Keep listening to Jay because he is one of the view well known car guys that can appreciate a car regardless of where it came from. Jay will review a car solely based on the car not where it came from or who made it.
Owned so many sports cars, 500bhp+, 911's...I also owned a Fiat 500c 1.2 pop for a year when they came out. Yesterday I purchased a 2010 Abarth 500 with 70,000 miles on the clock. In normal mode it's civilised, rides well, gets great mpg, in sport it's a hoot. Retains all the chuck-ability of the base 500's but with the 1.4 turbo gets a move on pretty quickly, feels fast to me and I'm used to serious BHP V8's, V10's and V12's. Sat glued to the back of an Audi S5 down a twisty road earlier, heaps of fun. As for the looks, it just reminds me of the original 500, the design of the original was driven by the need to use as little sheet metal as possible. I think it's a unique and interesting design, also very practical with the hatchback. Great little car all round.
akrokdesign I'm getting on well with mine, although without the rose tinted glasses of having just got it I have to say it's not really civilised enough to do long motorway/highway journeys in. Everywhere else it's fantastic though.
Love this video - Jay seems to have such a great outlook on life, such joy. What a guy. I just bought one of these a couple of weeks ago - Wonderful fun, even at lower speeds!
I reluctantly was given one of the basic 500s for a rental car before I left Germany last year. After 30 years in Germany and driving Saabs, VWs and BMWs all those years, I have to say that driving that 500 was the most enjoyable driving experience I have ever had in my life!
Suggestion / Al Cosentino (Faza): Jay, thank you again for this fabulous channel and content! The content and your personality and passion are unequalled in my opinion. I watch some via this youtube 'account' and some via the one we use on our TV, but the content is outstanding. I may have made this suggestion before, and if so, my apologies for the repeat. You no doubt know about the fellow named Al Cosentino who was famous for his Fiat and Faza passion. When i was a teenager, my friend and I who were into Fiats would marvel at the 'Faza Bible' and all of the content as well as Al's writing, Fiat Passion and ideas about Fiats. It would be awesome if you ever get time to hear your perspective on Al, perhaps in concert with an episode on some historic high-performance Fiat. Thank you Jay!!!!!
They’re not that expensive when used. Even in the netherlands where cars cost an arm and a leg (performance cars even more) it’s very reasonably priced. You can buy one here for 13-21k depending on options, milage, year, the whole. Definitely something i’m lookig into when i buy my first car in like 4 years
Thanks Jay, you just cost me 35 grand. My wife saw this video, and had to have a Abarth .She LOVES IT! drives the wheels off it I'm waiting for the speeding tickets to come pouring in. I also had to widen my driveway. Once again. Thanks a lot.
@@ssjchixken5110 The funny thing is that according to books on rally driving, a car this short should not be turned around using handbrake, because if you brake really hard at the very last moment and then make a normal U turn, just at maximum speed this car can actually do it, you're going to be much faster than doing a U-turn using a handbrake.
Hey J, delay gratification is Sweeeeet! Im 56, but 17 again in my Biano 2013 500C Abarth Cabrio! Blows doors fast, or slow growling crawl & doesn't take itself so seriously as my former Mini Coop S cab. I always sense I'm having way more FUN than anyone else I encounter no matter where I take her! Assolutamente perfetto!
I agree completely. I've got a muscle car already. Test drove one and I've never had so much fun not breaking the law. Four more months I get one for my birthday. Does anyone here notice a difference between the coupe and cabrio in regards to chassis stability ?.
Years after this video was made and I just bought my first Abarth yesterday but my second 500. The 5 speed Sport I had was great but the Abarth is unmistakably Italian and the most fun you can purchase for far more money than the purchase price. I am never getting out of this car.
8:36 I’ve never seen jay as a rowdy man, but with this reminds me that he was a kid once, and did childish things. You could tell he went back in time bouncing off that limiter.
It is really a "wolf in sheep's clothing", a cute little car that becomes a monster , the acceleration in all gears is incredible and it handles like the race car that it is. The interior with the leather is luxurious and very comfortable with many air bags. Gas consumption? I drove it from S. Carolina to Chicago and i was getting close to 40 miles per gallon at the average of 65-80 MPH, we still do have speed limits, too bad! Buy one , you'll love it!
