What small car...
Discussion
I currently own a 14 plate Fiat 595 Turismo Abarth. It's a very fun little car however there are a few disappointing factors which makes me have the itch to change. 90% of usage in my 10 mile a day urban commute with random weekend trips to shops.
Budget would be upto £10,000 including p/x.
I will list my pro's and con's and hopefully someone can recommend something that will balance out the cons
Pros:
Budget would be upto £10,000 including p/x.
I will list my pro's and con's and hopefully someone can recommend something that will balance out the cons
Pros:
- Small (this is pretty important due to parking space)
- Cheap to run (<£400 for both RFL and insurance per annum...)
- Fun to drive (tiny turbo surge and pops and bangs does make me smile)
- Great stereo (mine has the Interscope upgrade with tiny sub)
- Cheap interior quality (hate squeaky plastics)
- Driving position slightly uncomfortable
- Crashy ride (I would discount this if not for the high driving position...)
If you want an upmarket feeling interior in a small car, the Audi A1 is probably worth considering. I think you'd get a 1.4 TFSI in budget which isn't too sluggish. Alternatively you're knocking on Polo GTi money.
Of course there's the MINI as well, although I've no idea how it's interior compares to the Fiat.
Of course there's the MINI as well, although I've no idea how it's interior compares to the Fiat.
kambites said:
If you want an upmarket feeling interior in a small car, the Audi A1 is probably worth considering. I think you'd get a 1.4 TFSI in budget which isn't too sluggish. Alternatively you're knocking on Polo GTi money.
Of course there's the MINI as well, although I've no idea how it's interior compares to the Fiat.
Been thinking about A1 too - would've loved the S1 if not for the (to me) bonkers 29k price tag.Of course there's the MINI as well, although I've no idea how it's interior compares to the Fiat.
Might test drive test the 1.4 TSI.
Matt UK said:
Try an R53 Mini Cooper S. Mine doesn't sqeak or rattle and great fun.
You could buy two at your budget.
There was a 14 plate Mini Cooper S for sale around my neck of woods. Price went down from 21k to 18k in few weeks. When I called it was sold You could buy two at your budget.
I'm 50/50 about the Mini, to me it does feel upmarket but also feel a bit bloated.
kambites said:
I'd imagine the 1.4 TFSI must be easy to get significantly more power from. 122bhp from a 1.4 turbo is pretty low, there are 180bhp versions of that engine.
Abarth is also 1.4 but quoted as 160bhp from factory and feels like it too.I'm just a bit sceptic about the 1.4 TFSI as it's not the "hot" version but only a test drive can give a better picture.
crazy about cars said:
There was a 14 plate Mini Cooper S for sale around my neck of woods. Price went down from 21k to 18k in few weeks. When I called it was sold
I'm 50/50 about the Mini, to me it does feel upmarket but also feel a bit bloated.
The R53 is the original bmw mini with the supercharged engine, mine is 2005. I'm 50/50 about the Mini, to me it does feel upmarket but also feel a bit bloated.
Not sure if you are looking newer though.
ks, I had a fiesta for 2 years before my z4. Couldn't fault it for that sorta usage.I bought a 595 Competizione late last year OP and I have to say that despite the high seating position and lack of reach adjustment on the steering wheel, I've been hugely impressed with the Abarth. What's making you want to change?
I am going to go one of two ways this year and either spend a good bit more per month and go down the Civic Type R/WRX STI route or await the impending arrival of the 'new' 180bhp 595 comp due in June and spend some money on tuning it.
I am going to go one of two ways this year and either spend a good bit more per month and go down the Civic Type R/WRX STI route or await the impending arrival of the 'new' 180bhp 595 comp due in June and spend some money on tuning it.
Martin_M said:
I bought a 595 Competizione late last year OP and I have to say that despite the high seating position and lack of reach adjustment on the steering wheel, I've been hugely impressed with the Abarth. What's making you want to change?
I am going to go one of two ways this year and either spend a good bit more per month and go down the Civic Type R/WRX STI route or await the impending arrival of the 'new' 180bhp 595 comp due in June and spend some money on tuning it.
I would've thought the seats on the Competizione should be much better in terms of comfort and seating position? Leather seats in the Turismo looks lovely but I find them uncomfortable. It was ok on the test drive as you only start noticing when you drive daily. I guess my biggest gripe at the moment is at the various squeaks and rattles in the interior that becomes me noticeable when weather gets colder. I'm OCD about this and would prefer a solid, quiet interior. I've also noticed big gaps where the panels join... just a bit disappointed given the price tag.I am going to go one of two ways this year and either spend a good bit more per month and go down the Civic Type R/WRX STI route or await the impending arrival of the 'new' 180bhp 595 comp due in June and spend some money on tuning it.
I've heard the 2015 Abarths are now even cheaper to tax too. New Civic looks very promising however as this is my second car I don't think I'd be able to spend that much...
After watching Top Gear last night I wish VW makes a 600bhp 4WD Polo, heck I'll even settle for 300bhp! :P
Edited by crazy about cars on Monday 9th March 08:07
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