Abarth 595 Competizione
Discussion
I had a 2 hour drive of a standard 595 today and could not stop giggling, great little car.
Some very surprising things about it compared to my M135i:
1. With front seats adjusted for me there is more rear legroom than in the BMNW
2. Interior plastics are every bit as good as in the BMW
3. Noise levels at slightly above 70 on a concrete section of motorway - no worse than the BMW
4. Ride comfort - better than the BMW
As you can probably tell I'm sold on a 595 but it will be a Compezione and only when the BMW lease ends but as a fun car at sensible money I can't see anything better
Some very surprising things about it compared to my M135i:
1. With front seats adjusted for me there is more rear legroom than in the BMNW
2. Interior plastics are every bit as good as in the BMW
3. Noise levels at slightly above 70 on a concrete section of motorway - no worse than the BMW
4. Ride comfort - better than the BMW
As you can probably tell I'm sold on a 595 but it will be a Compezione and only when the BMW lease ends but as a fun car at sensible money I can't see anything better
Andy665 said:
I had a 2 hour drive of a standard 595 today and could not stop giggling, great little car.
Some very surprising things about it compared to my M135i:
1. With front seats adjusted for me there is more rear legroom than in the BMNW
2. Interior plastics are every bit as good as in the BMW
3. Noise levels at slightly above 70 on a concrete section of motorway - no worse than the BMW
4. Ride comfort - better than the BMW
As you can probably tell I'm sold on a 595 but it will be a Compezione and only when the BMW lease ends but as a fun car at sensible money I can't see anything better
Be aware that if you go for the Sabelt seats in the Competizione that they are non height adjustable. I would like to drop the height on mine but only to feel more like a go kart I’m 6’3” and don’t have an issue. Some very surprising things about it compared to my M135i:
1. With front seats adjusted for me there is more rear legroom than in the BMNW
2. Interior plastics are every bit as good as in the BMW
3. Noise levels at slightly above 70 on a concrete section of motorway - no worse than the BMW
4. Ride comfort - better than the BMW
As you can probably tell I'm sold on a 595 but it will be a Compezione and only when the BMW lease ends but as a fun car at sensible money I can't see anything better
ecsrobin said:
Be aware that if you go for the Sabelt seats in the Competizione that they are non height adjustable. I would like to drop the height on mine but only to feel more like a go kart I’m 6’3” and don’t have an issue.
Unless I'm mistaken, I *think I saw something about replacement seat mounts for the Sabelts on the Abarthisti site... I signed up there when I had every intention to get a 595C, then didn't. *I could be wrong.RC1807 said:
ecsrobin said:
Be aware that if you go for the Sabelt seats in the Competizione that they are non height adjustable. I would like to drop the height on mine but only to feel more like a go kart I’m 6’3” and don’t have an issue.
Unless I'm mistaken, I *think I saw something about replacement seat mounts for the Sabelts on the Abarthisti site... I signed up there when I had every intention to get a 595C, then didn't. *I could be wrong.So a bit of an update:
I’ve now hit 13k with the car, commuting to work is still a giggle and an event, at weekends trips out with PH and the Southcoast and Italian sub forums is great fun and I’m amazed at how much interest the car gets whilst I’m not one to listen to negative comments I was expecting a lot when driving something considered to be a ladies car and of course fiats heritage of reliability.
I had a play with an Aston N430 on the way to Goodwood last week, arrived to have the owner saying how quick I was
sadly I don’t think he will swap cars with me.
So to the car itself, I reported issues with the radio previously trying a constant update (radio still operated fine) and whilst picking up a can of oil for an upcoming trip a quick discussion and it is now syncing to my phone and all updates are now installed.
So onto the trip, I leave next week for a 2,000 mile trip around Europe with the better half. I’ve been stocking up on all the supplies, vignettes, emissions stickers, breathalysers and so on, I was also on the edge of do I buy tyres or not prior to departing as I was getting low, but decided £200 for 2 new pilot sport 3’s was a drop in the ocean for the extra grip I’ll get in the twistys. Sadly during fitting today a minor scratch to the black alloy was done by the fitters, fortunately I’d heard from a fellow PH member the joys of black wheels and garages so took some photos in their car park prior to fitting. The garage has agreed that it must have been done their and were going to call back with a solution this afternoon so I’ll have to chase them tomorrow.
I’ve then got the car booked in to the wheel alignment centre in Southampton on Monday for 2 wheel alignment, they have a great reputation in the south coast forum so decided to go there rather than get the tyre fitters to do it.
Abarth 595 Competizione
Abarth 595 Competizione
I’ve now hit 13k with the car, commuting to work is still a giggle and an event, at weekends trips out with PH and the Southcoast and Italian sub forums is great fun and I’m amazed at how much interest the car gets whilst I’m not one to listen to negative comments I was expecting a lot when driving something considered to be a ladies car and of course fiats heritage of reliability.
