Expected to be called...
Expected to be called the Focus S-MAX, the new people carrier is based on the maker"s C1 platform, which forms the basis of all Focus-derived models. And what"s more, it"s fast - very fast. It"s not known exactly what"s under the bonnet, but the MPV had more than enough power to keep ahead of the mag"s spy photographer - which explains why he could only get rear shots as the test drivers sped off.
Powered by an engine...
Powered by an engine des÷igned by Paulo Martinelli, who previously built V10 units for the Prancing Horse’s F1 team, it’s set to offer up to 200bhp and a top speed of nearly 150mph.
The car will help to relaunch the Abarth brand when it’s revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in October. With unique scorpion-style badging and special alloys, it’s being designed to evoke memories of the famous rac÷ing Abarth 500s of the Sixties.
And we can reveal that the newcomer, spied testing at the Nürburg÷ring in Germany, will be powered by a highly tuned turbo engine. Three versions are being developed: a 135bhp variant for the 500 Abarth, a 150bhp unit for a 500 S Abarth and a storming 200bhp powerplant for the performance flagship, to be badged 595SS. Each motor is loosely based on the normally aspirated 100bhp 1.4 from the standard car, on sale in January.
However, Fiat promises the spectacular engines will be only one part of the package offered by the exciting newcomers. To match its capable pow÷erplant, each car will feature a sports chassis, plus wider wheels and track.
Designed to make the most of their Fiat Panda underpinnings, the driver-oriented machines should be incredibly involving on the road – if our experience of the new 500 is anything to go by (see Page 34). Prices have still to be confirmed, but with mid-spec versions of the 500 expected to cost around ÷£12,500, it’s likely the Abarth range will start from ÷£15,000. That’s set to make the racy new Fiats direct rivals for larger and more practical hot hatches such as the Vauxhall Corsa VXR and even the MINI Cooper S.