Abarth 595 Competizione 180
Discussion
When it comes to spending around 20k (on finance) on a hot hatch, there are many choices - Polo GTi, Mini Cooper S, Clio RS, 208 GTi, Juke Nismo, Swift Sport (with a lot left over) Ibiza Cupra, and the elephant in the room, the Fiesta ST. For the second time in as many years, I haven't bought one when face with this choice. What I've just done is order a Fiat 500 with a bodykit and a loud exhaust. I totally accept this isn't sensible and my car is in inferior in many ways but in a few crucial areas, and for a relatively small audience, Id rate the Abarth 595 Competizione 180 (to give it its full name) as one of the best small hot itches out there.
My current car is a 208 GTi Prestige, very much in the shadow of the Fiesta ST but nevertheless a very well rounded high performing car. Very quick, composed, economical, comfortable, immensely well kitted out and a real return to form for Peugeot. The ST is cheaper, from some angles better looking and on a track/driving environment the better car, but i found the 208 more comfy with a better interior and my love of peugeots from the 90's (my youth) sealed the deal. Having had it 18 months, and having saved a good deal up, I decided to change it for another car in the small hot hatch part of the world.
The first hurdle was with cars like the Mini JCW or Polo GTi, both great cars, but both that needed 4 figure amounts spent on options to match the mightily well equipped GTi. Sat Nav, Sunroof, DAB, Leather, Touch Screen all adding around 30% to the car, the MINI especially becoming a Golf R rivalling car in terms of price. Another big issue i faced at all but one garage was poor service - shocking how bad this still is (and was in 2011 and 2014 when I last bought a car)
By chance, I sent an email to Abarth enquiring about the 595 Competizione. Fiats/Abarths are well known like the MINI as a car you can price out of contention but the Competizione had all major options included - Bodykit, xenons, Sabelt seats, Monza Exhaust, Koni suspension, brembos, TTC (inside wheel breaking in lieu of a proper diff) as well as auto air con. For 20 grand however, its a 7 year old design based on a 500 (which is based on a panda) and puts it around 2-3k more than an ST. its simply not a good deal and not worth the cash.
However, despite this, the dealer (who seemed to actually want to sell a car, unusual in the car trade so it seems) was most insistent i come down and try one. they even gave me a fantastic deal down the phone on a Campovolo grey one that a customer had ordered yet decided to not purchase, fully loaded top spec. I went down even if it was to remind myself I'm 6ft 5 and shouldn't drive around in such a little car.
Started it up on the test drive and it sounded like this, although these videos, as good as they are, doesn't do this car justice.
https://youtu.be/iZvI7wfT4kM - 1st car is the 370z
https://youtu.be/yx5Ew8aY60U
it sounds phenomenal, never had i heard a 1.4 make not only a loud, bold sound but also surprisingly characterful too. My 208 for all its positives, does have a dull exhaust. slightly base, but nothing more.
The test drive itself went well, driving much like my 208, as is to say more than quick through the gears, quick handling, relatively firm but comfy, and even though it is down 20bhp and lacks a 6th gear, felt like it can cut it in the company of the ST, GTi's etc of the world. Where it felt better was in its noticeable smaller proportions, which i find as a major plus point. I grew up in the likes of the original mini and 205/106 GTi's, and loved them. My 208 is the almost the same size as the 90's 306, except height where it is much taller. The 500/Abarths are actually 10cm shorter than the original Ka.
