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Analysis of the Abarth Pulse, how the spicy version of the compact SUV is doing

2024-02-22T16:34:12.097Z

Highlights: The Abarth Pulse is a spicy version of an economical model but with important differences from the original model. The main changes are in the tuning of the chassis and some components. The Abarth is 10 mm closer to the ground. The front has disc brakes, but the rear brakes are bell-shaped. The steering, for example, can vary its hardness and be much firmer than in the model we already knew here. It is a predictable vehicle, which goes very fast and can deliver great doses of fun.


It transforms its urban figure into a striking model with a sporty decoration. Its powerful engine and a sporty setup generate a high degree of fun.


The

Abarth Pulse

is one of those models that is almost no longer available.

That is, a spicy version of an economical model but with important differences from the original model, not just aesthetic ones.

The closest thing today may be the Volkswagen Polo GTS.

But it's not the same.

This variant of the Pulse uses the

base of the Fiat model

but is recharged with details that make it very striking, with a set-up that takes it towards sportiness and with a mechanical assembly in accordance with what its figure expresses.

The Fiat Pulse is a model that brought a good proposal to the market.

Its proportions managed to be attractive enough for the public to become interested in this crossover concept, halfway between a hatchback and an SUV.

That is probably the most contradictory point of the Abarth Pulse, since in another era a sports model of that size with so much height (1,544 mm) and, mainly, with so much ground clearance would have been unthinkable.

But in this era, it is exactly aligned with the preference of most of the current users.

A charming silhouette

Just as Ferrari and Lamborghini, among other sports car manufacturers, today offer their SUV/crossover models or how Porsche designed a 911 Dakar to leave the asphalt, the concept of this Pulse points in that direction.

The Pulse Abarth is 10 mm closer to the ground.

The front has disc brakes, but the rear brakes are bell-shaped.

Again, the 118 mm that separate it from the ground are still very contradictory, both for the visual contrast with the general style of the vehicle, and also for making the center of gravity much higher in a model that promises

vertigo

.

Do you lose a lot of potential by having a higher center of gravity than a coupe, for example?

Could be.

But the truth is that on the track it is a predictable vehicle, which goes very fast and can deliver great doses of fun.

But none of that makes the Abarth Pulse a car that attracts so much attention on any corner.

The combination of details, the chosen colors and the fact of having the scorpion logo on the trunk means that people who come across it will not be satisfied with just one look.

Look.

17-inch alloy wheels and sporty details and applications.

Although it will not carry the Fiat name anywhere, it was the Italian brand that ended up developing this model.

With the particularity that it was made in Brazil.

That is, it becomes the

first Abarth made outside of Europe

.

The main changes are in the

tuning of the chassis

and some components.

The first has to do with ground clearance, since this model is 10 mm closer than the conventional Pulse.

There are

modifications to the suspension

, with a sportier setting and front disc brakes with a larger diameter.

However, at the back it retains drum brakes.

The tires are 215/50 R17.

Electronic management

was

also adapted for the new model.

The steering, for example, can vary its hardness and be much firmer than in the model we already knew here.

Special work was also done for the 6-speed automatic gearbox.

In addition, the

three driving modes

(the sportiest is called Poison) modify these parameters and others such as the level of intervention of the stability control.

An option designed for those who can take the car to a track.

Interior details in black and red, with the scorpion insignia present in the center of the steering wheel, front panel and seats.

For the Abarth Pulse, the choice was the 1.3-liter turbo gasoline engine found in larger and heavier models such as the Fiat Toro or the Jeep Compass and Commander, among others.

In the Abarth model it declares about

175 horsepower.

The brand's engineers especially highlighted the work that was done on the exhaust system to accompany the car's performance with a corresponding sound.

Clarín

's first experience

with this car was on a track.

In normal mode, the initial feeling is that it was not a sports car, beyond the strength of its engine.

With this option the steering is soft and the box does its job, preferring to provide comfort rather than speed.

But when you press the Poison

button

, this scorpion releases all its poison, thanks

to the electronics

.

The accelerator is more sensitive and with less pressure on it the reaction is more furious.

With this "Poison" button the electronic management of the vehicle changes so that it delivers its best.

The steering becomes decidedly

firmer

without being heavy.

And what changes completely is the gearbox, with an accompaniment of reductions that accompanies when braking hard.

The stability control

becomes more permissive

and allows you to accelerate out of corners better.

If you demand it, the body shakes.

However, it is a matter of adaptation: the Pulse ends up going where it is told.

All this is a benefit for everyday use, since it allows us to comfortably cross any irregularity that we find on streets and avenues.

And on the road it allows you to travel with high ride comfort, with the support of having great dynamic behavior.

This duality that it offers is what gives it a great differential compared to any other corssover or any other compact sports car.

Price and other versions

  • Pulse Abarth T270:

    $27,890,000

  • Pulse Drive 1.3 MT5:

    $17,790,000

  • Pulse Drive 1.3 CVT:

    $18,370,000

  • Pulse Audace 1.0T CVT:

    $26,000,000

  • Pulse Impetus 1.0T CVT:

    $27,000,000

Data sheet

  • Length: 4,099 mm

  • Width:1,774mm

  • Height: 1,544 mm

  • Wheelbase: 2,532 mm

  • Weight: 1,280 kg

  • Fuel tank: 47 liters

  • Trunk: 370 dm3

  • Tires215/70 R17

  • Assistance: temporary (125/80 R16)

  • Front brakes: 305 x 28 mm ventilated discs

  • Rear brakes: bell

  • Engine: Gasoline, 1.3L turbo

  • Power: 175 HP (at 5,750 rpm)

  • Torque: 270 Nm (at 1,850 rpm)

  • Front-wheel drive

  • Transmission: Automatic, 6 speeds

  • Maximum speed: 210 km/h

  • Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 8 seconds

  • Average consumption: 8.5 L/100 km

Featured equipment

  • Front and front side airbags

  • Stability and traction control

  • Autonomous emergency braking

  • Active lane keeping

  • Hill Start Assist

  • Multimedia system with 10.1-inch touch screen

  • rear view camera

  • Paddles on the steering wheel

  • Wireless connection Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

  • Cruise speed control

  • Automatic climate control

  • wireless cell phone charger

  • Tire pressure sensor

  • Leather upholstery

  • Front and rear electric windows

  • Two-tone bodywork

See also

See also

Analysis of the Renault Kwid: how the cheapest electric car in Argentina performs

See also

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Analysis of the new Honda HR-V: how the SUV that was the most desired and now completely changed works

Source: clarin

All tech articles on 2024-02-22

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