Abarth 595 vs Up! GTi vs Swift Sport
Discussion
I'm currently smoking about in an old Jaguar S Type that I fear may have seen it's last viable MOT. Rust and a fault with the heater mean that spending on it is probably not sensible (always blows warm air once the coolant is up to temperature, great fun on a hot day 
). It's been good fun, very comfortable etc but at 20 years old, it's about done.
I only do about 7000 miles in my own car (company car does the majority of the miles). It's only ever me, maybe one passenger and a few bags in the car so I don't need loads of luggage space. I've narrowed my choices down to the Up! GTi, the Abarth 595 and the Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4 Booster jet model.
I'm looking to spend around £12,000. Does anyone have any experience of these cars, any notable pitfalls for me to avoid? They all have their positives and negatives so some input that might help me decide either way would be welcome.
). It's been good fun, very comfortable etc but at 20 years old, it's about done. I only do about 7000 miles in my own car (company car does the majority of the miles). It's only ever me, maybe one passenger and a few bags in the car so I don't need loads of luggage space. I've narrowed my choices down to the Up! GTi, the Abarth 595 and the Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4 Booster jet model.
I'm looking to spend around £12,000. Does anyone have any experience of these cars, any notable pitfalls for me to avoid? They all have their positives and negatives so some input that might help me decide either way would be welcome.
Mrs recently got a 595 comp and it’s a great little car, big personality, big fun.
Issues for me are, steering wheel doesn’t adjust so I end up sitting to close for my legs to be comfortable on the pedals, fine for shorter journeys, no issue for her.
Only 5 speed so does sit high revs on a motorway if you do a lot of those miles.
Issues for me are, steering wheel doesn’t adjust so I end up sitting to close for my legs to be comfortable on the pedals, fine for shorter journeys, no issue for her.
Only 5 speed so does sit high revs on a motorway if you do a lot of those miles.
I'm now on my second Abarth 595 - They are terribly flawed, but are an absolute blast to drive! They are proper old-school turbo fun.
The 1.4 T-Jet engine is extremely reliable having been used since 2009!
£12,000 will get you a series 4 Competizione - 180BHP, Sabelt bucket seats, Brembo brakes, Monza exhaust. etc.
The ride is firm, you sit too high, they are basic and cheaply made, but they are an event every time you turn the key - they sounds great as well!
I've done turbo conversions on both of mine to a TD04 turbo and they run around 270bhp in something that weighs 1000kg.
There is also a huge aftermarket/modification market as well. They are cheap to run and cheap to repair.
The 1.4 T-Jet engine is extremely reliable having been used since 2009!
£12,000 will get you a series 4 Competizione - 180BHP, Sabelt bucket seats, Brembo brakes, Monza exhaust. etc.
The ride is firm, you sit too high, they are basic and cheaply made, but they are an event every time you turn the key - they sounds great as well!
I've done turbo conversions on both of mine to a TD04 turbo and they run around 270bhp in something that weighs 1000kg.
There is also a huge aftermarket/modification market as well. They are cheap to run and cheap to repair.
Not driven the Up, but my wife is looking to swap her 2014 Swift Sport for a new car, so we drove the Abarth and the new Swift Sport...neither of us liked the Abarth, but the (non-hybrid) Swift Sport was a nice little car.
We also had a hybrid Swift Sport on extended loan and it felt blunt and lazy compared to the non-hybrid...curranty looking to import a one, as the EDM versions are only available in hybrid from 2020, whilst JDM Sports remain non-hybrid all the way up to the last in line versions which are being produced now. This thread is very informative.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Definitely go drive them, I was expected a lot more from the Fiat based on all the positive stuff on here.
We also had a hybrid Swift Sport on extended loan and it felt blunt and lazy compared to the non-hybrid...curranty looking to import a one, as the EDM versions are only available in hybrid from 2020, whilst JDM Sports remain non-hybrid all the way up to the last in line versions which are being produced now. This thread is very informative.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Definitely go drive them, I was expected a lot more from the Fiat based on all the positive stuff on here.
I'm a big fan of these kind of cars. Small, sporty, useable and enough performance to be fun.
The 595 will be the quickest (assuming a 180) and perhaps the most exciting. But it could be a bit harder to live with when you're not in the mood. If you regularly carry a passenger they might not thank you for the ride quality and lack of refinement.
Swift is the most sensible. 5 doors and very easy to get along with. Less exciting though?
The Up is fairly sensible and has very good residual values. Looks great. Least power though.
It all depends what things you value most.
I'm sure you've considered all your options but £12k is easily enough for the full fat supermini hot hatches.