However, the downsides - this car interior is definitely a generation behind the 208's - DAB, Touch screens, sat navs are available lower down in the regular 500's but mine looks very much circa 2007 in terms of tech. Still, turbo gauge, sport button, good clear speedo and the obligatory body colour panel on the dash do lift the cabin. So do the seats, proper sable items that feel very supportive and definitely worth it over the standard abarth seats which i found to be a bit flat. They're set high and can't be lowered, apparently so the driver is on the same height as other cars. not a deal breaker, but the seating position isn't as good as an ST's - bent knees, straight arms in that classic italian/french way (all my cars have been from these two countries and all like this
)After the test drive, despite the flaws, and well in the knowledge this car isn't as comfortable, spacious, quick, talented, cheap or likely to get the same respect from others as an ST, i placed my deposit. The Abarth feels much more special than any of its rivals. partially down to the seats, styling and exclusivity, but for me the exhaust note, in an era when cars seem to becoming faster, better but losing their fantastic engine notes, the 595 Competizione makes a very soulful sound available for a very good price (Fiat do some fantastic deals on finance). It just happens to look like a Fiat 500.
When i pick it up, i'll post more photos and what its like to live with. and probably end up recommending you do in fact ignore this article and buy that Ford
[url]
|http://thumbsnap.com/67m1LBk4[/url][url]
|http://thumbsnap.com/GiBuTMuW[/url]Highway Star said:
Those seats look good! Your article sums up why Italian cars are still selling when rationally, they shouldn't
Also the reason why after owning six Italian cars previously, I am likely next weekend to get sucked back into owning another when I should be sticking with the VAG group product I've been knocking around in for six (boring, yet reliable) years.
Hope you enjoy it. When our little one gets big enough to get in the back himself, I hope to upgrade my wife's Panda 100HP to an Abarth.
In terms of rational thought, my car is a rank amateur - the optioned up £53,000 Abarth Biposto makes mine look as sensible as a second hand Golf Diesel Also the reason why after owning six Italian cars previously, I am likely next weekend to get sucked back into owning another when I should be sticking with the VAG group product I've been knocking around in for six (boring, yet reliable) years.
Hope you enjoy it. When our little one gets big enough to get in the back himself, I hope to upgrade my wife's Panda 100HP to an Abarth.
Talking about the Panda, shame they haven't done a 100HP version of the current one. Remember the last one been a bit of a cult classic.
Edited by 1598Craig on Sunday 15th November 22:15
Butter Face said:
Cool car. I love the seats, I drove a Mito Cloverleaf earlier in the year and the Sabelt seats in that were brilliant, I'd buy a car just for those seats!!
I'm very impressed with them, especially as recaro-style seats are very hit and miss for me, loved a set I tried in a Megane RS yet hated my mate's in a Corsa VXR. It'll be good to see how they feel on a longer run than I did on my test drive.TheFungle said:
Very, very nice.
Love the flat grey, striking yet 'boring' at the same time.
Daren't ask what level of discount the dealer offered as that would put some very naughty thoughts in my head
I've managed to trade in a 208 in 6k of negative equity with a dented door (clumsy transit in a mcdonalds car park, not my fault) and walk away with the same monthly payments... not trying to encourage you but Abarth/Fiat are advertising a 199 down/ 199 month for an Abarth 595 at my local dealer, and the range is surprisingly well equipped these days, so you don't need any options on the car Love the flat grey, striking yet 'boring' at the same time.
Daren't ask what level of discount the dealer offered as that would put some very naughty thoughts in my head
in terms of colour, i really wanted a "rally beige" colour (think Latte/coffee colour and your not far wrong) but the grey has really won me over. seems to be a popular colour at the moment not just on "fashion" cars like the MINI/500 etc. and like the contrast of a plain looking car having the engine note/speed to catch a few people of guard at the lights.
some of the colour schemes are of an acquired taste, such as ~Trofeo Grey/Rally Beige. which I find an unhealthy lust for in a 70's bad taste kind of way....
Deejbb said:
They do sound great and I do actually rather like the look of them.. I test drove one before I got an R56 Cooper S - it just felt too cheap inside and the particular model I drove was way too crashy and rattley. The engine in the Cooper S turned out to be a nightmare - so many issues. It was great fun to drive though. Was in the same position as you, looking for a new small hot hatch and ended up picking up a new Polo GTI 6C last month. Not as much fun to drive as another Cooper S or an ST but, funnily enough, was much cheaper on finance..
