IT’S hardly slim pickings for Australian hot hatch buyers at the moment, but here’s one from left field.

The Abarth (pronounced A-bart) 500 Esseesse (pronounced SS) is a pint-sized retro speedster created by the iconic tuning arm of Italian brand Fiat, and based on the tiny 500 city car.

Sales have been slow up until now, but new local distributor Chrysler/Jeep Australia has been tasked with turning that around.

The good news for them – and us – is that the Esseesse is a hugely enjoyable dynamo, replete with enough left-field style to take it right up to the beloved Mini Cooper S. , , Click the yellow button below to read on...