I was a VW guy since high school and was on my way to the dealership to trade in for a new VW CC when this little hoon passed me by at a stop light. The little Abarth drifted by me and popped and revved like nothing I've hear (and i used to have a straight piped C6 Vette). So I literally made an U turn and went straight to the fiat dealership and paid cash for one of these on the spot. One of the most fun I've had in a car.
I own one, and really, I love it. I'm happy to see that great cars are back on the market for good prices (mini, Gti, and others are, in confront to this, way too expensive, according to me).
rented and drove for a coule of days in LA and it was a pure joy. I now have 1.4 sport with many performance parts, but it is so hard to compare to the Abarth version. thanks Jay.
I love how Jay acknowledges how they get all the necessary engine essentials in the engine compartment like they were going to, sans battery, put them anywhere else.
I just bought my first fiat a few months back and to my surprise I am in love with the FIAT, I'm already thinking about buying a second one and tuning it. FIAT has a bad rap in NA, but I tell you, thayare a lot more fun to drive than some other luxury brand cars I've owned in the past.
In Italy,,Jay would be the male equivalent of Sophia Loren !! Jay's love for automobiles is a work of artistry. He appreciates ever type of 4 wheel he shows us. I just like J L, a lot. I want to thank Jay for all his wonderful videos. I enjoy them so much. I like all the times he refers to "Back In The Day". I am from back in the day also, created in 1945. Cars meant a lot to us. and we all had a set of Craftsman tools. Jay, is similar to a Farmer, as he is a man outstanding in his field. I wish I could shake his hand personally. If the Tonight show had of paid him his worth, he would have three times as many prize possession automobiles to entertain us with. Jay, you r thu man. Bill-Dadeville Al. s
We own both a regular 500c as well as an Abarth and the difference is amazing. I love my Abarth it is the most fun driving I have ever had on two wheels.
Having owned one for a year- MPG HWY is about 33/34 mpg at approx 70mph. Kuniskis says 28 mpg city, but back on earth, it's more like 24/25 mpg, with my city driving being San Francisco. For a rural resident, your mpg is combined high upper 20s, and for what this little rocket can do, that's great! This is with Sport mode always always on.
Walker hi, i have a Biposto bought new 2016, few mods, remap CAE quick shift, and it's great on track ! tad hard for every day use but such fun, it's a keeper. regards Jerry
I now own a 500 Abarth as well as a 500e and previously owned a Ferrari 308GT4... so let me say the 500e has been awesome and I loved it, but my lease is up so I got a 500 Abarth and its a completely different car. Having been a previous owner of a Ferrari 308GT4 the Abarth is very different, BUT the performance is very similar the 500 Abarth 0-60 is within .2 sec of the best 0-60 time. The 1/4 mile times are quicker in the Abarth 500 than the Ferrari, only the top speed is faster on the thirstier V8 140mph vs 130 mph... but when the Abarth averages 30mpg and the Ferrari 16 mpg... its no contest. I love my old 1975 Ferrari 308 GT4 but its an indulgence at this point.
carfax shows it sold at a auction a little while ago after being traded in lease return with 13 k miles, i think it was oregon.oh and 2015 orange and white int.
"that's what the future sports car is gonna be" and here we are in 2020...with the Hyundai Veloster N! I used to dream about buying the 500 Abarth but now I ended up getting the N :)
Love my 13' Rosso/Red Abarth loaded with everything except the convert top. 43k miles and still pretty minty, everything working fine. More fun than any of my previous cars. All Stock except the black mirror covers, added the chrome abarth gas cover. and the 17" Abarth optional wheels are sharp!
I love my abarth, have it modded quite a bit and it’s just a hoot, these are definitely becoming long term investments if you can get a nice one as nothing will ever be made like this ever again
I owned one foe 3 years. It's the best bang for your buck in terms of a performance oriented car to be found. This car has so many thoughtful details. The exhaust note is fantastic...like a mini Ferrari.
The SI can still outrun the 500 long distance but the 500 has a lot more oomph and gets up on it’s feet quicker. I also like that you just don’t see many Abarths where the SI is a lot more common.
I have a 1974 Ferrari Dino and a 2019 Abarth 595 Competizione. 0 - 100 kph times are almost identical, so Jay, your suspicions were spot on and justified. Rolling torque is similar too but only if you have revs in Abarth within the power band sweet spot to ensure that turbo blast off!
Had the regular 500 sport on a business trip to Houston of all places. That car really put a smile to my face. What is a big smile on your face worth to you, 25k may be a lot but man this car is fun.