The carbuyer review on YouTube says the same on the Abarth's interior and ride - this is an 8-10k city car dressed up to nearly double so things like the interior do show up. When I bought my 208 GTi, was rented by the previous gen Mini JCW, but finance deals mean the 208 got it. Was much cheaper a month, with the same basic engine (slightly less powerful and not as good exhaust note however) and full of kit that was optional on the MINI. Ironically enough, the Polo GTi was in the running for me, really loved the small Golf feel of the car, but the Abarth was the better choice finance wise by a considerable amount.
-- Abarth Collection Day --
Collected CK65 PUE today. Heres my first impressions of the car, with a caveat that it was ;
- Night Time
-Incredibly Stormy
However, driving about 40 miles on mixed roads has given me a pretty good initial insight into the car.
Firstly, the exhaust. Its the first thing i noticed on the test drive and when the dealer bought the car out the showroom (having revealed it from under a cover - a very nice touch Abarth Cardiff) and feels massively juxtaposed on the silhouette of a Fiat. The sound itself is loud, but unlike a de-silenced 10 year old Corsa or Fiesta (a cliche but pretty accurate) theres depth and differences to the noise. the youtube Videos i put on my first post show it well, this has to be one of the best sounding exhausts on a "normal" car on the market today. Don't just take my words for it - my good mate currently runs a 2.7 Porsche Boxster and was fairly indifferent to my old 208 GTi. when i pulled up at his flat today he ran out to see what all the noise was about and demanded a test drive. (He was impressed and began speccing an Abarth online as soon as we got back)
Next is the engine. 1.4 TURBO. And i do mean TURBO. Compared to the likes of a 208 and ST, which are turbocharged yet have smoothed power delivery, this feels like a small engine attached to an enormous turbo straight from the 1980's. Im not exaggerating the difference between this and the 1.6 i had from the 208. Theres turbo lag, and not much happens below 3500 rpm. its not slow, but you can be caught out in the wrong gear at the wrong time.
When your on the power band however, this car would most likely show my old GTi a thing or two. The GTi felt flat after 4000 rpm, the abarth is pulling hard, shouting and squirming beneath you. it will be good to see how the engine loosens up and how i get used to getting the best out of it, but one first impressions it seems like the rest of the car - very characterful and capable.
Moving on, the interior feels like a good place to be. the high seating position does feel slightly odd, as it sits slightly high than my 208 but after a few miles it felt fine. I do think a few potential buyers might be put off by this in a showroom, but it isn't an issue and i haven't felt like i was sat on the car rather than in. The seats however, are sublime. Im 6ft 5, and although the Sabelt seats are "snug" they fit like a glove. will be good to test them on a longer run but would defiantly recommend to be specced on any abarth purchase. they look good to and don't eat up all the rear legroom.
In terms of practicality, on the run back from the dealer (8 miles on the clock, mixed urban a roads, country roads, stop start traffic sport mode ON) i got 38.9 mpg, which isn't bad at all. its also a fantastically easy car to park, with great visibility out the back - its amazing how bad cars are getting with this. and in the rear seats, i can sit behind myself, not lounge about, but for a journey i can fit and sit in a safe position. much like the seating position, i think rear space will put some people off in this car, but it does pass as a 4 seater. The Boot too is surprisingly good, not massive (you don't say...) but its a useful shape unlike the unusable on that 1st gen Citroen C1's etc had.
The biggest surprise? the ride. I do enjoy Carbuyer's youtube channel and seeing their review on the 595 said that the ride was pretty much unexceptable - bouncy, firm and a major downside to the car. And to a point, this car is firm, but no more than other hatches on the market. the ride is controlled and broken surfaces didn't seem to upset the car at all. its not as compliant as my old GTi, but from the 2 passengers I've had in my car, there were no complaints.