I had a play with an Aston N430 on the way to Goodwood last week, arrived to have the owner saying how quick I was
sadly I don’t think he will swap cars with me. So to the car itself, I reported issues with the radio previously trying a constant update (radio still operated fine) and whilst picking up a can of oil for an upcoming trip a quick discussion and it is now syncing to my phone and all updates are now installed.
So onto the trip, I leave next week for a 2,000 mile trip around Europe with the better half. I’ve been stocking up on all the supplies, vignettes, emissions stickers, breathalysers and so on, I was also on the edge of do I buy tyres or not prior to departing as I was getting low, but decided £200 for 2 new pilot sport 3’s was a drop in the ocean for the extra grip I’ll get in the twistys. Sadly during fitting today a minor scratch to the black alloy was done by the fitters, fortunately I’d heard from a fellow PH member the joys of black wheels and garages so took some photos in their car park prior to fitting. The garage has agreed that it must have been done their and were going to call back with a solution this afternoon so I’ll have to chase them tomorrow.
I’ve then got the car booked in to the wheel alignment centre in Southampton on Monday for 2 wheel alignment, they have a great reputation in the south coast forum so decided to go there rather than get the tyre fitters to do it.
Abarth 595 CompetizioneAbarth 595 CompetizioneEnjoy the trip, you lucky chap, it'll be awesome.
I'm itching to get out there in ours. I should take my 911 but the Abarth would be a hoot and half the price for petrol
. We done France, Switzerland and Italy in our camper van in 2012 and that holiday further cemented my love for Abarths, as there were loads around Lake Como.
I just marked one of our satin black wheels a few weeks ago. A drain cover had collapsed in a shop car park and I didn't spot it until it was too late.
Car is going in on Monday to have both wheels on passenger side redone (incase doing front one only, would result in a mis match).
Supermarket have agreed to pay £190 so I could add the rest and have all 4 changed colour but can't decide.
The satin black wheels are a detail of the Trofeo so I don't know if I want to stray from standard, but I was thinking maybe gloss black or gunmetal but with the car being metallic grey the gunmetal may look like a bad attempt at matching the body.
Anyway I'm rambling. Ours has covered almost 2000 miles now with no problems. We also had the hifi update but dab is still poor.
Still loving the car though. The novelty still hasn't worn off, yet if we'd bought a Golf or Infiniti or something I'm pretty sure it would have. It just sounds bonkers and is so lively on the bumpy B roads around here. My 911 hasn't moved for almost 2 months.
Enjoy the trip anyway. Post plenty of pics on your return.
I'm itching to get out there in ours. I should take my 911 but the Abarth would be a hoot and half the price for petrol
. We done France, Switzerland and Italy in our camper van in 2012 and that holiday further cemented my love for Abarths, as there were loads around Lake Como. I just marked one of our satin black wheels a few weeks ago. A drain cover had collapsed in a shop car park and I didn't spot it until it was too late.
Car is going in on Monday to have both wheels on passenger side redone (incase doing front one only, would result in a mis match).
Supermarket have agreed to pay £190 so I could add the rest and have all 4 changed colour but can't decide.
The satin black wheels are a detail of the Trofeo so I don't know if I want to stray from standard, but I was thinking maybe gloss black or gunmetal but with the car being metallic grey the gunmetal may look like a bad attempt at matching the body.
Anyway I'm rambling. Ours has covered almost 2000 miles now with no problems. We also had the hifi update but dab is still poor.
Still loving the car though. The novelty still hasn't worn off, yet if we'd bought a Golf or Infiniti or something I'm pretty sure it would have. It just sounds bonkers and is so lively on the bumpy B roads around here. My 911 hasn't moved for almost 2 months.
Enjoy the trip anyway. Post plenty of pics on your return.
Edited by marky911 on Thursday 17th August 05:16
Very interested to hear how the thing behaves on a euro - road trip. It is something I would like to do one day.
Nearly all the press articles I have read about the 595 Comp say it is just unforgivably hard riding... but I am not picking up that vibe here from the owners who've posted in this thread. Are the mags just looking for something to complain about? I understand its not going to be pillow soft but they're making out that you'd literally have a pile of dust for a skeleton rather than solid bones!
Good to hear that at 6ft 3in, its still a good fit. My height has already precluded me from the car that was top of my list (ND MX-5) so onto other options.
Nearly all the press articles I have read about the 595 Comp say it is just unforgivably hard riding... but I am not picking up that vibe here from the owners who've posted in this thread. Are the mags just looking for something to complain about? I understand its not going to be pillow soft but they're making out that you'd literally have a pile of dust for a skeleton rather than solid bones!
Good to hear that at 6ft 3in, its still a good fit. My height has already precluded me from the car that was top of my list (ND MX-5) so onto other options.
moxy89 said:
Whereabouts you from, I'm Southampton based haven't see this about, love them
I’m portsmouth / Fareham based so only pop into Southampton a couple of times a month with work. marky911 said:
Post plenty of pics on your return.
I certainly will, a friend runs a travel blog and has asked if I’d do a guest feature so lots of photos and writing will follow. Otispunkmeyer said:
Nearly all the press articles I have read about the 595 Comp say it is just unforgivably hard riding... but I am not picking up that vibe here from the owners who've posted in this thread. Are the mags just looking for something to complain about? I understand its not going to be pillow soft but they're making out that you'd literally have a pile of dust for a skeleton rather than solid bones!
