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Abarth 500C

The new Abarth 500C, has just gone on sale in the UK, allows drivers to combine unrivalled small car performance with the thrill of wind-in-the-hair motoring in one stylish and well-equipped package. The Abarth cornerstone is performance and the Abarth 500C embodies that with innovations that transform it into the fastest and most focused soft top of its size. The most radical of these is the Abarth Competizione gearbox. Developed specifically by Abarth engineers, the Manual Transmission Automated (MTA) allows drivers to change gear using paddles mounted behind the steering wheel for a sportier feel. Or, for more relaxed progress, to push a button on the dashboard console, turning the five-speed unit into a full automatic. The engine is the same 1.4-litre turbo that’s used on the Abarth 500 hatchback model. However a reprogramming of the ECU adds another 5bhp, boosting it to 140bhp. This gives a top speed of 128mph, while 0-62mph acceleration is dispatched in 8.1 seconds. But the new engine is also eco friendly, complying with Euro5 standards and emitting just 151g/km of CO2. Price Total OTR £17,500.00 Basic Price (Excl. VAT) £14,341.06 VAT £2,510.38 OTR Charges £649.25