Bad points? the radio doesn't sound good, the iPhone capability isn't smooth. the cupholders don't seem that deep, and its not useful if your trying to sneak out late at night - people will hear and know your going. These however are frankly not that important.
Thats my first impressions on the car, hopefully during the week ill add some more points and get a bit more into unravelling the car. But on my first impressions, it seems like the next few years of motoring are going to be fantastic.
P.S - Abarth Cardiff where i bought my car from are fantastic. definitely recommended.
[url]
|http://thumbsnap.com/yLQIjjhH[/url]
Collected CK65 PUE today. Heres my first impressions of the car, with a caveat that it was ;
- Night Time
-Incredibly Stormy
However, driving about 40 miles on mixed roads has given me a pretty good initial insight into the car.
Firstly, the exhaust. Its the first thing i noticed on the test drive and when the dealer bought the car out the showroom (having revealed it from under a cover - a very nice touch Abarth Cardiff) and feels massively juxtaposed on the silhouette of a Fiat. The sound itself is loud, but unlike a de-silenced 10 year old Corsa or Fiesta (a cliche but pretty accurate) theres depth and differences to the noise. the youtube Videos i put on my first post show it well, this has to be one of the best sounding exhausts on a "normal" car on the market today. Don't just take my words for it - my good mate currently runs a 2.7 Porsche Boxster and was fairly indifferent to my old 208 GTi. when i pulled up at his flat today he ran out to see what all the noise was about and demanded a test drive. (He was impressed and began speccing an Abarth online as soon as we got back)
Next is the engine. 1.4 TURBO. And i do mean TURBO. Compared to the likes of a 208 and ST, which are turbocharged yet have smoothed power delivery, this feels like a small engine attached to an enormous turbo straight from the 1980's. Im not exaggerating the difference between this and the 1.6 i had from the 208. Theres turbo lag, and not much happens below 3500 rpm. its not slow, but you can be caught out in the wrong gear at the wrong time.
When your on the power band however, this car would most likely show my old GTi a thing or two. The GTi felt flat after 4000 rpm, the abarth is pulling hard, shouting and squirming beneath you. it will be good to see how the engine loosens up and how i get used to getting the best out of it, but one first impressions it seems like the rest of the car - very characterful and capable.
Moving on, the interior feels like a good place to be. the high seating position does feel slightly odd, as it sits slightly high than my 208 but after a few miles it felt fine. I do think a few potential buyers might be put off by this in a showroom, but it isn't an issue and i haven't felt like i was sat on the car rather than in. The seats however, are sublime. Im 6ft 5, and although the Sabelt seats are "snug" they fit like a glove. will be good to test them on a longer run but would defiantly recommend to be specced on any abarth purchase. they look good to and don't eat up all the rear legroom.
In terms of practicality, on the run back from the dealer (8 miles on the clock, mixed urban a roads, country roads, stop start traffic sport mode ON) i got 38.9 mpg, which isn't bad at all. its also a fantastically easy car to park, with great visibility out the back - its amazing how bad cars are getting with this. and in the rear seats, i can sit behind myself, not lounge about, but for a journey i can fit and sit in a safe position. much like the seating position, i think rear space will put some people off in this car, but it does pass as a 4 seater. The Boot too is surprisingly good, not massive (you don't say...) but its a useful shape unlike the unusable on that 1st gen Citroen C1's etc had.
The biggest surprise? the ride. I do enjoy Carbuyer's youtube channel and seeing their review on the 595 said that the ride was pretty much unexceptable - bouncy, firm and a major downside to the car. And to a point, this car is firm, but no more than other hatches on the market. the ride is controlled and broken surfaces didn't seem to upset the car at all. its not as compliant as my old GTi, but from the 2 passengers I've had in my car, there were no complaints.
Bad points? the radio doesn't sound good, the iPhone capability isn't smooth. the cupholders don't seem that deep, and its not useful if your trying to sneak out late at night - people will hear and know your going. These however are frankly not that important.