Yes they are! i drove a base 500 for 8 months. It grew on me quite a bit. It does feel a good amount lighter than the Abarth i own now. People are missing out on these little cars.
Thanks for responding. I was talking about the Abarth 500. I didn't even know about the other car you mentioned. I looked up the Abarth Punto Evo SuperSport -- Nice!! So now i see it's not just about the Mini Cooper S or JWS when you talk about good performance subcompacts.
I'm the very happy owner of one of these little tykes. Fantastic car. Plus, I'd just like to say, nobody pulls off double denim with such aplomb. Well done Jay.
"it's always fun to drive a slower car faster". I couldnt agree more! I always said that about my old n/a 5 speed subaru. Funnest little car ive ever had! Now I miss it... :(
What I like about Jay is he has the same passion and interest in a $25K car as he does for a $250K. THAT'S a real car enthusiast right there.
Funny because when others do it they get shamed and talk down to.
@@MattMatt77yeah cause theyre usually broke and using that as an excuse to justify their cars. he doesnt have to
@@exoticolors9953 SMH so what matters is there bank account. So you can't just go out and enjoy bikes or cars if you're bank account Isn't that big... Why do I feel like I'm speaking to a ignorant teenager 🤦♂️
I just bought a 2015 with 4,300 miles on it. An older guy had it in his car collection and decided to sell it. LUCKY ME! I'm 71 and I feel like 25 driving my Fiat 500 Abarth. I just can't stop driving it. In my younger years I had a TR4, MGBGT, Saab Sonnet, and a Datsun 240Z. This is more fun than any of them. VROOM VROOM!
Wayne Dorpfeld wholesome
I bought one just last week, my first stick shift car and I’m having so much fun with it. Not planning to sell this one.
SGT Austin that’s cool man
@@phernz1123 It wont last that long Goober
You’re convinced me to buy one 👍🏻
~ My 73 year old friend has just bought a 2019 plate Fiat 500 Abarth, 1.4 turbo with 180 BHP .. She traded in her 240 BHP John Cooper Works Mini Cooper for it .. She can't stop grinning whenever she gets in the drivers seat .. Driving this car is pure joy she tells us .. And the sound of that exhaust is out of this world .. An absolutely fabulous little creature, with a deadly sting in it's tail ..
I'm 73 as well. I love my 500 Abarth! I'm a kid again!
God, the NOISES this thing makes. Easily the best sounding car in this class...for a long time.
opmike343 the Dodge Dart had the same engine, and the same noise. It's great tho
Literal Potato the dart does not make the same sounds,my friend bought one and it does not sound the same at all but it does have same engine
Was in a parking garage last week and heard one of these comming up.....said to myself...what the hell is comming up here.....you can guess the surprise on my face when i actually say what it was...the exhaust os just great...
I have the 2013 Dodge and it sounds the same. 2014 and up you could only get the 1.4 in one trim, and they changed the exhaust.
When the Abarth Fiat was first coming out, I saw a young woman at the car wash. I told her there was a car show that day in San Luis Obispo and she should take the car there. Turns out that she was worked either for Fiat or the distributor and she was in town just for the car show. When she pulled out to leave I heard the exhaust for the first time and was really impressed.
In a two week period I drove my 500 Abarth from Key West to Michigan and back twice. Ran great and I was amazed how well the down force worked when I got up around 100. I've had the car for a year and love it no problems and it's the perfect car for Key West where I live.
I'm jealous, I lived in Key West from 1975 to 1978, my dad was the captain of Coast Guard Cutter diligence. Key West was awesome back then, the population was much much fewer.
I needed a fuel efficient vehicle to get back and forth to work and after watching this video I purchased a 2015 fiat Abarth because the car is absolutely bonkers. Everyone that sees it smiles ear to ear.. It's a great little car.. Thanks for making this Video Jay Leno because I may have ended up in a Honda Fit or Kia if I didn't see your video.
+Todd Porterfield Better than a Kia I know I own a Kia Soul now and thinking how can I get one of these.. test drove a 15 500 Abarth 6 speed auto yesterday... IMPRESSED!!! very Impressed with power, handling, sound did not know until I saw this video it has straight exhaust.....
Is it broke yet ???
ekim andersom 27/33?
ohhh yes!!!!
