Abarth 595 Competizione 180

Abarth 595 Competizione 180

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matt1269

598 posts

173 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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These are really growing on me, looks pretty cool!

Thought you had ordered a Renaultsport megane though?

BoRED S2upid

19,644 posts

239 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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Nice! For some reason I thought these had more than 180bhp? I'm sure I've heard over 200?

RVVUNM

1,913 posts

208 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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The 595 Competizione is 180bhp as standard and can be re-mapped to over 200bhp. I have a 2011 Abarth 500 mapped to 175bhp and that's quick.

1598Craig

Original Poster:

121 posts

122 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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matt1269 said:
These are really growing on me, looks pretty cool!

Thought you had ordered a Renaultsport megane though?
I had mate! Unfortunately the deal if squared away with the dealer fell through and the agreed amount went up by a lot (670 a month) not upset though, this car out shouts the Renault by miles biggrin

AyBee

10,522 posts

201 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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Love the looks of these - they've always been very keenly priced though. Fancy a Panda 100hp myself but could be persuaded by a 595 on finance if the 199/199 from above is true tongue out

1598Craig

Original Poster:

121 posts

122 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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AyBee said:
Love the looks of these - they've always been very keenly priced though. Fancy a Panda 100hp myself but could be persuaded by a 595 on finance if the 199/199 from above is true tongue out
http://www.wessexgarages.com/abarth/new-car-offers/500/

Thats the page there mate, they have a car at Abarth Cardiff with the 199 deal on. only the standard 135hp model, sure the 180 Competizione wouldn't be much more. Having driven the 160 Hp model, I'm sure that 90% of what makes my car good is avaliable on the standard car (do spec the sablet seats though as they're fantastic)

In their credit, they do push a very good deal on their cars.

Hope this isn't TOO tempting haha

Phunk

1,972 posts

170 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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matt1269

598 posts

173 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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1598Craig said:
I had mate! Unfortunately the deal if squared away with the dealer fell through and the agreed amount went up by a lot (670 a month) not upset though, this car out shouts the Renault by miles biggrin
Doesn't surprise me! Whilst waiting for cardiff renault to phone me back with some figures I bought a 2nd hand megane instead. Still waiting on their call!

1598Craig

Original Poster:

121 posts

122 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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matt1269 said:
Doesn't surprise me! Whilst waiting for cardiff renault to phone me back with some figures I bought a 2nd hand megane instead. Still waiting on their call!
The dealership itself seems like a nice enough place but not blown away by their service - it's not hard to return a phone call
I did an equity for Abarth and VW (for a polo GTi) and Abarth replied within 10 minutes and had a quote done within the hour, VW took 2 weeks to be told that a deal wouldn't be possible with them.

Good service sells cars

TonyTony

1,880 posts

157 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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Nice car! Definitely the best choice with all the options it comes with.

How do you actually fit in it though, I've sat in an Abarth and I'm sure the seat was all the way back, my knees pretty much wedged against the dashboard under the steering wheel. I'm about 6'3.

Also I've never heard anybody refer to them as Hot Itches before. biggrin

1598Craig

Original Poster:

121 posts

122 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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TonyTony said:
Nice car! Definitely the best choice with all the options it comes with.

How do you actually fit in it though, I've sat in an Abarth and I'm sure the seat was all the way back, my knees pretty much wedged against the dashboard under the steering wheel. I'm about 6'3.

Also I've never heard anybody refer to them as Hot Itches before. biggrin
Thanks mate, having had a good look around it now everything on it is branded/high quality. The brakes, seats, suspension are all good stuff, so the price is good value.

In terms of getting comfortable behind the wheel all the cars I've owned have been a case of "adjust yourself to the driving position" not the other way round. It is cramped compared to say, a MINI's much more natural position but it is workable. Was it the sabelt seats? Mine don't go far back at all but I can operate the steering wheel without hitting my knees or being dangerous

TonyTony

1,880 posts

157 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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1598Craig said:
Thanks mate, having had a good look around it now everything on it is branded/high quality. The brakes, seats, suspension are all good stuff, so the price is good value.

In terms of getting comfortable behind the wheel all the cars I've owned have been a case of "adjust yourself to the driving position" not the other way round. It is cramped compared to say, a MINI's much more natural position but it is workable. Was it the sabelt seats? Mine don't go far back at all but I can operate the steering wheel without hitting my knees or being dangerous
Yes I think it was the Sabelts I remember them being pretty high as well. Suppose it is your body/ leg length ratio as well.

Just had a browse online and spotted a 695 Ferrari Tributo for £25k, I better get saving! biglaugh

R6VED

1,365 posts

139 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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My brother in law had one for a bit and the sound was absolutely immense - He had a modded Porsche Cayenne at the same time which sounded horsest in comparison.

1598Craig

Original Poster:

121 posts

122 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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R
TonyTony said:
Yes I think it was the Sabelts I remember them being pretty high as well. Suppose it is your body/ leg length ratio as well.

