2012 Abarth 695 Reviews

We've been dying to have crack at this car since its launch last year.But the previous distributors of Fiat and Alfa Romeo in this country always laughed off our request. Not so Chrysler which recently resumed responsibility for distribution of the cars here.Chrysler by way of explanation is 60 per cent owned by Fiat which has gradually lifted its stake in the American company since rescuing it from bankruptcy three years ago. Chrysler bless them managed to scrounge two of the Ferrari tribute cars for a recent drive day in Albury. And what a car!VALUEBased on the Abarth version of the reborn Fiat 500, the 695 Tributo Ferrari is a sensational bit of kit. But, at close to $70,000, it's not likely to find many takers not unless they've already got a Ferrari in the garage.Abarth, is the performance arm of the company, a bit like HSV is to Holden, with historical links to Ferrari. And they share the same passion for performance, Italian style and attention to detail.In 1953, their association spawned a unique Ferrari-Abarth, the Ferrari 166/250 MM Abarth. The car raced in various international events including the legendary Mille Miglia. More recently the ties have been strengthened, with Abarth supplying the exhaust systems for Ferraris.Then there's the Tributo. Only 120 of the cars have been imported to Australia and only 20 of them remain, with a list price of $69,000 pipped only by the Mini Goodwood at $74,500.TECHNOLOGYPowered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre four cylinder engine, the Tributo can reach a speed of 225km/h and sprints from 0-100km/h in less than 7 seconds. The engine is a 1.4-litre Turbo T-Jet 16v, tuned to develop more than 132kW of power.In comparison the donor Abarth 500 Esseesse produces 118kW. The turbocharged four is combined with a 5-speed MTA robotised manual gearbox, with change paddles that reduce shift times. And, get this, they found room under the back for four tailpipes - count them.DESIGNThe Ferrari Tributo is an impressive package, with plenty of carbon fibre garnishes, combination cloth and suede leather trim, contrast stitching, high-sided Sabelt race seats and an instrument panel specially made by Jaeger that is inspired by typical Ferrari instrumentation. At the same time there's plenty of cheap, nasty black plastic in evidence too.DRIVINGWhat's it go like? It's a tight fit but not as bad as anticipated, nor is the ride as harsh as we were led to expect. As the engine climbs above 3000 revs the bi-modal Monza exhaust develops a much throatier, more satisfying sound with the occasional crackle just like a real Ferrari.The robotised, single-clutch manual is a pain the butt, especially in traffic but delivers rapid changes in a straight line, with a surprising amount of mid-range grunt. Changing to manual mode and lifting off the throttle helps to smooth things out.Following a regular Abarth Essesse up a winding hill, we were surprised how easily the Tributo kept pace. It's got plenty of grip in corners with a surprising amount of punch out of corners, and four-pot Brembos that wipe off speed quickly.VERDICTYes siree. It was worth the wait. The Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is a genuine pocket rocket, if an expensive one. It's so small, maybe they won't miss one?Abarth 695 Tributo FerrariPrice: $69,990Warranty: 3 years roadside assistWeight: 1077kgEngine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder, 132kW/230NmTransmission: 5-speed seq manual auto-single clutch, front wheel driveThirst: 6.5L/100Km, 151g/km C02

This stunning little Italian hotshot, with a name that’s almost as long as the car – Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari – is something right out of the ordinary. A brand new Ferrari-badged car for under $70,000 - amazing isn’t it?Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is a tribute to two of the great Italian marques. Ferrari needs no explanation, but Carlo Abarth’s name probably does. In today’s lingo Carlo Abarth was a ‘tuner’, taking standard cars and improving them with high-performance engines and suspensions.A reasonably successful racing car driver in the late 1940s and into the ‘50s Carlo Abarth worked chiefly on Fiats but also dabbled in Ferraris and Lancias. In time Abarth became the high-performance division of Fiat – in the manner of HSV for Holden, and AMG with Mercedes-Benz.Fiat has controlled Abarth since 1971 and the name faded for a number of years, until it was revived in 2007 as part of a plan to lift the Italian marque’s image on the sporting front. Abarth builds several hot models these days, the best known being the Abarth Esseesse (try saying SS with an Italian accent and it suddenly makes sense!).DESIGNNow engineers from Abarth, Ferrari and Fiat have teamed up to build the stunning little Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari. The complete car has received a well engineered makeover and the stylists have had a field day in lifting the appearance of a car that started off as a Fiat 500.The 17-inch alloy wheels look huge on a car of this size and the similarity in design to those on larger Ferraris add to the tough-as-big-brother look. Inside, is a pair of “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” racing seats, finished in black leather and Alcantara, that we found held us nicely against lateral and longitudinal forces. The black leather steering wheel has red stitching.The instrument panel is by Jaeger, and Abarth Australia tells us it’s inspired by typical Ferrari instrumentation. Carbon fibre is used across the dashboard and around the paddles for the MTA gearbox. On the floor are neat looking aluminium racing pedals with Abarth’s Scorpion logo. The special car even has a plate bearing the vehicle series number.TECHNOLOGYThe 1.4-litre turbocharged engine has been taken out to a whopping 180 horsepower (132 kilowatts) and can top 225 km/h where conditions permit. More realistically it can get from a standstill to 100 km/h in under seven seconds. OK, so the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari’s big brothers can accelerate almost twice as fast, but they cost six to ten times as much - and may not put the same sort of grin on your face as this miniature pocket rocket.DRIVINGThe sound of the engine is magnificent, perhaps not as good as a V12 on full noise, but there’s a sporting note that will please lovers of real performance cars. Taking all that power to the front wheels is a five-speed automated manual gearbox controlled by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.Like all of its type this gearbox can be a bit harsh at low speeds, but somehow that adds charm to this little semi-race beastie. Suspension changes see the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari with a firmer ride than the standard car, but we have felt worse - and read again the remarks about the charm provided. This car is hugely enjoyable to drive, with the sort of personality only a small, Italian sportscar can provide.VERDICTWould I buy one? Only if I had a lot of money to spare for my automotive toys. In which case I would be hard pressed to decide whether to have ‘my’ Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari in Modena Red or Modena Yellow.Abarth 695 Tributo FerrariPrice: $69,990Warranty: 3 years roadside assistWeight: 1077kgEngine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder, 132kW/230NmTransmission: 5-speed seq manual auto-single clutch, front wheel driveThirst: 6.5L/100Km, 151g/km C02