My car doesn’t have a single problem. People just dont know how to take care of cars.
My Abarth turned 10 yrs old a couple days ago. 85k, only issue has been deteriorated suspension bushings. Always a blast to drive.
I just bought a 2013 Abarth. I test drove one, just for grins, after watching this video. A week later I bought one. The car feels faster than it is. Handling is great and there is not much under steer for a fwd car. It is truly a hoot to sling around through traffic with the short wheelbase and the sticky Pirelli P Zeroes. Fun stuff!
I just bought a Abarth. I have never had so much fun driving! ....YO!
jasontman36 Nice!, how much for it?$?
jasontman36 I know you just got your Abarth but If you think of selling it please let me know. Where in Florida are you?
luilui89 19K
Abartholomew Stallone OK, Ill let you know but it may be a while.
jasontman36
My daughter has a 500 Pop convertible (non-Abarth) and I "borrow" it every chance I get. It is a 2012 with 103k miles, runs great, and is a blast to drive. I think alot of people stateside don't realize what a massive seller the 500 is in Europe, and how well engineered it is. If the regular version is so much fun I can't even imagine the Abarth!
Just bought this car yesterday (a 2013 Chrysler owned vehicle, got it for $10000 less than a new 2015 one with 2k on the odometer) and love it so far! Haven't driven it a ton with the winter we are having in PA so far but never had a turbo before and even though there is some turbo lag I love it! It is still fun to drive with it set in fuel economy mode (when not in sport mode)! Impressive how they use the turbo to account for early shifts for MPG (shift light goes says go to 4th at 27 MPH and 5 at 34MPH). Still pulls you along well for around I could see that as long as you aren't opposed to smaller cars that even the naturally aspirated models will treat you well! Especially if you drive the manual!!!
Congrats!
+nwkitz I put some Bridgestone Blizzaks on this year and haven't had ANY problems getting around. Well other than the snow under the front air dam. ;)
8:40 the dude from fiat really loved that, I did too
That quick 180 was funny. That's probably how I would make all my U-turns if I had this car. Wrong turn....zip. There we go.
Love my Abarth - she’s got the turning radius of a shopping cart! 😄
@@theresAsnakeInMaBoot you got the 16" wheels? mine has the turning circle of a container ship, but I've got the 17" alloys
@@stedz2000 a I have 17s - but my last car was a huge SUV, so I guess everything is relative
@@theresAsnakeInMaBoot - ah yeah, shorter wheelbase than a SUV will help! I was wondering if the 16" would help the horrific wheel lock from the wheels being so tight next to the engine that is stuffed into such a small space. Wouldn't change it for anything though.
I just bought a 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo Coupe middle part of July of this year and I have wanted one for many years now and I'm so glad that I finally got one. Everytime I get behind the wheel of her she makes me smile. Everytime I look out the window at her I smile. She's got a 109,000 miles on her and I hope she and I have many wonderful years together. I named her Aurelia and she's a sweetheart. Most fun vehicle I have had since my 92' Dodge Daytona ES!!
10,000 happy miles in my Abarth so far. Everyone makes fun of it until they ride in one haha.
bdysntchr7 mine lasted to 130,000 miles but it had a boost creep issue so i got rid of it
Facts
8:45 hilarious how Jay looks like he doesn't care, been doing it tons, natural and nothing shocking or odd while the passenger just giggles.
Great car. I just rented one in Milan. the 595 model and drove to st tropez then venice then como. It was a real hoot, mountain driving was fun and the turbo helped keep the power up high. Think I might buy one. What Jay says is always true. You can have a lot of fun in this car at slower speeds. Exhaust note is great
Did you get one?
akrokdesign Not yet. Where I live and the traffic. I'm going to wait. But, I am lucky and travel to Europe a fair amount and have time to rent one. Hertz has them in Milan. So much fun. I have driven a fair amount of cars and the Abarth has a fun factor that I think is way,way up there. Aloha
8:34 i watch it over and over again
+Joe Zhang That slick af look on Jay's face was priceless.
Letterman could never pull off that move!
Real car guy can have fun in a McLaren F1 and a Fiat
Colin Dowd michael schumacher too😉
I have a Lotus Elise and one of these, in the same colour.
(I'm nowhere near as rich).
The Elise is a car that the car community will miss. Which color are your cars?
Also, I love your chimp avatar.
A lot going on there.
