Maserati influenced Abarth's unexpected model

There are fewer and fewer places where you can buy a new car with a growling engine under the bonnet. But Abarth continues to support internal combustion, though not in Europe. While the brand has gone fully electric on its home continent, buyers in South America can still get their hands on the Abarth Pulse compact crossover, which has survived an update for the 2025 model year.

Here's What We Know

The main change is the new grille, which clearly borrows the design from Maserati. Instead of a trident, the Abarth lettering and a small scorpion badge are painted there. Also updated air intakes in the bumper, added red accents and new 18-inch discs with glossy black finish. Inside, there are leather sports seats with Abarth embroidery and a sunroof.

Mechanically, nothing has changed. Under the bonnet lives a turbocharged 1.3-litre motor that produces 185bhp and runs on both petrol and ethanol. Power is transmitted to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic. The driver can choose between Sport, Manual and Poison modes - the last one is the fastest.

Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 215 km/h - for a compact crossover with a small engine, the figures are very decent. Technical features include wireless charging, digital dashboard and basic driver assistance systems.

The updated Abarth Pulse can be ordered in Brazil from 157,990 reais (about $24,600). That's noticeably more expensive than the regular Fiat Pulse (from $15,400) but significantly cheaper than the electric Abarth 600e, which costs €42,950 or nearly $50,000 in Italy.

Source: Carscoops