Thats my first impressions on the car, hopefully during the week ill add some more points and get a bit more into unravelling the car. But on my first impressions, it seems like the next few years of motoring are going to be fantastic.
P.S - Abarth Cardiff where i bought my car from are fantastic. definitely recommended.
[url]|http://thumbsnap.com/yLQIjjhH[/url]Butter Face said:
Depends on which Megane RS. The 230/R26 had Recaro Trendlines. Jus' sayin.
The worse part on the VXR was the headrest - it had a stupid line down the middle meaning your head either went to rest slightly to the left or right. And the rear seats were massively impacted by then. Great car otherwisematt1269 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 Thought you had ordered a Renaultsport megane though?
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 
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
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 callI 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 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.
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.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.
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
R
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
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!
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. Just had a browse online and spotted a 695 Ferrari Tributo for £25k, I better get saving!
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
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 horses
t 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 t in comparison.--- 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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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. 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
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.
rare6499 said:
Hey Craig, great to see another one! Looks fantastic.
I agree with you, the radio is shocking. For the money the 180 should of came with the uprated speaker system as standard tbh.
Thanks mate, rather keen on yours in red too! The radio is a like an early 2000's CD player but I can forgive this car anything, I'm properly taken with it Looks fantastic. I agree with you, the radio is shocking. For the money the 180 should of came with the uprated speaker system as standard tbh.
Had the car for a full week so I'm going to write up something a bit more substainial than this, but while its fresh in my mind, I've just taken the car to st. David's shopping centre in Cardiff. Going up/down is a spiral ramp, very cramped and very enclosed. The noise from this little Fiat going up there was genuinely one of my favourite motoring moments - the car would not shut up popping, parping, howling the whole way till I parked up.
Is 3 days of ownership enough to say I'm completely taken with this car? Because it certainly seems that way.
Is 3 days of ownership enough to say I'm completely taken with this car? Because it certainly seems that way.
ONE WEEK ON --- 208 vs 595
Seeing as I've had a good time and chance to try my 595 thought id write a piece on how it compares to my previous Peugeot 208 GTi Prestige. I've made a few comparisons in earlier posts so ill try an expand on them here. Although the Abarth is based on the fiat 500, a car class below the regular 208, their power to weight and pricing are very similar so warrant some comparison. best grab a brew, this goes on quiet a while.
Driving - Performance
My 208 had, for a small turbocharged engine, a relatively smooth power delivery through the revs, and felt at its happiest low-mid range. Below 2000 rpm it could get slightly laggy, where as above 4500 rpm it seemed to be strained. Kept in the mid range would get more than enough poke, the car was positively rapid on the right road. the Abarth on the other hand, feels much different. lower down there isn't the same flexibility as i had in the GTi (partly due to the Abarths 5 ratios to the pug's 6) but around 3000 rpm, the 595 comes alive in terms of power and noise and keeps going to the redline. Its so good, its got me questioning if this car has 180 bhp at all. wouldn't be surprised to find a few more under the bonnet. Due to the noise, higher rpm performance and the gearbox (only 5 speeds but a good shift) i'd choice the Abarth's powertrain. put simply, its much more fun more of the time. The engine and its exhaust note do dominante the driving of the car. I'm getting around 33mpg, I'm sure id get 50 if it weren't for the pointless acceleration/gearchanges i do just to hear the exhaust.
Driving - Ride
The 208's ride is subjectively better. it soaks up more bumps, transmits less to the cabin and isn't as unsettled by rough surfaces. Speed bumps aren't as much of an issue either. the Abarth, for 90% of the time, feels much like the 208, firm but controlled and not uncomfortable. However, speed bumps need to be taken slowly, very slowly. Also, broken surfaces upset the car more, and "wave patterned roads" (some country roads near me are built like car testing tracks) send the car into a bouncing motion. However, as a flip side, you do get more of a sense of speed in the Abarth, through many things (noise, engine, car's size etc) and the more energy the ride transmits, the faster the car feels. its quite characterful, like an original mini in some ways, but the not as good as the 208.
