Skip advert
Advertisement

Fiat Stilo Abarth

Not many countries do small sports cars as well as Italy. So it's curious that the nation's biggest manufacturer, Fiat, has failed to set the world alight with its Abarth-badged Stilo hot hatch.

The manual Stilo Abarth is a welcome and much needed addition. Its cabin doesn't have the hallmarks of a true hot hatch, but the exhaust sound certainly does. On the road it isn't as thrilling as many rivals, but it is fun and agile. The 170bhp engine has enough power to keep enthusiastic drivers happy, as does the competitive price tag of £14,245.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Not many countries do small sports cars as well as Italy. So it's curious that the nation's biggest manufacturer, Fiat, has failed to set the world alight with its Abarth-badged Stilo hot hatch.

One of the reasons may be that, since the model's launch in 2001, the flagship has been offered only with the firm's Selespeed semi-automatic transmission. But now, after three years, Fiat has decided to change that by making a manual version available.

And it doesn't come soon enough. The styling of the three-door-only Abarth is far sharper than the five-door Stilo's, even after the latter's facelift. The hot hatch version carries an altogether more aggressive look, while the roof spoiler and sculpted side-skirts simply add to the sporty flavour.

In addition to the equipment fitted to the Stilo's luxury Dynamic range-topper, the Abarth boasts bespoke interior trim and dashboard, ESP stability control, a Dual Zone climate-control system and low-profile tyres.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

3

2015 DS

3

70,100 milesManualDiesel1.6L

Cash £4,200
View 3
XF

2015 Jaguar

XF

61,000 milesAutomaticDiesel2.2L

Cash £7,495
View XF
Range Rover Evoque

2023 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

32,368 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £23,495
View Range Rover Evoque
Range Rover Evoque

2023 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

12,482 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £28,995
View Range Rover Evoque

Despite this, the cabin styling remains a little plain. Overall practicality is excellent, but the driving position isn't - everyone who tried our test car commented on how uncomfortable the bizarrely shaped seat was.

Pedigree
While the interior might not be especially exciting, as soon as you turn over the engine, the car's sporting pedigree becomes much more apparent. The 2.4-litre five-cylinder 20v motor has an unusually raucous exhaust note.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Surprisingly for a large-capacity unit, it produces a modest 170bhp. But with most of the power coming in at the lower end of the rev range, the responsive engine offers instant acceleration. This makes overtaking manoeuvres straightforward and delivers a 0-60mph sprint time of 8.5 seconds. That is still 0.3 seconds slower than a Ford Focus ST170, though.

Top speed for the Fiat is 136mph, so it's just as well the brakes have plenty of stopping power despite lacking in pedal feel. The handling is fine, too. While the steering is bettered by that of many rivals, the car turns sharply into corners with assured ease.

The Stilo Abarth faces some very well established hot hatch rivals, and fitting the smooth-shifting manual box - thus giving keen drivers more control over gearchanges - turns it into a much-improved contender.

However, as a package, it's not up to the standards of the Focus ST170 or a Honda Civic Type R, but then it does cost less. With the manual box, the Fiat is £14,245, making it £1,850 less than the Selespeed version. It may not be a class leader, but for those looking for something a bit different, it's worth considering.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,675
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,271 off RRP*Used from £11,595
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,499 off RRP*Used from £10,695
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,951
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025
Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy
Marcos, interior

Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy

Development is already underway on the first all-new Marcos cars in roughly 20 years
News
27 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025