Discussion
After being offered a pretty good lease deal on a Abarth 124 (pretty much same monthlies as the 595) ive decided to swap my 595 comp for one.
I know the 124s are a bit of a marmite car but I absolutely love the look of them, got the colour combo I wanted, one downside (or not as it turns out) is it’s an auto, which to my absolute suprised I prefered to the manual (i think I'm getting old) it seems to turn it into more of a little GT car rather than a sports car, its not the best of auto boxes but its nowhere near as bad as ive read.
Also the sound of these things are immense.
I know the 124s are a bit of a marmite car but I absolutely love the look of them, got the colour combo I wanted, one downside (or not as it turns out) is it’s an auto, which to my absolute suprised I prefered to the manual (i think I'm getting old) it seems to turn it into more of a little GT car rather than a sports car, its not the best of auto boxes but its nowhere near as bad as ive read.
Also the sound of these things are immense.
Can someone post longer review? I'm interested in comfort or lack of it and suspension. I know comfort is not the most important in that type of car but I don't want to lose my teeth on potholes. I currently drive SLK55 and comfy daily driver. I don't commute but may have to in future.
There are still some lease deals going on on stock cars. Got a few quotes but didn't have a chance to test drive it yet.
There are still some lease deals going on on stock cars. Got a few quotes but didn't have a chance to test drive it yet.
I collected mine yesterday (red with matt black bonnet/boot) and although it's early days, I am surprised how good the ride quality is. I've owned an SLK before and although the 124 is not as comfortable or roomy, that's not really the point. I feel more connected to the car, especially the steering, and the exhaust noise is very naughty (in a good way)!
I went for a test drive in manual yesterday, but due to demo car being stuck in traffic, I had to use other car and couldn't test it properly. Waiting for automatic to be back from customer. Those who collected their cars, did you go for manual or automatic? I only drive manuals on RHD cars, don't like to change gears with my left hand.
PenelopaPitstop said:
I went for a test drive in manual yesterday, but due to demo car being stuck in traffic, I had to use other car and couldn't test it properly. Waiting for automatic to be back from customer. Those who collected their cars, did you go for manual or automatic? I only drive manuals on RHD cars, don't like to change gears with my left hand.
I went auto and very happy with my choice. Paddles are very snappy too.PenelopaPitstop said:
Can someone post longer review? I'm interested in comfort or lack of it and suspension. I know comfort is not the most important in that type of car but I don't want to lose my teeth on potholes. I currently drive SLK55 and comfy daily driver. I don't commute but may have to in future.
There are still some lease deals going on on stock cars. Got a few quotes but didn't have a chance to test drive it yet.
I find it really comfy especially compared to the 595 which was really harsh on our roads.There are still some lease deals going on on stock cars. Got a few quotes but didn't have a chance to test drive it yet.
Luke. said:
PenelopaPitstop said:
I went for a test drive in manual yesterday, but due to demo car being stuck in traffic, I had to use other car and couldn't test it properly. Waiting for automatic to be back from customer. Those who collected their cars, did you go for manual or automatic? I only drive manuals on RHD cars, don't like to change gears with my left hand.
I went auto and very happy with my choice. Paddles are very snappy too.I got hold on automatic car today and had decent test drive. I thought that gearbox is a bit sluggish but I don't think I have a lot of choice. I don't like to drive LHD manuals (RHD is my natural env.) and I may need to commute occasionally to London. Being stuck in Blackwall tunnel traffic in manual car would be nightmare.
I tried paddles during test drive and I think it's a good compromise between manual and automatic.
How are the standard halogens? I remember how bad was SLK with halogens and no option to change them to RHD for a trip.
My other concern is the noise. It's what drawn me to the car but my neighbours will know when I come and go every time. No chance of stealthy exit ;-) . It won't be my daily, so maybe they won't kill me.
I have to decide soon before my preferred colour is gone from stock. There's only 1 left.
I tried paddles during test drive and I think it's a good compromise between manual and automatic.