Exactly
I just love Jay Leno! He shares with all of us who can, and who can only dream. But he talks to everyone the same.
I've just pick up my Fiat 2013 Abarth, and I must say, WOW! Its a very fast machine. I previously owned a 07 Civic SI, 03 S2000, 07 SRT8 Cherokee, and a 300ZXTT. The Abarths acceleration (when Sports Mode) is similar to that of the SRT8 Cherokee. The steering and handling is like the S2000, but 5 times better. And when you push the Sports mode button, the Abarth flies to 100 mph in no time. The skyscraper seating reminds me of an SRT4 Neon. I recommend to go out and test drive one.
Damn it im starting to fall in love with this car
Gorgeous Italian hot rod!
The only car that makes you smile and can’t wait to drive!
I’m on my second Fiat 500 - and did the Abarth upgrade this time!
Very quirky although not for everyone.
You know your driving something very special with either Italian version!
I get more looks with my Ferrari yellow Abarth then you would get with a corvette!
Way better than a unreliable, falsely-British modern Mini. This is a great car!
my wife brought a base model 500 home th
e other day and I wasn't to happy but after smoking not one but two minis on the highway today it made me smile
Original 500 is deferant concept from mini...
Eightosaurus Spelunk The fit and finish on these fake Italian Fiats is appalling: Very Chrysler. Not even in the same league as the Mini.
But the Fiat is a Chrysler built in Mexico
The Fiat has a terrible reputation for quality and reliability.
I have a 2013 Bianco Abarth that I modified with some Italian tricolore stripe graphics I cut myself. Love the car. Got a few other mods too. It's like a mini-Ferrari...both in 'feel' and sound. THAT SOUND. :D
Some of the domed wheelcaps I made also ended up on Jay Leno's garage (on another Abarth). Small world. :D
Jay, it was great meetin' ya at The Snake on Mulholland!
+spacep0d Can you post a video of your Bianco?
If you decide to bail out of this video early skip to 8:35. Hand brake drift turn around and then smoke the tires with a funny Leno giggle. It's hilarious.
That wasn't Leno laughing LOL!
Keep listening to Jay because he is one of the view well known car guys that can appreciate a car regardless of where it came from. Jay will review a car solely based on the car not where it came from or who made it.
Owned so many sports cars, 500bhp+, 911's...I also owned a Fiat 500c 1.2 pop for a year when they came out. Yesterday I purchased a 2010 Abarth 500 with 70,000 miles on the clock. In normal mode it's civilised, rides well, gets great mpg, in sport it's a hoot. Retains all the chuck-ability of the base 500's but with the 1.4 turbo gets a move on pretty quickly, feels fast to me and I'm used to serious BHP V8's, V10's and V12's. Sat glued to the back of an Audi S5 down a twisty road earlier, heaps of fun. As for the looks, it just reminds me of the original 500, the design of the original was driven by the need to use as little sheet metal as possible. I think it's a unique and interesting design, also very practical with the hatchback. Great little car all round.
When I was at service, oil change. I meet a fellow Abarth owner. He had two Porsche but daily the Abarth.
akrokdesign I'm getting on well with mine, although without the rose tinted glasses of having just got it I have to say it's not really civilised enough to do long motorway/highway journeys in. Everywhere else it's fantastic though.
Love this video - Jay seems to have such a great outlook on life, such joy. What a guy. I just bought one of these a couple of weeks ago - Wonderful fun, even at lower speeds!
I own this Lil Car for 5 years now and hope to for the rest of my Life. ❤💯
I literally just bought this car yesterday after watching this video last week. Brand new. $25K
Thank You J-leno.
Just bought one and at 6'3" comfortable and fun.
@ why would he? He's driving it lmao
Watching this 12 years later as I mod my 595 comp to a stage 2, epic cars! ❤
Just bought a 2019 Abarth with 9k miles. I’m so excited as it is going to be my first car. Going to put minimal Abarth badges too!
Just picked up a 13' Bianco Abarth with red on black leather, absolutely love the car.
Hey how did you enjoy the abarth?
I reluctantly was given one of the basic 500s for a rental car before I left Germany last year. After 30 years in Germany and driving Saabs, VWs and BMWs all those years, I have to say that driving that 500 was the most enjoyable driving experience I have ever had in my life!
00:20
Me every time there's the slightest bit of ice on the road.
