Fiat Punto Abarths - Any Good ?
Discussion
I ask because I recently drove a Ferrari California and 458 Italia from Paris to Epernay in convoy with a 2010 Punto Evo Abarth, driven by Ferrari's European PR manager. It was quick enough to test the Ferraris, looked cute, and the piloti said it handled better than the 500 Abarth.
Found myself looking in the classifieds, but they're not cheap, although the earlier Punto Abarth Essesses look better value.
Don't know anything about them - what do the cognocsenti think?
Found myself looking in the classifieds, but they're not cheap, although the earlier Punto Abarth Essesses look better value.
Don't know anything about them - what do the cognocsenti think?
Definitely the better driver's car of the current Abarth range *but* lacking all of the charisma (IMHO) of the 500.
The evo has all sorts of upgrades (in terms of accessories) to match everything that was pretty much standard on the 500 but they also hit the car with an ugly stick over and over again so even less charismatic than the earlier cars.
If it is outright performance and handling you are after the early Esseesse is the way to go, with a TMC tuning box maybe for that little extra fizz.
Just remember they have a pretty short service interval once they've been esseesse'd.
The evo has all sorts of upgrades (in terms of accessories) to match everything that was pretty much standard on the 500 but they also hit the car with an ugly stick over and over again so even less charismatic than the earlier cars.
If it is outright performance and handling you are after the early Esseesse is the way to go, with a TMC tuning box maybe for that little extra fizz.
Just remember they have a pretty short service interval once they've been esseesse'd.
thanks for that
I do have a liking for the very best superminis, that feel that bit special. I have a lovely 205 GTi, bought for fun, that still amazes me everytime I take it out. Key ingredients being the light weight, super chassis (compliant, yet fabulous steering) and the responsive little engine.
Thinking of getting something a bit more modern for more regular use, but find the 500s, Mini Coopers, etc, a bit too "trendy" and the steering feel a bit numb.
I wouldn't call the current Punto Abarths 'ugly' - actually think they look pretty chic, and a bit different to the usual fare.
I do have a liking for the very best superminis, that feel that bit special. I have a lovely 205 GTi, bought for fun, that still amazes me everytime I take it out. Key ingredients being the light weight, super chassis (compliant, yet fabulous steering) and the responsive little engine.
Thinking of getting something a bit more modern for more regular use, but find the 500s, Mini Coopers, etc, a bit too "trendy" and the steering feel a bit numb.
I wouldn't call the current Punto Abarths 'ugly' - actually think they look pretty chic, and a bit different to the usual fare.
He is referring to the facelift of the Grande Punto called the Punto Evo that I'm driving (photo in my profile) a lot of people prefer the Grande.
Its very much a Marmite car looks wise, I think its great, it has a cracking motor powering it, low on lag, very refined and very flexible, also sips the juice when you want to take it steady.
I initially drove the Grand Punto Esseesse and it was a great car, looks great, reminds me of the S2000 rally version, only reason I didn't go for it was because I heard the Evo was coming out so thought I would wait and see what it was like, I was unsure at first based on photos but once I saw it in the metal I thought, yep, that's for me.
Not cheap though
Its very much a Marmite car looks wise, I think its great, it has a cracking motor powering it, low on lag, very refined and very flexible, also sips the juice when you want to take it steady.
I initially drove the Grand Punto Esseesse and it was a great car, looks great, reminds me of the S2000 rally version, only reason I didn't go for it was because I heard the Evo was coming out so thought I would wait and see what it was like, I was unsure at first based on photos but once I saw it in the metal I thought, yep, that's for me.
Not cheap though
Edited by sandys on Monday 6th June 21:32
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