Mk7 Fista ST
208 Gti by PS
Mini Cooper S
Or if you don't need a lot of space you could get a GT86
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025060331...
Or even an mx5?
The 595 will be the quickest (assuming a 180) and perhaps the most exciting. But it could be a bit harder to live with when you're not in the mood. If you regularly carry a passenger they might not thank you for the ride quality and lack of refinement.
Swift is the most sensible. 5 doors and very easy to get along with. Less exciting though?
The Up is fairly sensible and has very good residual values. Looks great. Least power though.
It all depends what things you value most.
I'm sure you've considered all your options but £12k is easily enough for the full fat supermini hot hatches.
Mk7 Fista ST
208 Gti by PS
Mini Cooper S
Or if you don't need a lot of space you could get a GT86
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025060331...
Or even an mx5?
Swift interior is absolute gash. Flimsy, hard plastics, just feels so cheap. Really didn't get they hype and oh-so wanted to. Still, that you an get the limeish green one means why not.
Up! GTi means having to speak to young males with chiselled beards asking you about them when fueling up, they want to know if you have the Beats audio and heated seats. Not as fun as the reports suggest I'm afraid, but VW aura helps resale no end.
Abarth will make you smile, if it makes you do so on the way to a chiropractor is a different matter. As you can tell, a lot of discomfort endured here which is why a lot get sold. If you fit, a top choice. The door handles don't fall off anywhere near as much as internet tells you.
I appreciate you say you've narrowed it down, be interested in rationale for dropping some of the alternatives- ChrisH's list is good, add an Alfa Giulietta 1750 TBi for some panache, you're at the door of an Audi S1, which is a bit of a one-trick pony and you do sit a little high for a small car thanks to the 4WD, but hold their money well. £12k also buys a high spec late BMW 125/ 130i E81/ 82, or a low spec 3 door F20 M135i. Again one trick, but again easy re-sale and build quality makes the Swift look like the packet of crisps it really is.
Of the 3 I'd be driving the Swift first to let my expectations sink to the floor, then an Abarth to see if I fitted (I don't) but enjoying hte drive massivel, then the Up, and seeing if I was done with shopping, or could stomach the time to drive a Fiesta ST as suggested twice now, and a Cooper S, before buying............. The Alfa, having let heart rule head over the BMW.
Up! GTi means having to speak to young males with chiselled beards asking you about them when fueling up, they want to know if you have the Beats audio and heated seats. Not as fun as the reports suggest I'm afraid, but VW aura helps resale no end.
Abarth will make you smile, if it makes you do so on the way to a chiropractor is a different matter. As you can tell, a lot of discomfort endured here which is why a lot get sold. If you fit, a top choice. The door handles don't fall off anywhere near as much as internet tells you.
I appreciate you say you've narrowed it down, be interested in rationale for dropping some of the alternatives- ChrisH's list is good, add an Alfa Giulietta 1750 TBi for some panache, you're at the door of an Audi S1, which is a bit of a one-trick pony and you do sit a little high for a small car thanks to the 4WD, but hold their money well. £12k also buys a high spec late BMW 125/ 130i E81/ 82, or a low spec 3 door F20 M135i. Again one trick, but again easy re-sale and build quality makes the Swift look like the packet of crisps it really is.
Of the 3 I'd be driving the Swift first to let my expectations sink to the floor, then an Abarth to see if I fitted (I don't) but enjoying hte drive massivel, then the Up, and seeing if I was done with shopping, or could stomach the time to drive a Fiesta ST as suggested twice now, and a Cooper S, before buying............. The Alfa, having let heart rule head over the BMW.
nickfrog said:
F56 JCW on that budget should be a contender too.
Previously had an R53 which was a good laugh and very easy to own, being reliable and fun. I'm not after another MINI now, I'd thought of maybe trying a Coupé JCW or similar but decided against it. Re: the inevitable Fiesta, I'm not that keen on them. Perhaps a little too ubiquitous and very easy to steal. Even living out in the countryside where I do, we still hear of wrong 'uns travelling out to steal them. They seem to be a doddle to steal. The 595 seems to be another popular car with thieves, but nowhere close to the same degree. I'm sure they are as good to drive as the pundits suggest, but not enough to make me want one.
I had initially been looking at getting an MR2 Roadster but decided against as I could probably do with more luggage space. GT86 and MX5 aren't bad suggestions but I do like a little hot hatch. The Abarth really appeals despite the obvious shortcomings.
I've had two but they've getting quite old now, probably better to stick with the newer ones/hatches you mentioned.With that budget going for the best PS208 GTI you can find:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506063...
Or it's cheaper DS3 cousin:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505162...
