The 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth’s 27 MPG combined fuel economy won’t top any lists, but that’s not the point. This car isn’t about being thrifty. It’s a small, fun car designed to deliver maximum enjoyment, with fuel economy as a secondary concern. Abarth buyers know they’re getting an engaging, though somewhat compromised, experience that values driving thrills over pure efficiency. They accept the fuel consumption as the price for a specific kind of fun.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth gets 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the Abarth’s eagerness in stop-and-go traffic, where its responsive engine and nimble handling do well. The highway number, while decent for a performance-focused subcompact, is less impressive in practice. The Abarth’s short wheelbase and high-strung engine mean that sustained high-speed cruising requires constant attention and can be tiring; don’t routinely expect to hit that 32 MPG figure on long road trips.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth is $2,150. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel expenses may vary depending on your driving habits and local fuel costs. Enthusiastic driving, which is common in the Abarth, will lead to higher fuel consumption and increase your annual fuel bill.

Real-world expectations

The 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth often gets slightly less than the EPA estimates in real-world conditions. Owners often report combined MPG figures in the low-to-mid 20s, especially if they frequently engage the “Sport” mode and take advantage of its performance. However, careful drivers who focus on efficiency can get numbers closer to the EPA’s ratings. The key is to resist constantly exploiting the engine’s power and to drive smoothly and predictably.

How it compares

The Fiat 500 Abarth’s fuel economy isn’t great compared to other sporty subcompacts in 2017. For example, the Mini Cooper S, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, gets around 26 MPG combined, often with similar performance but slightly better efficiency. The Ford Fiesta ST, another fun option, gets around 29 MPG combined. Even the Volkswagen GTI, a larger and more powerful hatchback, gets around 28 MPG combined, making the Abarth look less economical. However, buyers trade fuel efficiency for the unique styling, loud exhaust, and distinct personality of the Abarth. For those interested in the numbers for all of Fiat’s models, see all Fiat fuel economy data. You can also compare 500 MPG across all years. The Abarth is not the most fuel-efficient choice in its class.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The Abarth’s turbocharger responds quickly, but applying too much throttle will quickly use fuel. Instead, build speed gently and anticipate traffic to reduce the need for sudden bursts of power.

When possible, drive in “Normal” mode. “Sport” mode sharpens throttle response and steering, but it also uses more fuel. Use “Sport” mode for fun driving on twisty roads, and “Normal” mode for everyday driving.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended levels, which are usually on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Limit idling. An engine uses fuel when idling. If you expect to wait for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine, especially in cities with many stoplights and traffic.

Combine trips and plan efficient routes. Short trips with cold starts use more fuel than longer trips. Combine errands and plan your routes to reduce backtracking and avoid traffic. Planning can make a difference in your Abarth’s fuel consumption.