Suggestion / Al Cosentino (Faza): Jay, thank you again for this fabulous channel and content! The content and your personality and passion are unequalled in my opinion. I watch some via this youtube 'account' and some via the one we use on our TV, but the content is outstanding. I may have made this suggestion before, and if so, my apologies for the repeat. You no doubt know about the fellow named Al Cosentino who was famous for his Fiat and Faza passion. When i was a teenager, my friend and I who were into Fiats would marvel at the 'Faza Bible' and all of the content as well as Al's writing, Fiat Passion and ideas about Fiats. It would be awesome if you ever get time to hear your perspective on Al, perhaps in concert with an episode on some historic high-performance Fiat. Thank you Jay!!!!!
Just got my Abarth two days ago and I absolutely love it! Best car purchased I made :)
+Adrien Cirou people say the overpriced
yea dont buy new, no reason, buy a 14 abarth for 14 k, they are everywhere. 6 months old i know lol
They’re not that expensive when used. Even in the netherlands where cars cost an arm and a leg (performance cars even more) it’s very reasonably priced. You can buy one here for 13-21k depending on options, milage, year, the whole. Definitely something i’m lookig into when i buy my first car in like 4 years
It’s been 3 years how has it held up?
only when new, and that's because of the taxation in the Netherlands, second hand they are pretty cheap :)
Thanks Jay, you just cost me 35 grand. My wife saw this video, and had to have a Abarth .She LOVES IT! drives the wheels off it I'm waiting for the speeding tickets to come pouring in. I also had to widen my driveway. Once again. Thanks a lot.
Paul Terrill 35k! What a rip off!
i think that was an illegal u turn jay
To be fair, with car thats synonymous with lulin the 3rd, the law can't touch it lol
@@ssjchixken5110 The funny thing is that according to books on rally driving, a car this short should not be turned around using handbrake, because if you brake really hard at the very last moment and then make a normal U turn, just at maximum speed this car can actually do it, you're going to be much faster than doing a U-turn using a handbrake.
Hey J, delay gratification is Sweeeeet! Im 56, but 17 again in my Biano 2013 500C Abarth Cabrio! Blows doors fast, or slow growling crawl & doesn't take itself so seriously as my former Mini Coop S cab. I always sense I'm having way more FUN than anyone else I encounter no matter where I take her! Assolutamente perfetto!
I'm a muscle car guy and I am ashamed to say that I like this car...
I agree so much
The Spork King I'm a v8 guy but I'd would buy one.
I agree completely. I've got a muscle car already. Test drove one and I've never had so much fun not breaking the law. Four more months I get one for my birthday.
Does anyone here notice a difference between the coupe and cabrio in regards to chassis stability ?.
it tugs at the heart strings because it has character. you like both cars for the same reason
So am I but I'm not ashamed to say I think this car is great 👍
I just got one and its a head turner for sure! Not one day has gone by without someone asking me about it
i love this car!!!
Years after this video was made and I just bought my first Abarth yesterday but my second 500. The 5 speed Sport I had was great but the Abarth is unmistakably Italian and the most fun you can purchase for far more money than the purchase price. I am never getting out of this car.
28k miles and not a single problem with the car.
***** mine is a 2013. :-)
I would hope not!
is that supposed to be an achievement of some sort?
***** I have even heard GTI owners complain about minor problems in the first 40 or 50k lol. Being a Fiat, I am actually a bit surprised haha
+wow rood LOL
8:36 I’ve never seen jay as a rowdy man, but with this reminds me that he was a kid once, and did childish things. You could tell he went back in time bouncing off that limiter.
The Dino 206 made 180hp. The Dino 246 made 195hp. Both did weigh more than this 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth.
I recently bought a 2015 convertible in automatic and it is the most fun I have ever had in a vehicle
That's my car! I love my Abarth!
I want her so badly !! Is it really good ? what about the consommation in gasoline ? please answer :D
It is really a "wolf in sheep's clothing", a cute little car that becomes a monster , the acceleration in all gears is incredible and it handles like the race car that it is. The interior with the leather is luxurious and very comfortable with many air bags. Gas consumption? I drove it from S. Carolina to Chicago and i was getting close to 40 miles per gallon at the average of 65-80 MPH, we still do have speed limits, too bad! Buy one , you'll love it!
Thanks for the answer :D !!
Marcello DI GIULIO
everyone who owns it seems to love it. good to hear!
