2013 Fiat 500 Turbo Preview

Introduction

The Fiat 500 is a sub-compact, 4-passenger hatchback, a "city car" designed for use in urban areas. For 2013, the model range is expanded with the new sport-tuned Fiat 500 Turbo, which slots into the lineup under the performance-oriented 500 Abarth and has a window sticker of $20,200, including the destination charge.

Exterior Features

The Fiat 500 Turbo has a front fascia similar to that of the 500 Abarth, one that makes room for the added hardware and cooling needs of a turbocharged engine. Headlight and parking light bezels are finished in Gloss Black for what Fiat calls "a more menacing look."

Side skirts, a rear spoiler, taillights with Gloss Black bezels, and a redesigned rear bumper with a diffuser panel also set the 500 Turbo apart from other 500 models. A set of 16-inch aluminum wheels featuring black-painted pockets completes the Fiat 500 Turbo's exterior modifications.

Interior Features

The 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo is equipped with cloth sport seats, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, and a unique shift knob. The standard two-tone cabin treatment is gray and black. Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with music streaming capability is also standard.

Optional Features

The Fiat 500 Turbo can be equipped with leather seats in black/black and red/black color combinations. Heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a power sunroof are also optional, and Fiat promises the same level of individual tailoring provided for the standard 500 models.

Under the Hood

The new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo is equipped with a turbocharged, 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 135 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque. For comparison, that's 34 more horsepower and 52 more lb.-ft. of torque than a standard Fiat 500. Despite this increase in power, Fiat expects the new 500 Turbo to get 34 mpg on the highway.

A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard, driving the front wheels through larger equal-length half-shafts designed to mitigate the effects of torque steer. Additionally, Fiat has installed a sport-tuned exhaust system, recalibrated electric steering, and a revised suspension--all designed to make the car more fun to drive.

The performance braking system features front ventilated rotors that are an inch larger than stock, combined with red-painted front calipers and semi-metallic brake pads all around.

Safety

Like other Fiat 500 models, the new 500 Turbo is equipped with 7 standard air bags, including a knee air bag for the driver. Traction and stability control are standard, too, as well as anti-lock brakes. Rear-parking assist sensors are available.

Technology

The new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo can be equipped with a new available Beats by Dr. Dre premium audio system. Equipped with a 368-watt amplifier, 6 speakers, and an 8-inch dual-voice coil subwoofer inside of a trunk-mounted enclosure, this new sound system delivers what Fiat calls "a high-definition music experience."