Driving - Handling
This is much the same as the ride. I've only driven on roads (within speed limits and not like a bellend) yet through roundabouts and sweeping country lanes, where as the pug would dive in and "flow" extremely well, the Abarth doesn't seem to communicate and flow to the same degree. The weather has been much colder than when i had the 208, (15ish degrees vs 2) which will affect the tyres grip. However, that doesn't seem the issue - the Abarth grips just as well if not better on its new michelin tyres. The steering feel (not fantastic on most modern cars - but for a different thread) is worse on the Abarth, as not much is felt through the wheel at all. you can carry speed and do direction changes quickly in both, but the bigger and slightly lower 208 felt more planted.
Interior
Again, the 208 is the better car here in most ways, but its not my favourite, thats the Abarth. the 208 was bigger, with more kit including a decent touchscreen with sat nav, DAB and good iPhone integration. the LED sunroof too, was a particularly good touch. The Abarth has a basic radio, aux cable, not sat nav, no dab and the bluetooth connection isn't great. This really doesn't matter however, a car like the abarth feels much more single minded than the pug. nothing on the car as a whole seems wasted, all the money is spent on driving related kit - brakes, suspension, bodykit (not needed but looks good ) where as the 208 felt like a top spec hatch given a strong engine. The 208's driving position isn't great but its much better than the Abarths, both have a straight arm bent leg posture but the abarth's seat is higher and non adjustable. the 208's seat itself however was just a regular seat with more bolsters, where as the 595 has fantatsicly good sablet seats. They hold you in place well, are comfy over long journeys and add a lot to the cabin. plus, they're included in the price. While the 595 can't flow down a road like the 208 could, most of the time your sat in a great seat, in a compact cabin with no distractions listening to a great punchy engine. Its by far the better place to be.
Miscellaneous
in the 18 months id owned my 208, not one person ever asked to have a go in it. within 3 days, 6 people had asked and drove my Abarth. several people have commented on the 595, its noise, colour, size being topics of discussion (including one man in bridgend with the same car as me bar the wheels ) I can't remember anyone showing much interest in the 208 bar the cashier at a mcdoanlds. it does seem then that the abarth is a likeable car, as all the feedback I've had has been positive. id pick the abarth in terms of looks too, i did love the 208's chrome/satin white big wheel looks, but from some angles it looked slightly off, and its far too big. its the size of a 306 from the 90's and thats what i regard as a focus/golf class car. The Abarth on the other hand is genuinely small. parking spaces not available to others are free, small gaps in traffic, motorway road works narrow lanes are not an issue - if you consider a car to be above all a tool to use, small size means it can go more places more of the time. And don't write it off as not being practical, i recently moved where i live and fitted a 50" tv with most my kit straight in the boot.
My verdict then is as followed - my 208 was the better allrounder and is a fantastic car to have; it would fit into most Pistonheads lives and cause no problems and be the sort of car you would drive just for the sake of it. My 595 isn't as capable, and id probably reckon down a road or a track wouldnt be able to pass my 208 - but it is the more fun car, with more character and for all its flaws it does the 3 big things i want from a car stronger - small, quick and fun. While on the whole its not as good, its the more focused choice.
i'm intending to do a long weekend away in the car, hopefully see more of what it can do.
Seeing as I've had a good time and chance to try my 595 thought id write a piece on how it compares to my previous Peugeot 208 GTi Prestige. I've made a few comparisons in earlier posts so ill try an expand on them here. Although the Abarth is based on the fiat 500, a car class below the regular 208, their power to weight and pricing are very similar so warrant some comparison. best grab a brew, this goes on quiet a while.