Leftfield
1.4T Vauxhall Adam:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504301...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505302...
Clio RS Trophy Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504181...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506113...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506063...
Or it's cheaper DS3 cousin:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505162...
Leftfield
1.4T Vauxhall Adam:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504301...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505302...
Clio RS Trophy Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504181...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506113...
I've owned a 595 and the Up!s baby brother, Skoda Citigo.
The 595 was fun, but very weird driving position, and zero refinement.
The Citigo felt much more "grown up", but obviously very slow.
I was going to get an Up! GTi to replace the Citigo, but went for the left-field alternative - Picanto GT Line S.
Cheaper than the VW, all the toys as standard (including things that aren't available at all on the VW), and, in 1 litre turbo form, fast enough.
Great little car.
The 595 was fun, but very weird driving position, and zero refinement.
The Citigo felt much more "grown up", but obviously very slow.
I was going to get an Up! GTi to replace the Citigo, but went for the left-field alternative - Picanto GT Line S.
Cheaper than the VW, all the toys as standard (including things that aren't available at all on the VW), and, in 1 litre turbo form, fast enough.
Great little car.
It does sound like you're fairly set on a 595.
Best plan would be to take a good long test drive on all sorts of roads. I haven't driven one but I have sat in a few and the driving position is a bit weird. I think a lot depends on your shape and build.
No denying it'll be a hoot to drive. But 7k miles isn't that low and you could tire of it pretty quickly if it isn't just right.
Best plan would be to take a good long test drive on all sorts of roads. I haven't driven one but I have sat in a few and the driving position is a bit weird. I think a lot depends on your shape and build.
No denying it'll be a hoot to drive. But 7k miles isn't that low and you could tire of it pretty quickly if it isn't just right.
I own an Up! GTI and have driven several Abarths. I guess that probably indicates my preference already, but the Up! is the much more grown up, more rounded car, without losing out in the fun stakes.
The one true weak point - the standard fit Goodyear tyres - is easily resolved. The car is improved further by upgrading the stock suspension to something with improved damping. I've fitted KW V1's, but Bilstein & ST Line kits seem to get good reviews too.
Residuals are incredible, and it costs buttons to fuel (early 60's MPG is easily possible on a reasonably driven A-road run).
The Abarth was more (cliche alert...) Italian. It was loud, brash, harsh, the driving position was awful but if you enjoy driving everywhere like, well, an Italian, I do see the appeal. They look cute and there seems to be an active owner's community for them.
As a curveball - how about a Fiesta ST? Your budget should see you into a very nice Mk7, which in my opinion is the best of them.
The one true weak point - the standard fit Goodyear tyres - is easily resolved. The car is improved further by upgrading the stock suspension to something with improved damping. I've fitted KW V1's, but Bilstein & ST Line kits seem to get good reviews too.
Residuals are incredible, and it costs buttons to fuel (early 60's MPG is easily possible on a reasonably driven A-road run).
The Abarth was more (cliche alert...) Italian. It was loud, brash, harsh, the driving position was awful but if you enjoy driving everywhere like, well, an Italian, I do see the appeal. They look cute and there seems to be an active owner's community for them.
As a curveball - how about a Fiesta ST? Your budget should see you into a very nice Mk7, which in my opinion is the best of them.
With regards to the Fiesta ST.
I owned my ST3 for four years and it never got stolen. Keys in a Faraday pouch, disklok fitted. You can move the OBD port quite easily although I never did.
Same with most tasty cars really. I spoke to someone today who had their BMW stolen at the weekend. They had left their keys on a hook by the front door and the car had keyless entry. Happens a lot I think. A good steering lock is a visual deterrent as they know it'll take time and noise to remove. The Faraday pouch should offer protection against keyless theft. Ultimately if someone wants to steal it they will but at least there are cheap things you can do to help prevent it.
The ST was fabulous. Sometimes I wish I'd kept it really. For 12k you could get the ST200 which was the ultimate mk7 and would definitely hold its value better.
I owned my ST3 for four years and it never got stolen. Keys in a Faraday pouch, disklok fitted. You can move the OBD port quite easily although I never did.
Same with most tasty cars really. I spoke to someone today who had their BMW stolen at the weekend. They had left their keys on a hook by the front door and the car had keyless entry. Happens a lot I think. A good steering lock is a visual deterrent as they know it'll take time and noise to remove. The Faraday pouch should offer protection against keyless theft. Ultimately if someone wants to steal it they will but at least there are cheap things you can do to help prevent it.
The ST was fabulous. Sometimes I wish I'd kept it really. For 12k you could get the ST200 which was the ultimate mk7 and would definitely hold its value better.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff