Fiat has released the first images of the Fiat 500 Abrath – the Italian carmaker’s performance version of the hugely successful 500 .
The most eagerly awaited hot hatch of the year is set to be fully unveiled at the Geneva motor show next month.
The supermini, set to go on sale in the summer, has been given a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine that can develop 135bhp and 151lb ft of pulling power.
As a result, the Abarth should be able to achieve a 0-60mph sprint of around eight seconds and reach a top speed of 125mph, compared to the standard 1.4-litre model’s figures of 10.5 seconds and 113mph respectively.
Judging by the pictures, Fiat have given the given the Abarth an aggressive restyle with a bodykit that makes it stand out alongside lesser models .
The bodykit includes new bumpers, side skirts, larger alloy wheels, and additional decals. A large roof spoiler and a race-style diffuser also feature to control the airflow over and under the car .
Inside the vehicle, the standard front chairs of the 500 have been replaced by body-hugging red bucket seats with integrated headrests . Buyers will also get the choice from a variety of fabrics and two shades of leather – red or black.
Prices for the 500 Abarth are likely to start at around £13,000 when it goes on sale later this year, meaning Fiat has set its sights on doing battle with the likes of the big-selling MINI Cooper .