Driving - Performance
My 208 had, for a small turbocharged engine, a relatively smooth power delivery through the revs, and felt at its happiest low-mid range. Below 2000 rpm it could get slightly laggy, where as above 4500 rpm it seemed to be strained. Kept in the mid range would get more than enough poke, the car was positively rapid on the right road. the Abarth on the other hand, feels much different. lower down there isn't the same flexibility as i had in the GTi (partly due to the Abarths 5 ratios to the pug's 6) but around 3000 rpm, the 595 comes alive in terms of power and noise and keeps going to the redline. Its so good, its got me questioning if this car has 180 bhp at all. wouldn't be surprised to find a few more under the bonnet. Due to the noise, higher rpm performance and the gearbox (only 5 speeds but a good shift) i'd choice the Abarth's powertrain. put simply, its much more fun more of the time. The engine and its exhaust note do dominante the driving of the car. I'm getting around 33mpg, I'm sure id get 50 if it weren't for the pointless acceleration/gearchanges i do just to hear the exhaust.
Driving - Ride
The 208's ride is subjectively better. it soaks up more bumps, transmits less to the cabin and isn't as unsettled by rough surfaces. Speed bumps aren't as much of an issue either. the Abarth, for 90% of the time, feels much like the 208, firm but controlled and not uncomfortable. However, speed bumps need to be taken slowly, very slowly. Also, broken surfaces upset the car more, and "wave patterned roads" (some country roads near me are built like car testing tracks) send the car into a bouncing motion. However, as a flip side, you do get more of a sense of speed in the Abarth, through many things (noise, engine, car's size etc) and the more energy the ride transmits, the faster the car feels. its quite characterful, like an original mini in some ways, but the not as good as the 208.
Driving - Handling
This is much the same as the ride. I've only driven on roads (within speed limits and not like a bellend) yet through roundabouts and sweeping country lanes, where as the pug would dive in and "flow" extremely well, the Abarth doesn't seem to communicate and flow to the same degree. The weather has been much colder than when i had the 208, (15ish degrees vs 2) which will affect the tyres grip. However, that doesn't seem the issue - the Abarth grips just as well if not better on its new michelin tyres. The steering feel (not fantastic on most modern cars - but for a different thread) is worse on the Abarth, as not much is felt through the wheel at all. you can carry speed and do direction changes quickly in both, but the bigger and slightly lower 208 felt more planted.
Interior
Again, the 208 is the better car here in most ways, but its not my favourite, thats the Abarth. the 208 was bigger, with more kit including a decent touchscreen with sat nav, DAB and good iPhone integration. the LED sunroof too, was a particularly good touch. The Abarth has a basic radio, aux cable, not sat nav, no dab and the bluetooth connection isn't great. This really doesn't matter however, a car like the abarth feels much more single minded than the pug. nothing on the car as a whole seems wasted, all the money is spent on driving related kit - brakes, suspension, bodykit (not needed but looks good
) where as the 208 felt like a top spec hatch given a strong engine. The 208's driving position isn't great but its much better than the Abarths, both have a straight arm bent leg posture but the abarth's seat is higher and non adjustable. the 208's seat itself however was just a regular seat with more bolsters, where as the 595 has fantatsicly good sablet seats. They hold you in place well, are comfy over long journeys and add a lot to the cabin. plus, they're included in the price. While the 595 can't flow down a road like the 208 could, most of the time your sat in a great seat, in a compact cabin with no distractions listening to a great punchy engine. Its by far the better place to be.Miscellaneous
in the 18 months id owned my 208, not one person ever asked to have a go in it. within 3 days, 6 people had asked and drove my Abarth. several people have commented on the 595, its noise, colour, size being topics of discussion (including one man in bridgend with the same car as me bar the wheels
) I can't remember anyone showing much interest in the 208 bar the cashier at a mcdoanlds. it does seem then that the abarth is a likeable car, as all the feedback I've had has been positive. id pick the abarth in terms of looks too, i did love the 208's chrome/satin white big wheel looks, but from some angles it looked slightly off, and its far too big. its the size of a 306 from the 90's and thats what i regard as a focus/golf class car. The Abarth on the other hand is genuinely small. parking spaces not available to others are free, small gaps in traffic, motorway road works narrow lanes are not an issue - if you consider a car to be above all a tool to use, small size means it can go more places more of the time. And don't write it off as not being practical, i recently moved where i live and fitted a 50" tv with most my kit straight in the boot. My verdict then is as followed - my 208 was the better allrounder and is a fantastic car to have; it would fit into most Pistonheads lives and cause no problems and be the sort of car you would drive just for the sake of it. My 595 isn't as capable, and id probably reckon down a road or a track wouldnt be able to pass my 208 - but it is the more fun car, with more character and for all its flaws it does the 3 big things i want from a car stronger - small, quick and fun. While on the whole its not as good, its the more focused choice.