How are the standard halogens? I remember how bad was SLK with halogens and no option to change them to RHD for a trip.
My other concern is the noise. It's what drawn me to the car but my neighbours will know when I come and go every time. No chance of stealthy exit ;-) . It won't be my daily, so maybe they won't kill me.
I have to decide soon before my preferred colour is gone from stock. There's only 1 left.
Edited by PenelopaPitstop on Saturday 23 June 23:43
PenelopaPitstop said:
I got hold on automatic car today and had decent test drive. I thought that gearbox is a bit sluggish but I don't think I have a lot of choice. I don't like to drive LHD manuals (RHD is my natural env.) and I may need to commute occasionally to London. Being stuck in Blackwall tunnel traffic in manual car would be nightmare.
I tried paddles during test drive and I think it's a good compromise between manual and automatic.
How are the standard halogens? I remember how bad was SLK with halogens and no option to change them to RHD for a trip.
My other concern is the noise. It's what drawn me to the car but my neighbours will know when I come and go every time. No chance of stealthy exit ;-) . It won't be my daily, so maybe they won't kill me.
I have to decide soon before my preferred colour is gone from stock. There's only 1 left.
The standard lights are fine, as for the noise, thats one of the main reasons the car has character, if you want something that will go under the radar this car isn’t for you, its loud and will garner attention wherever you go.I tried paddles during test drive and I think it's a good compromise between manual and automatic.
How are the standard halogens? I remember how bad was SLK with halogens and no option to change them to RHD for a trip.
My other concern is the noise. It's what drawn me to the car but my neighbours will know when I come and go every time. No chance of stealthy exit ;-) . It won't be my daily, so maybe they won't kill me.
I have to decide soon before my preferred colour is gone from stock. There's only 1 left.
Edited by PenelopaPitstop on Saturday 23 June 23:43
For a 1.4 it really does motor, overtakes with ease.
The seats are very comfortable & the controls fall to hand.
Visibility is very good & the Matt black & suede stops the glare.
Ride again is very good, coming from 18 inch alloys with 40 profile tyres I am not so worried by lumps & bumps in the road.
Seeing as this car is based on an mx5 platform will have a word with my mate to see if he can play with the alignment settings
How do you find the brakes maybe mine not bedded in yet but my 208 would stop way quicker than the Abarth.
Anyone done any updates or tweaks via usb?
The seats are very comfortable & the controls fall to hand.
Visibility is very good & the Matt black & suede stops the glare.
Ride again is very good, coming from 18 inch alloys with 40 profile tyres I am not so worried by lumps & bumps in the road.
Seeing as this car is based on an mx5 platform will have a word with my mate to see if he can play with the alignment settings
How do you find the brakes maybe mine not bedded in yet but my 208 would stop way quicker than the Abarth.
Anyone done any updates or tweaks via usb?
g40steve said:
For a 1.4 it really does motor, overtakes with ease.
The seats are very comfortable & the controls fall to hand.
Visibility is very good & the Matt black & suede stops the glare.
Ride again is very good, coming from 18 inch alloys with 40 profile tyres I am not so worried by lumps & bumps in the road.
Seeing as this car is based on an mx5 platform will have a word with my mate to see if he can play with the alignment settings
How do you find the brakes maybe mine not bedded in yet but my 208 would stop way quicker than the Abarth.
Anyone done any updates or tweaks via usb?
Brakes are strong, my only issue with them is they squeak a lot, but my 595 brakes did this and I'm told 'they all do that sir'.The seats are very comfortable & the controls fall to hand.
Visibility is very good & the Matt black & suede stops the glare.
Ride again is very good, coming from 18 inch alloys with 40 profile tyres I am not so worried by lumps & bumps in the road.
Seeing as this car is based on an mx5 platform will have a word with my mate to see if he can play with the alignment settings
How do you find the brakes maybe mine not bedded in yet but my 208 would stop way quicker than the Abarth.
Anyone done any updates or tweaks via usb?
It does feel a lot faster than the stats suggest, I think its because its so light.
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