Fiat ponders 500 Turbo for Australia

There's a slot in the local Fiat 500 range to accommodate a sportier model with more performance — one that's not badged 'Abarth'.

Currently Fiat's 500 range for Australia comprises the twin-cylinder TwinAir models and the harder-edged Abarth models powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre MultiAir engine. In between the top-shelf 500C TwinAir Lounge with the Duologic transmission — at $27,990 — and the cheapest Abarth 500 at $34,990, there's room for a car such as the 500 Turbo just announced for the US market.

The 500 Turbo is under consideration for Australia, according to Lenore Fletcher, Fiat's Director of Corporate Affairs in Australia. But a business case for it is muddied by considerations other than just landed cost.

"There are actually two levels of Abarth as well," Ms Fletcher told motoring.com.au yesterday. "There's your standard Abarth and the Esse Esse; we actually don't get the standard Abarth here in Australia... we get the Esse Esse, which is generally speaking a kit, if you like."

"Would we be interested in [the 500 Turbo]; where would it fit into the range? At the moment we only have the TwinAir, which is the smaller engine for the standard [cars]."

In the past, former Fiat distributor Ateco Automotive offered the 500 range with a selection of different drivetrains, including a diesel. The other two engines at the car's launch were both petrol and both naturally-aspirated; one displacing 1.2 litres, the other 1.4. Since the introduction of the TwinAir engines at the start of this year, the only way to drive a more powerful version of the 500 is by opting for an Abarth Esse Esse or the 695 Tributo Ferrari. Introducing the turbo four-cylinder engine in a Fiat-badged car isn't necessarily reintroducing a lot more complexity to the range.

"Once again, it would depend on the business case, it would depend on it making sense in terms of a step up through the 500 product range," Ms Fletcher responded.

"[But] it remains part of our policy to consider anything that's available."

As the car is essentially an Abarth, it's already homologated for Australian Design Rules. Furthermore, as Ms Fletcher explained, the car is available to the UK market, so right-hand drive poses no challenge. But for the importer it boils down to the choice between this high-end Fiat or a lower-spec Abarth in much the same role.

The Fiat 500 Turbo runs the same 1.4-litre MultiAir engine as the Abarth models, but tuned more for daily driving. Instead of the 132kW/230Nm engine in the 695 Tributo Ferrari or even the 118kW/201Nm output for the Esse Esse, the 500 Turbo is good for 135hp (100kW) and 150 lb-ft (203Nm).

In addition to the MultiAir engine, the 500 Turbo features tuned suspension, uprated brakes and sportier style inside and out. Essentially the 500 Turbo offers some Abarth features, but without the same pedigree. Against the naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre engine available in the US, the Turbo engine develops 34 per cent more power and 53 per cent added torque. The engine runs through a five-speed manual transmission and equal-length half shafts of larger diameter to counter torque steer, plus larger CV joints to handle the extra torque.

Pulling up the 500 Turbo is a higher-performance braking system comprising larger front brake rotors and red brake calipers. In addition to the braking system and a revised steering calibration, the car is suspended by recalibrated springs and dampers, with a modified lower control arm for each of the struts.

Cosmetic details include gloss black headlights and parking light bezels, bolder side skirts and exclusive 16-inch alloy wheels. The gloss black finish is also applied to the tail light bezels (in lieu of chrome) and the car features a spoiler mounted to the tailgate and a sports exhaust system.

Sporty looks inside are a consequence  of the enhanced seats and leather trim for the gear shifter an steering wheel, which is also coordinated with Argento (silver) stitching. Throughout the cabin the upholstery is finished in a Grigio/Nero (grey/black) colour scheme.

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