i'm intending to do a long weekend away in the car, hopefully see more of what it can do.
Edited by 1598Craig on Monday 23 November 00:00
Here's some pictures of my feisty fiat;
Campovolo grey isn't the colour I would have choose had I ordered from the factory, but I think its a good choice - is as someone commented on here as both striking and pretty plain st the same time.
The dash is hasn't changed in the last 8 years the car has been available, apart from the abarth having a turbo gauge. Still looks good, does the job fine, and has no distractions. Suits the car well and is much better made than the fiat rep would suggest
Driving position, not great but workable. Sabelt seats improve the position by being much more supportive than the standard items. Although yoiu do lose the side airbags
These seats feel very snug and hold ypou in well. When I take the 595 on track will be great to see them used. The only car that comes close to this is (of a similar size) its the Vauxhall Adam s/grand slam which can get the recaros out the corsa vxr. On a side note I actually quite like the Vauxhall Adam. (Crap I just typed that. Moving on ...)
I won't be minicabbing, but I can fit (not comfortably) behind my own driving position and I'm 6ft 5. This is more usable than most would think.
Little touches like the leather embossed parcel shelf make this car feel really very special, and not just a mass produced machine. I like that.
Days mounted gear lever works great. Remember the civic type r a few years ago having a similar set up and being praised. Having the shifter raised slightly works wonders IMO. Good gear knob too, good size and shape, although cold on winter start ups.
Last but not least, a big shout out to the heater, within a minute its warmed the car to a toasty level. The best I've ever had on a car I've owned. And this cold weather is making my exhaust sound very noisy on start up... Damn...
Campovolo grey isn't the colour I would have choose had I ordered from the factory, but I think its a good choice - is as someone commented on here as both striking and pretty plain st the same time.
The dash is hasn't changed in the last 8 years the car has been available, apart from the abarth having a turbo gauge. Still looks good, does the job fine, and has no distractions. Suits the car well and is much better made than the fiat rep would suggest
Driving position, not great but workable. Sabelt seats improve the position by being much more supportive than the standard items. Although yoiu do lose the side airbags
These seats feel very snug and hold ypou in well. When I take the 595 on track will be great to see them used. The only car that comes close to this is (of a similar size) its the Vauxhall Adam s/grand slam which can get the recaros out the corsa vxr. On a side note I actually quite like the Vauxhall Adam. (Crap I just typed that. Moving on ...)
I won't be minicabbing, but I can fit (not comfortably) behind my own driving position and I'm 6ft 5. This is more usable than most would think.
Little touches like the leather embossed parcel shelf make this car feel really very special, and not just a mass produced machine. I like that.
Days mounted gear lever works great. Remember the civic type r a few years ago having a similar set up and being praised. Having the shifter raised slightly works wonders IMO. Good gear knob too, good size and shape, although cold on winter start ups.
Last but not least, a big shout out to the heater, within a minute its warmed the car to a toasty level. The best I've ever had on a car I've owned. And this cold weather is making my exhaust sound very noisy on start up... Damn...
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