Jay Leno is 6 feet tall, looks like theres plenty of head room for tall people.
I was a VW guy since high school and was on my way to the dealership to trade in for a new VW CC when this little hoon passed me by at a stop light. The little Abarth drifted by me and popped and revved like nothing I've hear (and i used to have a straight piped C6 Vette). So I literally made an U turn and went straight to the fiat dealership and paid cash for one of these on the spot. One of the most fun I've had in a car.
Jay: We’re havin a conversation in here....
Fiat Exec: 🤐
I have one and it's just a blast to drive. Puts a smile on my face every time I start it up
I own one, and really, I love it. I'm happy to see that great cars are back on the market for good prices (mini, Gti, and others are, in confront to this, way too expensive, according to me).
rented and drove for a coule of days in LA and it was a pure joy. I now have 1.4 sport with many performance parts, but it is so hard to compare to the Abarth version. thanks Jay.
All that money and spent about 3 bucks on a microphone.....
SirLimpsalot ferrari Dino how much up
Dino from 60’s how much how
That's why he has money lol
Jay, of all people, with his knowledge, should of known it's pronounced "R-Bart" but I love his passion for sheet metal. The guy gets it.
I love how Jay acknowledges how they get all the necessary engine essentials in the engine compartment like they were going to, sans battery, put them anywhere else.
I just bought my first fiat a few months back and to my surprise I am in love with the FIAT, I'm already thinking about buying a second one and tuning it. FIAT has a bad rap in NA, but I tell you, thayare a lot more fun to drive than some other luxury brand cars I've owned in the past.
Again, in a Jay Leno's garage video, the audio volume goes up and down, up and down... Rather annoying :).
Normalize, maaaan.
ex. If you're on win7 - anderwald.info/windows/normalize-all-sound-output-in-windows-vista-and-higher/
turn on volume levelling on your computer? if you have dolby turned on it'll do it for you.
That has to be the cutest hood prop rod I've ever seen 2:52
I traded my Mini Country Man for a 2017 Fiat Abarth because of this video
Thanks Jay. I love all your cars. I am glad that you film and share them this way.
In Italy,,Jay would be the male equivalent of Sophia Loren !!
Jay's love for automobiles is a work of artistry. He appreciates ever type of 4 wheel he shows us. I just like J L, a lot. I want to thank Jay for all his wonderful videos. I enjoy them so much.
I like all the times he refers to "Back In The Day". I am from back in the day also, created in 1945. Cars meant a lot to us. and we all had a set of Craftsman tools. Jay, is similar to a Farmer, as he is a man outstanding in his field. I wish I could shake his hand personally. If the Tonight show had of paid him his worth, he would have three times as many prize possession automobiles to entertain us with. Jay, you r thu man. Bill-Dadeville Al.
s
We own both a regular 500c as well as an Abarth and the difference is amazing. I love my Abarth it is the most fun driving I have ever had on two wheels.
"the rotors are painted red" huh? lol. come on jay!!!
importtuner31 caught that too
Having owned one for a year- MPG HWY is about 33/34 mpg at approx 70mph.
Kuniskis says 28 mpg city, but back on earth, it's more like 24/25 mpg, with my city driving being San Francisco.
For a rural resident, your mpg is combined high upper 20s, and for what this little rocket can do, that's great!
This is with Sport mode always always on.
i sell them and have driven the 695 biposto in anger and i know of nothing that is more exciting
I would like the 695 biposto. It's like a road legal go-kart, but faster.
Walker hi, i have a Biposto bought new 2016, few mods, remap CAE quick shift, and it's great on track ! tad hard for every day use but such fun, it's a keeper. regards Jerry
Just bought my 2013 Abarth with 56k miles. Love it!!!
Izzy's Insight I just bought one last month as well a 2013 with 51k miles
I now own a 500 Abarth as well as a 500e and previously owned a Ferrari 308GT4... so let me say the 500e has been awesome and I loved it, but my lease is up so I got a 500 Abarth and its a completely different car. Having been a previous owner of a Ferrari 308GT4 the Abarth is very different, BUT the performance is very similar the 500 Abarth 0-60 is within .2 sec of the best 0-60 time. The 1/4 mile times are quicker in the Abarth 500 than the Ferrari, only the top speed is faster on the thirstier V8 140mph vs 130 mph... but when the Abarth averages 30mpg and the Ferrari 16 mpg... its no contest. I love my old 1975 Ferrari 308 GT4 but its an indulgence at this point.
mabye i bought your car, lol was the 500e orange?
