2026 Abarth Pulse Heats Up Brazil With Updated Design

While Fiat continues to fade in the U.S., its performance arm Abarth is alive and well—especially in Brazil. The updated Abarth Pulse is the first SUV ever to wear the Scorpion badge, and it’s more than just a styling exercise. With a turbocharged engine, sport-tuned hardware, and a fresh new look, this affordable compact crossover is continuing to turn heads for all the right reasons.

Real Performance from a Real Abarth – 

Under the hood is the familiar turbocharged 1.3-liter T270 I4 engine (which powered the American version of the Jeep® Renegade back in 2023), producing 185 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque (270 Nm). Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the front-wheel-drive (FWD) Pulse rockets from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 7.6 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 133 mph (215 km/h) using ethanol.

That’s strong performance for a subcompact SUV, making it the fastest SUV in its segment in Brazil. It also boasts a 6.9 kg/hp power-to-weight ratio, which translates to punchy acceleration and agile response.

Sport-Tuned for the Street – 

This isn’t just a body kit and some badges. Abarth engineers gave the Pulse a comprehensive mechanical makeover, reworking the suspension, brakes, steering, engine calibration, and transmission mapping for a more responsive and dynamic driving experience. It offers three unique drive modes:

• Sport – balances speed and comfort

• Manual – lets drivers control the shifts

• Poison – exclusive to Abarth, delivering max throttle response and quick acceleration

In Poison mode, the Pulse can hit top speed 40% faster than in Sport mode. That’s more than just a gimmick—it’s a performance feature you can feel.

Aggressive Looks, Premium Feel – 

The 2026 Abarth Pulse arrives with an updated exterior design. A new gloss-black grille with red accents, revised front bumper, LED fog lamps, and exclusive 18-inch black alloy wheels set the tone. The Abarth logo is now centrally mounted with a scorpion detail etched into the lower grille.

Inside, the cabin gets more upscale with dark-themed sport seats, Abarth embroidery, red contrast stitching, and electric adjustability for the driver. A panoramic sunroof, new door panels, and vinyl trim finish off the stylish upgrade.

Modern Tech Meets Real Safety – 

Performance aside, the Pulse boasts all the high-end technology that today’s buyers expect. It comes standard with:

• 10.1-inch touchscreen with Fiat’s Connect////Me platform

• 7-inch digital gauge cluster with boost pressure and G-force data

• Wireless charging pad with built-in cooling

• 4 airbags across, 6 protection zones

• Lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and auto high-beams

• Rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and remote start

• Keyless Entry ‘n Go, electronic parking brake with Auto Hold, and front/rear parking sensors

Pricing and Availability – 

The Abarth Pulse is priced at R$157,990 (or about $29,500 USD). It’s available in Banchisa White, Strato Gray, Volcano Black, and Monte Carlo Red—all with black roofs and signature Abarth red accents.

Could a Small Performance SUV Work in America? – 

There’s definitely a case to be made for a small, affordable performance crossover in the U.S. market. The last Abarth-branded model sold in this market was the Abarth 124 Spider, which ceased production after 2020. With younger buyers seeking compact, sporty, and tech-laden vehicles, something like the Abarth Pulse—if priced correctly—could fill a niche that mainstream brands have largely ignored.

However, it’s doubtful that the current Pulse could ever make it to the States without major changes. It was developed primarily for the South American market and would require a full overhaul to comply with U.S. federal crash test regulations, safety systems, and emissions standards. Still, it’s nice to dream—and maybe it’ll spark a future U.S.-friendly Abarth SUV down the road.

2026 Abarth Pulse Image Gallery: