Abarth to unveil two hot Essesses

Abarth will unveil hot Esseesse versions of its new Punto Evo Abarth and 500C models at the Paris motor show.

The 1.4 turbocharged Multiair Punto Evo will receive a power upgrade from the standard car’s 163bhp to over 180bhp. Stiffer suspension and uprated brakes will also be included as part of the upgrade.

The Abarth 500C, which uses a non-Multiair 138bhp 1.4 turbocharged engine, will be upgraded to 157bhp as with the current 500 Esseesse hatchback and will get a faster-shifting version of the five-speed MTA automatic gearbox.

Since the iconic hot Fiat brand was relaunched in 2008 the marque has sold more than 22,000 cars across Europe.

Other enhancements due to be introduced to the Abarth range over the next two years include a dual-clutch gearbox for the Punto and Multiair engines for the Fiat 500.

Expect the Punto Evo and 500C Esseesse models to cost roughly £19,000 and £20,000 respectively.

Victoria Parrott