27 MPG combined isn’t going to win any green awards, but that’s not the point of the 2018 Fiat 500 Abarth. This is a hot hatch, a pocket rocket, a caffeinated Italian espresso machine on wheels. Fuel efficiency is secondary to the thrills of a boosted 1.4-liter engine and an exhaust note that sounds like a tiny, angry god clearing its throat. The Abarth buyer isn’t worried about hypermiling; they’re after spirited driving and distinctive style, and they’re willing to pay a little extra at the pump for it.

City and highway performance

The Abarth’s fuel economy breaks down to 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. That city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the turbo spools up frequently and the small engine works harder to accelerate the car’s weight. The highway number is more palatable, largely due to the automatic transmission’s ability to cruise efficiently in top gear. However, resist the temptation to pass slower traffic aggressively, as burying your foot deep in the throttle will noticeably impact your MPG. Consider the 32 MPG a best-case scenario for longer, steady-state drives.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Fiat 500 Abarth at $2,150. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the EPA’s estimated fuel consumption rates. The calculation also assumes the national average fuel price at the time of estimation. Keep in mind that your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you purchase, and changes in gasoline prices. If you drive significantly more or less than 15,000 miles annually, or if fuel prices in your area are higher than the national average, you should adjust this figure accordingly. To see all Fiat fuel economy data, click here: Fiat.

Real-world expectations

The EPA numbers are a reasonable starting point, but real-world fuel economy for the Abarth is highly dependent on driving style. If you treat every on-ramp like a runway and every stoplight like the start of a race, expect to see numbers well south of the EPA estimates. If you adopt a more relaxed driving style and resist the urge to constantly hear the turbocharger hiss, you can likely match or even slightly exceed the EPA figures. The Abarth’s smaller fuel tank also means you will find yourself at the gas station more often than with other commuter cars, even if you match the EPA’s fuel consumption.

How it compares

Compared to other sporty subcompacts, the Abarth’s fuel economy lands somewhere in the middle of the pack. The MINI Cooper S, for example, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, achieves around 26 MPG combined, very similar to the Abarth. The Volkswagen GTI, in its various trims, typically gets slightly better mileage, hovering around 28-29 MPG combined. At the lower end, you have performance variants with larger engines that sacrifice economy for power. The Hyundai Veloster N, with its more potent 2.0-liter turbo, comes in slightly lower at an EPA-rated 25 MPG combined. For the Abarth buyer, the slight MPG differences aren’t typically a deal breaker. They are interested in other qualities, such as the car’s distinct Italian flair and nimble handling.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resist the urge to constantly floor the accelerator. The Abarth’s turbocharger provides a noticeable boost, but it also consumes more fuel. Smooth acceleration and maintaining a steady speed will significantly improve your MPG. Anticipate traffic flow and avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration. Use the momentum of the car to your advantage, and maintain a safe following distance to give yourself plenty of time to react to changing conditions.

Proper tire inflation is critical for optimal fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Make sure you are using quality, OEM spec (or better) tires for lower rolling resistance.

Limit idling time. Avoid idling the engine for extended periods, especially in cold weather. Modern engines warm up quickly under normal driving conditions, and idling wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, it’s generally more efficient to turn off the engine, especially in city driving. Abarth models, along with almost all Fiat 500 models, can be found on 500 MPG across all years.

Use cruise control on long highway drives. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which minimizes unnecessary acceleration and braking, and ultimately improves fuel economy. This is particularly helpful in areas with rolling hills, as it prevents the car from constantly adjusting its speed to maintain a set point.

Consider using a lighter weight oil. Consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic to see if a lighter weight oil is appropriate for your Abarth. Lighter weight oils can reduce friction within the engine, which can improve fuel efficiency by a small, but measurable, amount.