Just had a browse online and spotted a 695 Ferrari Tributo for £25k, I better get saving! biglaugh
The "tribute" versions cost around 40k mark new. Plus I think most came with the MTA gearbox (automated Mabel) which slows the car down and makes it horrid to drive. Think the best value lies with the Competizione, nearly new or unregistered (as mine was) as you get all the kit that makes the car special.

Yes, most of its rivals are much cheaper but Someone parked next to me in an fiesta ST just pulled out and as it drove off, couldn't help feeling it did sound a bit dull biggrin

1598Craig

Original Poster:

121 posts

122 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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R6VED said:
My brother in law had one for a bit and the sound was absolutely immense - He had a modded Porsche Cayenne at the same time which sounded horsest in comparison.
On my first post I have a video with the 595 against a 370z. The Nissan makes a such a lukewarm drone compared to the snorty roar of the Abarth. It's good news that even tiny engines can sound great, so downsizing/turbocharging needn't produce dull sounding cars

1598Craig

Original Poster:

121 posts

122 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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--- End of Day 2 ---

After getting more aquatinted with the feisty Fiat, heres what I've found out today.

Firstly, the speedometer. Its an updated unit, the original had the speedo/tachometer both running around the outside but now the 500 range has a TFT monitor. It shows revs, speed and an "eco index" in normal mode and while in sport mode (which stands on after turning off, a nice touch) it shows speed, revs and throttle position, with fuel and engine temperature always showing. You can control the "blue and me" bluetooth thought the wheel and display and also the car's trip computer. In addition, tyre pressure, G meter and other modes all show. Its very clear, quick, accurate and shows how a small display done well can really enhance driving the car. My old 208 is well known for the raised dials/small well combination. I really liked that setup, but this works much better. I especially like the little Abarth to represent my car. a nice touch.




The Turbo gauge is another nice touch, not necessary at all, but nevertheless a gives the cabin a bit more "purposeful" look. it flashes Sport up when the button is pressed, and as you go through the gears it flashes up and down. Although, if you really don't need a small needle to show when the boost kicks in biggrin





Im also a fan of little things in the car that my old GTi simply didn't do very well - accessible cupholders for example. its a stupid requirement, but my 208's couldn't fit any drink above an espresso cup without rising at a 45 degree angle. the door locks where a small button, scattered amongst 10 identical ones at the lower half of the dash - in the abarth, you just push the door handle in. Theres a lot of small little touches that just give the feeling that this car has been better thought out than my GTi.

One is the door guards, in actually genuine carbon fibre effect biggrin they look expensive and suit the car very well.



As for Driving, the weather has been a slight improvement on yesterday's first drive, and the roads have dried out. what i said yesterday stands up, the car's ride is firm but well controlled, in the corners it grips and remains stable. The engine delivers fantastic kick, feeling its near 180BHP/Tonne standing. The exhaust too has many noises and burbles at different revs/gear/accelerator positions. its genuinely the sort of car you can drive without the radio on and not feeling like your missing something.

So on day 2, no regrets to report so far. Apart from explaining it to everyone at work, and insisting they "hear the engine, it really sounds good" its fitted into my life brilliantly. I'm also constantly looking for an excuse to drive to the shops/mates house/offer a lift just to get in it, which is a good sign.

Finally, has anyone else bought a car recently that included a free cigarette lighter? This one does, although any one who did smoke in the car would be lynched biggrin


Amirhussain

11,486 posts

162 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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Congrats OP, fantastic 'thuggish' looking car. Got a massive soft spot for these.

Enjoyed reading the write up too smile

BrabusMog

20,083 posts

185 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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Great looking car OP, hope you enjoy it.

Can I ask how you're getting on with the interior? Both in terms of size and, as you said, a bit of a step back in time in terms of features. I'm 6ft5 as well, I didn't even think I would fit in a 500 smile

1598Craig

Original Poster:

121 posts

122 months

Wednesday 18th November 2015
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BrabusMog said:
Great looking car OP, hope you enjoy it.

Can I ask how you're getting on with the interior? Both in terms of size and, as you said, a bit of a step back in time in terms of features. I'm 6ft5 as well, I didn't even think I would fit in a 500 smile
Im the same height here mate and its terms of fitting in the car, i can reach all 3 pedals safely (size 12) turn the wheel without rubbing my knees and my head isn't on the roof.

However, you do have to adopt a straight arms, bent legs posture. its not cliche'd "autocar magazine talk" to say you adopt a go cart driving position. it takes some getting used to (you'd need a good test drive) but does add to the character of the car. i also have a pretty bad back on occasion, but even with the "italian" driving position the seats more than make up for it. This is the compromise of a proper small car, space is more limited.


In terms of features, there is bluetooth for your phone and there is usb playback, but as far as i can tell its only controlled via the steering wheel, so id stick with a cheap aux cable straight in. Theres no sat nav or infotainment system but every single on I've ever seen is worse than any average smartphone. The parts that count - anything driving related - are all quality and in good order.

As a side note all I've heard on the radio since I've had it is Drake, so id rather it be turned off.

BrabusMog

20,083 posts

185 months

Thursday 19th November 2015
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Interesting, thanks for the reply. And enjoy the car smile