Abarth Brand Returns To Brazil, With All-New 2023 Fiat Pulse Abarth!

The FIAT brand has been dominating the Brazilian market more so, than any other automaker. Thanks to hot-selling vehicles like the subcompact Strada pickup, compact Argo hatchback, compact Toro pickup, and the Mobi city car, the brand’s success continues to prosper. In addition to those vehicles, FIAT introduced an all-new subcompact SUV with the launch of the Pulse this year.

Building on the brand’s momentum, FIAT decided to take advantage of the widely popular TV show “Big Brother Brazil” (the same show it debuted the Pulse on, last year) to reintroduce the performance Abarth brand to the Brazilian market. Abarth originally appeared in the market in 2002, with the launch of the Stilo performance hatchback. It was followed by the introduction of the Fiat 500 Abarth in 2014. 

The brand’s first product for its reintroduction will be the 2023 Fiat Pulse Abarth, which is scheduled to arrive in the Q4 of this year. It appears that the Pulse Abarth will be the first in a trio of offerings, that will make their way to the brand’s Brazilian dealers. 

While FIAT and Abarth were quiet about the official specifications of the new 2023 Fiat Pulse Abarth, our good friends at the Brazilian car publication Autos Segeredos (or Auto Secrets) have said that the new performance model will feature the same turbocharged 1.3-liter Turbo Flex T270 inline-four-cylinder found under the hood of the current Jeep® Renegade. The engine will produce 180 horsepower on gasoline (185 horsepower on ethanol) and 27.5 kgfm (200 lb.-ft.) of torque. It will more than likely be backed by a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Looking at the images provided by FIAT Brazil, we can see that there are some significant styling changes to the Pulse Abarth model over the standard vehicle. 

At the front, there is an all-new front fascia with faux vertical air intakes where the fog lamps are located on the standard model. The fog lamps have been reintegrated into the lower grille area and placed just above a new red accent bar that runs the width of the vehicle. The grille brow appears to be made with a new almost carbon fiber textured plastic, while the grille itself gets a Gloss Black honeycomb insert with the “Scorpion” badge located in the center and the Italian FIAT flag logo on the driver side bottom corner.

From the side, we see that the stock fender flares have been replaced with Abarth exclusive units. There is the addition of an “Abarth” graphic that runs the length of the vehicle on the lower portion of the doors as well, similar to what has been on the 500 Abarth and 124 Spider Abarth models. A set of sporty 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels with red accented center caps, help to set the side profile of the vehicle off. Those wheels are wrapped in 215/50R17 Dunlop Sport Maxx rubber.

On a disappointing note, we expect the Pulse to retain its rear drum brakes for this latest Abarth model.

At the rear, the FIAT badging is replaced with Abarth text on the hatch. The rear fascia also gets a new Abarth exclusive treatment, that is much more aggressive-looking than the standard model. That includes a dual exhaust tip coming out of the rear bumper on the driver’s side. 

FIAT Brazil says that all FIAT dealers in Brazil will be able to sell the new lineup of Abarth models once they arrive. However, there will be 25 to 50 dedicated Abarth stores to help provide support to customers throughout the country.

2023 Fiat Pulse Abarth Image Gallery:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.