Abarth 595 Competizione - European Grand Tour 2019
Discussion
ecsrobin said:
Great write up, I’ve done 2 European trips in my comp and the Mrs has suggested we do a 3rd this summer. We had the fuel range drop very quickly when we got to the top of a mountain near como slightly concerning but just about managed to get to the fuel station the next day.
My wife is not at all interested in a road trip, but luckily is happy enough to let me go on my own.Otispunkmeyer said:
This is great.
And as an ex-595 S3 comp owner...you get mad props from me because I could not envisage driving across Europe in one. Fun car, but supremely uncomfortable for my gangly 6ft 3 frame!
I’m 6’3” an no issues. And as an ex-595 S3 comp owner...you get mad props from me because I could not envisage driving across Europe in one. Fun car, but supremely uncomfortable for my gangly 6ft 3 frame!
595Heaven said:
DAY 1 – HOME TO THE BLACK FOREST
...
We took the Autoroute to Reims, where we stopped for lunch, and then a quick detour to Reims-Gueux for the obligatory photos at the old circuit.
From there, continued on the Autoroute and Routes Nationales towards Germany. This included the Maurice Lemaire road tunnel (6,950 m). Speed limit in the tunnel is 70kmh, and we both got flashed by a speed camera. My car speedo showed 77kmh, so probably 74-75kmh in reality, so hopefully we were within the allowable margin – no doubt we’ll find out over the coming days!
The letter arrived today - Clocked at 80kph in a 70kph zone. Fine is €45 if I pay quickly, so could be worse!...
We took the Autoroute to Reims, where we stopped for lunch, and then a quick detour to Reims-Gueux for the obligatory photos at the old circuit.
From there, continued on the Autoroute and Routes Nationales towards Germany. This included the Maurice Lemaire road tunnel (6,950 m). Speed limit in the tunnel is 70kmh, and we both got flashed by a speed camera. My car speedo showed 77kmh, so probably 74-75kmh in reality, so hopefully we were within the allowable margin – no doubt we’ll find out over the coming days!
Here's the little blighter: https://www.google.com/maps/@48.2825653,7.1286528,...
Great thread and pics OP. 
I’m heading out for a 3 week trip in a couple of months time.
Can’t decide whether to take my GT3 or my wife’s Abarth. Ironically my £700 Volvo estate is the best “tool” for the job but anyway.
This -
Or this -
The Abarth is a bit bumpy and noisy, the GT3 even more so.
GT3 stereo is pants. Abarth is great.
GT3 RAC cover is £170. Abarth is £60.
GT3 fuel will be £900. Abarth £600.
All benefits of the Abarth are small fry given the costs of the trip anyway. The stereo is a major one though. The road noise in the GT3 is pretty deafening.
Anyway like I say I’ve enjoyed this thread. Bit of escapism when reading on a night shift.
I’m heading out for a 3 week trip in a couple of months time.
Can’t decide whether to take my GT3 or my wife’s Abarth. Ironically my £700 Volvo estate is the best “tool” for the job but anyway.
This -
Or this -
The Abarth is a bit bumpy and noisy, the GT3 even more so.
GT3 stereo is pants. Abarth is great.
GT3 RAC cover is £170. Abarth is £60.
GT3 fuel will be £900. Abarth £600.
All benefits of the Abarth are small fry given the costs of the trip anyway. The stereo is a major one though. The road noise in the GT3 is pretty deafening.
Anyway like I say I’ve enjoyed this thread. Bit of escapism when reading on a night shift.
marky911 said:
Great thread and pics OP.
Thanks for the feedback That's a nice problem to have! The 'obvious' choice is the GT3 of course (Lovely car by the way
) but honestly, I think you would have an absolute ball in the Abarth. And there are no real worries about where to park it, which I suspect give you a few sleepless nights with the GT3. Whichever you take, have a blast, and tell us all about it
ecsrobin said:
Great write up, I’ve done 2 European trips in my comp and the Mrs has suggested we do a 3rd this summer. We had the fuel range drop very quickly when we got to the top of a mountain near como slightly concerning but just about managed to get to the fuel station the next day.
Everyone is different. I just couldn’t get comfortable, 30+ minutes and I’d have sever aches in the legs and shoulders. Real shame because it’s an awesome fun machine. But not arriving at working feeling like I’ve been in a SAS stress position is better.Otispunkmeyer said:
This is great.
And as an ex-595 S3 comp owner...you get mad props from me because I could not envisage driving across Europe in one. Fun car, but supremely uncomfortable for my gangly 6ft 3 frame!
I’m 6’3” an no issues. And as an ex-595 S3 comp owner...you get mad props from me because I could not envisage driving across Europe in one. Fun car, but supremely uncomfortable for my gangly 6ft 3 frame!
I don’t fit in an MX5 either, but happily do fit in a 124 spider.....Abarth is calling me back.
Zadkiel said:
That Air BnB looks amazing, got a link?
Here you go...First one is the one with the lovely ceilings, the other is our second apartment on the top floor of the same villa
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/4176215
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/32761601
It worked really well - secure parking and a great location
Quality write up. I’ve only ever done the wacky rally around the alps for a few days in a £300 mk1 mx-5. Loved every minute. Really fancy a euro trip and reading that had just given me itchy feet. Only thing is the kids don’t like that much time in the car. Might have to farm them off to the Grandparents. Great car too btw.
Usget said:
Great write up! Great memories of my solo road trip across Europe in my FN2 Civic in 2016. So many beautiful places to visit.
ManorParker said:
Quality write up. I’ve only ever done the wacky rally around the alps for a few days in a £300 mk1 mx-5. Loved every minute. Really fancy a euro trip and reading that had just given me itchy feet. Only thing is the kids don’t like that much time in the car. Might have to farm them off to the Grandparents. Great car too btw.
Thanks for the feedback both - Appreciate it.This kind of thing probably isn't a child friendly holiday TBH. I think everyone would enjoy it more if they stayed with granny and grandad!
We’ve had a few years off due to lockdowns and other stuff getting in the way, but looks like we’ll have a new Grand Tour for 2023!
Can’t wait. The SLK55 never left the UK in my time with it, but I’ve now got a Yaris GRMN which will be brilliant fun. I promised myself that the next car had to have three things:
6-speed box - YEP
Cruise Control - NOPE
Minimum 300-mile range - DOUBTFUL
Perfect. Can’t wait
Can’t wait. The SLK55 never left the UK in my time with it, but I’ve now got a Yaris GRMN which will be brilliant fun. I promised myself that the next car had to have three things:
6-speed box - YEP
Cruise Control - NOPE
Minimum 300-mile range - DOUBTFUL
Perfect. Can’t wait
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff