Abarth 500 Hatchback (2009-2015) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 2.5 out of 52.5

Written by Simon Harris Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 47 - 48 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

We are disappointed that Abarth has chosen to pitch the 500 above the larger, more powerful Grande Punto in terms of list price – it smacks of blatantly exploiting the current appetite for the 500. However, it should hold its value a little better than the Grande Punto and probably as well as a MINI Cooper S. Fuel economy of 40mpg plus should be easily attainable in gentle driving.

A relatively small turbocharged engine in a small car bodes well for its environmental performance, despite its racy attitude. Emissions of 155g/km of CO2 for both standard and Esseesse versions is good considering the performance.

Although some people have had problems with reliability on small Fiats in the recent past, reliability is generally good and Fiat (which owns the Abarth brand) has begun to take quality and customer service far more seriously. The specialist Abarth dealers should offer good service.