Abarth Punto EVO and 500C presentation in Madrid

The scorpion brand never fails to surprise us. This time they brought us a car that replaces the previous one and, on the other hand, the range expands to 3 models with a city car in size but a real bruiser in power and agility. We already know that Abarth is synonymous with sportiness without neglecting safety, and I can assure you that once again, they have proven it.

The meeting point was strategically chosen in the north of Madrid, very close to Somosierra, where winding roads, light traffic and a welcoming landscape abound: the perfect formula for enjoying these two models, which have pleasantly surprised us when compared with the other models we have already tested, the Abarth 500 and the Abarth Grande Punto Esseesse. If we have managed to whet your appetite, keep reading.

The brand’s sales success is remarkable. While last year they sold around 150 units, so far this year they have already exceeded 170 units, hoping to reach 300 to close a special year, the brand’s first in Spain. For both newly presented models, the esseesse kit will be available from December of this same year.

Abarth Punto EVO, things done right…

The driving sensation does not leave us indifferent, and proof of this is the difference we found compared with the previous model. The exterior and interior look has changed quite a lot, just as the Punto EVO did with respect to its predecessor, but that is not all; the most important thing, the feeling, has changed for the better. But let’s take it step by step.

In exterior design the whole front end changes, with a new bumper, a bigotera (lip spoiler), more aerodynamic air intakes and more aggressive lower lips and side skirts, with stickers slightly wider on the doors. The rear is the part I personally like most. Its rear diffuser helps keep the car planted on the asphalt, while the purely aesthetic rear air outlets have been included and the rear and fog lights moved to the centre. The 17-inch wheels with a design imitating a scorpion’s head are the final touch. REVOlution in capital letters.

Inside, the changes are no less significant. A renewed instrument cluster (with GSI function), a rubber dashboard quite well finished and seat stitching in red and yellow are just a few details. The navigator with telemetry functionality on track is integrated, and the switch to Sport mode recalls Alfa’s DNA, close cousins. Something that does not quite convince me is the driving position. Although comfortable, it is perhaps a little high for a car with a sporty spirit. It will be a matter of getting used to it.

And once seated with the key in hand, there is nothing left to do but start up and enjoy. Cornering is really improved, with a TTC system connected automatically (and which cannot be disconnected) in Sport mode, which is appreciated and noticeable. The fuel cut-off is somewhat “fragile”, as it begins before reaching the red zone of the rev counter and in a somewhat cold and flat manner. The MultiAir technology engine allows you to enjoy Start&Stop in town and lower consumption while power increases, reaching 165 CV for the same displacement as the previous version and managing to stop the clock from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.

The brakes could be improved, since after a climb and descent with many tight bends they suffer too much. On the other hand, safety in any situation is guaranteed, with no rolling or oversteer or understeer at all (and we tried). When it goes, it goes completely; there is no more sensitive zone, and this is greatly appreciated. It is not that we lost it, but the attempt to do so while automatically following the line was noticeable. The dampers are calibrated to their optimum, not appearing excessively hard.

Talking about consumption is not appropriate; corners, climbs, descents and enjoying the car are more than enough reasons to avoid consumption tests. If it helps, the maximum the computer shows is 25 l/100km. The homologated figure is 4.8 litres extra-urban and 6 litres combined. There you have it.

Its price is 1,000 euros more expensive than its predecessor: 18,500 euros.

Abarth 500C, wind in your favour with new airs

The new model joining the brand comes in strong with very complete equipment. Compared with the standard version, it includes as standard the rear parking sensor and the novelty of automatic gearbox with paddle shifters on the steering wheel, plus xenon headlights, 7 airbags and Brembo disc brakes are some of its hallmarks.

In a small car that, in some situations, has no roof, safety is the most important thing. The roof frame has a structural function, and the U-shaped rear axle has a torsion bar, which allows it to keep the 5 Euro NCAP stars of its coupé sibling. The rest is almost identical to the coupé version, already tested, so we will only refer to what is new.

The engine has not changed, although it has been given 5 extra CV of power, to reach 140 CV, achieving a ratio of 100 CV/litre. From a standstill it reaches 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and torque remains at 206 Nm. In practice, it does not feel as fast as the non-convertible version, and it is somewhat special in terms of sporty driving, due to the gearbox. We have not found it as optimal as in other brands, and the lack of a twin-cam setup is noticeable, with jerks when trying to engage a higher gear quickly.

Otherwise, it’s all virtues. An elegant and fun look, ideal for enjoying hot days, is the perfect excuse, while we enjoy driving. It is much more fun than its bigger sibling. It is considerably smaller, so it is more nimble, firmer and more stable when cornering, although the evolution of the other one allows it to take corners faster. But they are totally different cars and are not comparable. One is more of a whim than a street car, something the Punto EVO can boast about.

And if the essence, characteristics and heart of a 500 lie in personalisation, Abarth is not going to be left behind. It allows a dual-colour roof and up to 8 different colours: 4 two-tone, 3 solid and one metallic. In price, it is 2,600 euros more expensive than the standard version, reaching 21,400 euros.

Photos | Javier Vicente