2001 Fiat Stilo Abarth Photos, engines & full specs

Fiat introduced the Stilo at the 2001 Bologna Motor Show as a replacement for the Bravo/Brava lineup, and the hottest version of it was the three-door Abarth.

When the Italian automaker launched the Stilo, it also offered it with an Abarth version. But it wasn’t just a trim level that included some nicer wheels and a set of badges. It was a complete package that included an upgraded suspension, a lower ground clearance, a distinct aerodynamic body kit, and a unique engine. Fiat also pushed hard to enter into the hot hatch segment with this car, trying to challenge vehicles such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI or the Honda Civic Type R. Unfortunately, despite its efforts to promote the Stilo Abarth as a worthy alternative to those vehicles, it couldn’t. However, its customers were spoiled by the features and amenities that were unavailable in most other cars on the market. It featured keyless entry and start, a sat-nav system, and even adaptive cruise control, which in 2001 was a marvel. On top of that, it sported the magic Abarth badge, which was a significant one for Fiat’s fans.

At the front, the Stilo Abarth kept the same angular design shape of the headlights with integrated turn signals as on the rest of the range. They flanked a slatted grille where the carmaker’s badge took center stage. Lower, the bumper featured a rectangular center air intake flanked by a pair of side scoops. Surprisingly, the automaker didn’t consider that the car needed fog lamps, but at least it equipped it with washers for headlights.

From its profile, the 2001 Fiat Stilo Abarth had the same slightly ascending waistline towards the C-pillars. Unlike its other three-door siblings, it rode on unique 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/45 tires. To make the car look even lower to the ground, Fiat added a set of aerodynamically profiled side sills that visually connected the front and rear wheel arches. Out back, the raked-forward tailgate sported a tiny roof spoiler. As an option, customers could get the Stilo Abarth with a retractable multi-lamellar glass roof, similar to the one offered by the first generation of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The rear bumper was adorned on its lower side by a broad and slim horizontal vent, while underneath it, an oval-shaped exhaust expressed the engine’s voice.

Inside, Fiat equipped the Stilo Abarth with many goodies to make its customers happy. As a result, at the front, it placed a set of leather-wrapped bolstered bucket seats separated by a fold-down armrest with an integrated storage compartment. Fronting the driver was a redesigned instrument panel with red needles on white dials, unlike the rest of the Stilo range that sported a white-on-black color scheme. Customers could find a color display for the infotainment system on the center stack that featured a DVD-based navigation system. In the back, the split-folding bench seat was mostly suitable for two occupants, with a fold-down center armrest between them.

Under the hood, Fiat placed a 2.4-liter inline-five gasoline engine rated at 170 PS (168 hp). In the beginning, the car manufacturer provided the Stilo Abarth paired with a five-speed automated (single-clutch) Selespeed gearbox. Later, it replaced that with a standard five-speed manual, while the automated one remained available as an option. The car’s stiffer suspension made it more capable during high-speed cornering.