We hadn't heard of the Cattiva edition of the Fiat 500 until we found this example during our search this evening. The special appearance package includes a darkened headlights, taillights, and side markers, as well as a black paint on the roof and spoiler, and a dark finish to the wheels.
More interesting than the Cattiva package is the fact that this 500 is a Turbo model. To end up with a 500 Turbo, you start with an Abarth, detune the engine somewhat to 135hp (basically remove the sport button overboost on the Abarth), and add some comfort back in the form of a muffler, soft suspension tuning, and a bit of suspension travel. To us, it represents the best of both worlds, though we might be convinced to delete the muffler to achieve that Abarth growl.
Year: 2013
Model: Fiat 500 Cattiva
Engine: 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 74,794 mi
Price: $9,000 obo
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo Cattiva
"According to Fiat, the Italian word “cattiva” can “describe a person or situation that is naughty yet cool.” Since Fiat’s self-image has everything to do with the spice of being Italian, the Cattiva name likely was a natural choice for the brand to slap on its latest special-edition 500."
The 2013 Fiat 500 Cattiva package largely centers around a bundle of contrast-color exterior body pieces and a dark-colored interior. Darkened headlight, taillight, and parking-lamp lenses work with a Gloss Nero (black) roof and rear spoiler and dark-finished 16-inch wheels to give the exterior a more sinister edge. This Cattiva was ordered in Bianco white.
Inside, the cabin is mostly Nero black; the dashboard panels (which are painted to match the exterior color in regular 500s) are painted a matte Nero black, and the seats are upholstered in a two-tone black-and-gray cloth scheme with contrasting silver stitching. Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
The 500 is hit-or-miss on component quality. It's somewhat of a lottery - for us, our 70k mile Abarth has been nearly flawless. But, we are getting close to a strut mount replacement, and one of the rear wheel bearings has been humming lately. The interior on this example looks to be in great condition for the mileage, and shouldn't be too difficult to keep in that shape with some basic upkeep.
For someone looking for a slightly softer Abarth with most of the exterior appeal, this 500 Turbo Cattiva makes a strong case for itself. If it spent its whole life in Florida, where it's currently located, it should probably prove to be very clean underneath as well. The days of city cars are over in North America, so if you've ever considered buying a 500, now is the time to grab one before all of the fresh ones get snatched up.
-Graham
