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Is Abarth really considering a return to petrol? — and what... Read more...
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Is Abarth Going Back to Petrol? Why Fans Are Hoping the Scorpion Strikes Again
If you’ve ever seen a little Abarth buzzing past you, engine screaming, exhaust popping like fireworks, you know one thing: these cars are pure, cheeky joy on four wheels. But lately, the Scorpion brand has been… quiet. Too quiet. That’s because Abarth went electric-only, leaving petrolheads scratching their heads and clutching their driving gloves.
But rumor has it, Abarth is flirting with a return to petrol power. And if this really happens, it could be the hot-hatch revival fans have been dreaming about. Let’s unpack what’s going on.
Why Petrol Lovers Are Begging for a Comeback
Abarth is famous for small, feisty cars that make you grin from ear to ear. The kind of cars you want to tinker with, swap exhausts on, and blast down a winding road while feeling every bump and turn. When the company went EV-only, they kept the style and the badges—but lost the heartbeat that made the cars… well, Abarth.
Fans aren’t shy about saying it: electric models just don’t give that classic “Abarth soul.” No engine growl, no turbo whine, no exhaust crackle. It’s like taking your favourite rock band and replacing them with an AI-generated playlist. Sure, it’s modern—but it’s missing the magic.
On top of that, EV-only sales haven’t exactly set the world on fire. In fact, Abarth’s core markets, including the UK, saw a slump. The truth? People love the idea of an electric hot hatch, but they love tinkering, modding, and hearing that engine roar even more.
Could Hybrid Be the Perfect Middle Ground?
So what’s Abarth thinking? A full petrol comeback might be a little tricky with Europe’s stricter emissions rules, but a hybrid could be the sweet spot. Rumor has it that a new Abarth hot hatch could ride on the Fiat 500 Hybrid platform, blending some electric efficiency with the petrol excitement fans crave.
Think of it as having your cake and eating it too: a car that’s future-proof enough for regulations but still has that spark that makes driving fun. The key, according to Abarth, is that it can’t just be a gimmick—they want something that really feels like Abarth, not just a shell with a sticker.
What Abarth Offers in the UK Right Now
If you’re in the UK and itching for a new Abarth, your options are electric—for now. Here’s the rundown:
Abarth 500e
The electric heir to the legendary 595.
Starting at around £29,975 on the road.
Small, quick, and surprisingly fun, but it’s missing that old-school exhaust pop and the tuning culture that Abarth fans adore.
Abarth 600e
The new beast in the lineup.
Up to 280 horsepower and a 0–62 mph sprint in just 5.85 seconds.
Modern EV thrills, but still electric. That means no more fiddling under the hood for a louder exhaust or custom turbo tweaks.
What’s Missing
The petrol-powered classics: 595, 695, and the 124 Spider are all gone.
These are now “legacy” cars, meaning you’ll need luck (or a good dealer) to get your hands on one.
Why a Petrol (or Hybrid) Return Could Be Huge
For fans, a petrol comeback is more than just nostalgia—it’s identity. Abarth is a brand built on sound, character, and raw, small-car fun. Bring back a real engine, and you instantly bring back the heart of the brand.
For Abarth as a company, it’s also a smart move. Reintroducing petrol or hybrid hot hatches could reignite sales, re-engage diehard fans, and make Abarth stand out in a sea of quiet, efficient city EVs.
The challenge? Making sure it doesn’t feel watered-down. Abarth wants to produce something that hits hard on performance and personality. If they fail, it risks being a gimmick—and no one wants that.
What This Means for Drivers
If you’re dreaming of owning a classic Abarth feel today, you’ve got two choices:
Hunt down a petrol 595 or 695 before they vanish completely. These are the real-deal hot hatches, perfect for anyone who loves tinkering, tuning, and that iconic exhaust crackle.
Go electric with the 500e or 600e—but know that you’re trading some soul for modern tech. They’re still fun, fast, and stylish, but the rawness is gone.
If Abarth does bring a petrol or hybrid hot hatch back in 2026, it could be like rediscovering a lost chapter of automotive history: small, scorpion-badged cars with cheek, charm, and just the right amount of chaos.
My Two Cents
Abarth needs to give its fans what they’ve been missing: a small, loud, tunable hot hatch. EVs are the future, yes—but Abarth is about more than efficiency; it’s about joy, engagement, and character. A petrol or hybrid comeback could be just the spark the brand needs to feel alive again.
For now, keep your eyes peeled and your driving gloves ready. The Scorpion might be getting ready to strike… and if it does, the streets of the UK are in for a treat.
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