ONE of Europe's best known competition names is racing up the UK charts.
Fiat's careful use of the Abarth brand has been a resounding success and hot on the heels of the must-have 500 is the sporty Abarth 500.
This brings an altogether sharper edge to the already edgy 500 and those who want not only a stylish city car but a sporty one will find the Abarth 500 a perfect blend.
Tuned engine and transmission, sports modified suspension, steering and brakes transform the standard 500's character without taking away anything good, but rather endow it with some extra appeal.
The 1.4-litre engine is a surprising powerhouse with good instant response, a reasonable spread of delivery and it never sounds under stress or strain.
It is well matched to the manual gearbox ratios to provide rapid acceleration from rest, snappy overtaking acceleration and a fairly composed motorway cruising ability.
The clutch is moderately heavy but not too hard and it operates in a very progressive manner with the neat and short-throw gear lever set high on the central console.
Underfoot, the brakes provided excellent feel and feedback, slowing the car quickly and undramatically from speed and the parking brake securely held it on a test slope.
In such a small car the secondary switches are naturally close to hand and operate with a satisfying firmness while the very stylish and clear instruments hide nothing.
Controls for heating and ventilation are straightforward and operate well to give any desired temperature, distribution and quiet output. Powered windows give the option of further ventilation.
It is not the roomiest of cars and oddments space limited but the boot offers a modest capacity at 180 litres with the back seats in use but folding them down dramatically raises the practicality and space.
The individual back seats are really too small for all but the tiniest child but the front seats offer a lot of room and access to them is very good and so much easier than the contortions necessary to use the rear seats.
For a sporting model the suspension is naturally firm, but it's not hard as you might expect it to be, and it only seemed unsettled over deeper potholes and taller ridges.
The 500 Abarth's handling was pinsharp and confidence inspiring with its high level of grip, responsiveness to steering and brakes, and stability at speed.
It covers ground easily and quickly but it can also deliver very good economy if you want to drive with a lighter foot.
The visibility is good all round and particularly when parking, while good wipers and bright headlights are welcome in poorer conditions.
Noise levels are low unless you really push the throttle and then it produces a pleasant throaty note. The most consistent noise is that of the road rumbles from the big wheels and tyres.
If you need to buy a small car for what ever reason but want something which retains a strong dynamic appeal and brings a smile to your face with every passing mile, then the 500 Abarth is a very good choice.
FAST FACTS
Fiat 500 Abarth
Price: £13,605
Mechanical: 135bhp 1,399cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 128mph
0-62mph: 7.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 43
Insurance group: 13
C02 emissions: 155g/km
BIK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles