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

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7 months ago

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

He Abarth Pulse It is one of those models that are 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 Fiat model base but it 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.

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 Europe.

The main changes are in the chassis tuningsy of some components. The first has to do with ground clearance, since this model is 10 mm closer than the conventional Pulse.

Hay suspension modifications, with a sportier fit and front disc brakes with a larger diameter. However, at the back it retains drum brakes. The tires are 215/50 R17.

The electronic management It 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.

Furthermore, the three driving modes (the sportiest one 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.

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 some 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.

The first experience of Clarion with this car it 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 button Poisonthis scorpion takes out all its poison, work and grace of electronics. The accelerator is more sensitive and with less pressure on it the reaction is more furious.

The management is decidedly firmer without being heavy. And what changes completely is the gearbox, with an accompaniment of reductions that accompanies when braking hard.

stability control becomes more permissive and allows you to accelerate out of the curves 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.