Abarth 500C Esseesse Complete Review: Punchy Convertible Fun

The Abarth 500C Esseesse stands out as a compact convertible that packs a serious punch, transforming the iconic Fiat 500 into a performance beast with open-top thrills. This special edition, known as ‘Esseesse’ or ‘Super Sports,’ elevates the standard model with enhanced power, upgraded suspension, and eye-catching design elements, making it a favorite among driving purists who crave agile, responsive handling in a stylish package.

Design and Exterior Highlights

From the outside, the Abarth 500C Esseesse exudes aggressive Italian charisma. Its compact dimensions—barely longer than a city hatch—belie its sporty intent, with flared wheel arches, a prominent rear spoiler, and 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 205/40 low-profile tires. The retractable fabric roof adds versatility, folding away neatly to offer wind-in-the-hair drives without compromising the car’s hatch-like profile. Red brake calipers peek through the wheels, signaling its performance credentials, while Esseesse badging and unique decals set it apart from lesser variants.

• Bold styling: Aggressive front fascia with larger air intakes for better cooling.
• Convertible roof: Concertina-style fabric that retracts quickly, though it slightly reduces rear visibility when open.
• Wheel upgrades: Lightweight 17-inch alloys enhancing grip and aesthetics.

This design not only turns heads but also improves aerodynamics and downforce, contributing to its planted feel at higher speeds.

Powertrain and Performance Specs

At the heart of the Abarth 500C Esseesse is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 118kW of power at 5,500rpm and 201Nm of torque from 2,750rpm. Engage Sport mode, and torque surges to 230Nm, unlocking the full potential for explosive acceleration. Paired exclusively with a five-speed Competizione automated manual transmission featuring paddle shifters, it offers clutchless shifting for a more engaging drive. This setup propels the car from 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds, with a top speed of 211km/h—impressive for a car under 4 meters long.

Real-world testing reveals thirstier consumption, often exceeding 9L/100km in spirited driving, limited by the small 35-liter tank. The turbo provides a characteristic lag below 3,000rpm, but once spooled, it delivers a surge of power accompanied by a raspy exhaust note that crackles on overrun.

Driving Dynamics and Handling

Behind the wheel, the 500C Esseesse feels like a go-kart dialed up for road use. Revised springs, dampers, and Koni shocks deliver razor-sharp handling with massive grip on smooth surfaces. The short wheelbase and low center of gravity make it dart through corners with precision, rewarding enthusiastic drivers with flat cornering and minimal body roll. Braking is strong and fade-resistant, thanks to upgraded calipers and pads.

However, the trade-off is a firm ride that punishes over imperfect roads. Bumps and potholes crash through the cabin, making it less ideal for daily commuting on rough tarmac. In Sport mode, throttle response sharpens, and gear changes quicken, though the automated manual can feel jerky during low-speed maneuvers.

• Strengths: Exceptional cornering grip, responsive steering, fun exhaust soundtrack.
• Weaknesses: Harsh ride on poor roads, turbo lag at low revs, jerky low-speed shifts.

It’s a car that shines on twisty B-roads or track days, where its playful nature and torque steer add to the excitement, but demands respect in everyday scenarios.

Interior Comfort and Features

Step inside, and the cabin blends retro charm with modern touches. Leather-trimmed seats provide good support for spirited driving, while climate control, a turbo boost gauge, and Bluetooth audio keep things practical. The automated shifter is button-based—no traditional lever—emphasizing the semi-auto nature. Rear seats are tiny, best for bags or occasional passengers, underscoring its two-seater personality.

Build quality is functional rather than luxurious, with some plastics feeling budget-oriented. Visibility is decent upfront, but the folded roof and thick pillars can hinder rearward views. Safety earns a five-star ANCAP rating, bolstered by stability control and multiple airbags.

Pricing and Value Assessment

Priced around $38,990 before on-roads (or $34,990 for the hatch), the 500C Esseesse competes with pricier Minis or base hot hatches. It includes leather upholstery, 17-inch wheels, Koni suspension, and Esseesse tweaks as standard, offering strong value for performance per dollar. Fuel and maintenance costs aside, it’s a bargain for the grins it delivers.

For Fiat loyalists or those wanting something different, it justifies the spend; casual buyers may prefer smoother rivals.

Ownership Experience and Reliability

Owners praise the Abarth’s character, with its raspy engine and playful dynamics fostering addiction. Servicing follows Fiat intervals, and parts availability is good in key markets. Common gripes include the ride harshness and transmission quirks, but overall reliability holds up for a performance model. CO2 emissions sit at 155g/km, aligning with its sporty brief.

In urban settings, its nimble size excels, slipping through traffic effortlessly. On highways, wind noise rises with the top down, but stability remains confident up to its top speed.

Who Should Buy the Abarth 500C Esseesse?

This convertible is for enthusiasts prioritizing fun over comfort. Ideal for weekend warriors, city dwellers seeking excitement, or collectors of Italian icons. Skip it if you need family space, plush rides, or low running costs—opt for softer hatches instead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Abarth 500C Esseesse automatic or manual?

It uses a five-speed automated manual with paddles, blending auto convenience with manual control.

How fuel-efficient is it?

Claimed 6.5L/100km, but expect 9+ L/100km in enthusiastic driving due to the small tank.

What’s the difference between standard Abarth 500 and Esseesse?

Esseesse adds power (up to 157bhp in some markets), suspension upgrades, and styling for superior performance.

Is it comfortable for daily driving?

Great on smooth roads, but the stiff setup jars over bumps—best for short, spirited trips.

Can the roof handle all weather?

The fabric roof is user-friendly but best for fair weather; it’s not a full hardtop replacement.