Yes
Where did you get it?
carfax shows it sold at a auction a little while ago after being traded in lease return with 13 k miles, i think it was oregon.oh and 2015 orange and white int.
Mine had 28k, so clone color combo... its the best IMHO for the 'e' cars
"that's what the future sports car is gonna be" and here we are in 2020...with the Hyundai Veloster N! I used to dream about buying the 500 Abarth but now I ended up getting the N :)
Rip on the guy for small gaffs all you want, he still has the collection we WISH we had.
Love my 13' Rosso/Red Abarth loaded with everything except the convert top. 43k miles and still pretty minty, everything working fine. More fun than any of my previous cars. All Stock except the black mirror covers, added the chrome abarth gas cover. and the 17" Abarth optional wheels are sharp!
7:50 passing that accord lol
I've been really considering a 500 Abarth. This kinda seals it for me. Top Gear seemed to have liked it, Leno likes it, I think I'll pick one up.
i love how jay always over talks the other guys lol
Jay Leno is my hero. True car enthusiast. This Abarth is pretty sweet! Might have to test drive one...
on the top gear test track it put down a lap time the same as the bmw m3!
Im 16 years old and love cars and dont really know that much about them, so jay talking the way he does helps me out...
That's great Jay...but what's the Doug score?
55...stand out score was value, at 10. Oh, spoiler btw.
I love my abarth, have it modded quite a bit and it’s just a hoot, these are definitely becoming long term investments if you can get a nice one as nothing will ever be made like this ever again
I'm thinking about trading my 07 Civic SI sedan for one of these what do you guys think
I owned one foe 3 years. It's the best bang for your buck in terms of a performance oriented car to be found. This car has so many thoughtful details. The exhaust note is fantastic...like a mini Ferrari.
The SI can still outrun the 500 long distance but the 500 has a lot more oomph and gets up on it’s feet quicker.
I also like that you just don’t see many Abarths where the SI is a lot more common.
I love my my 2016 Abarth!
When I trade in my 2012 500 pop next year this is what I'm getting.
way to go.
How you liking it?
I have a 1974 Ferrari Dino and a 2019 Abarth 595 Competizione. 0 - 100 kph times are almost identical, so Jay, your suspicions were spot on and justified. Rolling torque is similar too but only if you have revs in Abarth within the power band sweet spot to ensure that turbo blast off!
Beautiful car
The other guy looked like he was getting car sick lol
twsstar or just jay-sick. What a bore to listen to
Had the regular 500 sport on a business trip to Houston of all places. That car really put a smile to my face.
What is a big smile on your face worth to you, 25k may be a lot but man this car is fun.
I just bought a base 2012 500 and it's a freakin' blast!
Yes they are! i drove a base 500 for 8 months. It grew on me quite a bit. It does feel a good amount lighter than the Abarth i own now. People are missing out on these little cars.
Spot on commentary jay! I love mine! Been driving it for over 3 years and 40k miles and not a lick of trouble with it. :)
Didn't Michael Schumacher drive one of these? I've toyed with trading my Miata for one of these cars for giggles.
Thanks for responding.
I was talking about the Abarth 500. I didn't even know about the other car you mentioned.
I looked up the Abarth Punto Evo SuperSport -- Nice!!
So now i see it's not just about the Mini Cooper S or JWS when you talk about good performance subcompacts.
NEED THAT SPOILER FOR DOWNFORCE LOLOLOLOL
Having force applied to the back of a front heavy car while driving can help improve balance, even if grip on the rear wheels isn't that important.
The fact you'd laugh at this shows how little you know about adherence
I'm the very happy owner of one of these little tykes. Fantastic car.
Plus, I'd just like to say, nobody pulls off double denim with such aplomb. Well done Jay.
I have a 2012 pop with 70k and still no issues!
Awesome little car, italian style, good sound.
Creepy salesman lurking around Jay
"it's always fun to drive a slower car faster". I couldnt agree more! I always said that about my old n/a 5 speed subaru. Funnest little car ive ever had! Now I miss it... :(
I bet this car is a ton of fun but I just can't get over how it looks...
Brian M. Well it looks nice, whats the matter
The only advice to this comment is "go drive one"
I love the "BANG" backfire when you floor it. Super 😎