Good to hear that at 6ft 3in, its still a good fit. My height has already precluded me from the car that was top of my list (ND MX-5) so onto other options.
The magazines never say what they’re comparing things too, also if it was soft they’d complain! Good to hear that at 6ft 3in, its still a good fit. My height has already precluded me from the car that was top of my list (ND MX-5) so onto other options.
I came from a Honda Civic Type-S with big comfy seats and you would have thought softer suspension. After a 3 hour non stop trip to Devon at the weekend I can report I got out with no back issues, the Civic I would have. The civic suspension was rock solid and uncomfortable. The 595 firm but comfortable.
I have no concerns with the suspension in covering the 2000miles next week. The suspension is Koni FSD so should be softer when just commuting and firm up when throwing it around.
Whilst expensive at 6’3” I easily fitted into an Abarth 124, that could scratch the MX5 itch?
I recently bought a 595 for my Mom and I'd say it has a noticeably harder ride than my Golf R, not enough to be a problem for her and she is 70 years old. I think a lot of hacks expect the ride comfort in a hot hatch to approach Wraith levels of comfort, you just can't reduce body roll as much as the modern hatches do without reducing ride quality unless you compromise on price by adding expensive fancy dampers.
Edited by tankplanker on Thursday 17th August 10:05
I have a 595 turismo as my daily, I toyed with the competitzione but the ride was just too harsh on the london roads. It's an epic city car and puts the wind up some much more serious toys. It's in Circuit grey with brown leather.
I can't fault it other than I can't get my mountain bike in the back!.
http://thumbsnap.com/XOh04g0s
I can't fault it other than I can't get my mountain bike in the back!.
http://thumbsnap.com/XOh04g0s
Edited by Biggles delivers the goods on Thursday 17th August 10:39
The Trofeo has the FSDs too. Not hard at all or my wife would complain, she has had back issues since her 20s.
They're such a small wheelbase though that they naturally hop and skip about a bit over rough roads. Never crashy though, just rather alive if that makes sense.
Biggles, cool car and if that's it's actual reg number that's great. Sums up the car brilliantly.
They're such a small wheelbase though that they naturally hop and skip about a bit over rough roads. Never crashy though, just rather alive if that makes sense.
Biggles, cool car and if that's it's actual reg number that's great. Sums up the car brilliantly.
marky911 said:
The Trofeo has the FSDs too. Not hard at all or my wife would complain, she has had back issues since her 20s.
They're such a small wheelbase though that they naturally hop and skip about a bit over rough roads. Never crashy though, just rather alive if that makes sense.
Biggles, cool car and if that's it's actual reg number that's great. Sums up the car brilliantly.
Thanks marky, that's the real reg, I saw it online and couldn't resist. It suits the car to the ground.They're such a small wheelbase though that they naturally hop and skip about a bit over rough roads. Never crashy though, just rather alive if that makes sense.
Biggles, cool car and if that's it's actual reg number that's great. Sums up the car brilliantly.
ecsrobin said:
moxy89 said:
Whereabouts you from, I'm Southampton based haven't see this about, love them
I’m portsmouth / Fareham based so only pop into Southampton a couple of times a month with work. marky911 said:
Post plenty of pics on your return.
I certainly will, a friend runs a travel blog and has asked if I’d do a guest feature so lots of photos and writing will follow. Otispunkmeyer said:
Nearly all the press articles I have read about the 595 Comp say it is just unforgivably hard riding... but I am not picking up that vibe here from the owners who've posted in this thread. Are the mags just looking for something to complain about? I understand its not going to be pillow soft but they're making out that you'd literally have a pile of dust for a skeleton rather than solid bones!
Good to hear that at 6ft 3in, its still a good fit. My height has already precluded me from the car that was top of my list (ND MX-5) so onto other options.
The magazines never say what they’re comparing things too, also if it was soft they’d complain! Good to hear that at 6ft 3in, its still a good fit. My height has already precluded me from the car that was top of my list (ND MX-5) so onto other options.
I came from a Honda Civic Type-S with big comfy seats and you would have thought softer suspension. After a 3 hour non stop trip to Devon at the weekend I can report I got out with no back issues, the Civic I would have. The civic suspension was rock solid and uncomfortable. The 595 firm but comfortable.
I have no concerns with the suspension in covering the 2000miles next week. The suspension is Koni FSD so should be softer when just commuting and firm up when throwing it around.
Whilst expensive at 6’3” I easily fitted into an Abarth 124, that could scratch the MX5 itch?
I too would be coming from a Civic. Not a Type S, but a 5 door ES of similar vintage. The suspension is absolutely abhorrent. Its fine to have a firm ride but the Civic seems to have absolutely no refinement at all. Completely uncouth (and mine sounds now likes its only very loosely joined together). It is at 105k miles now and you can tell; everything is loose, the engine is loud, the interior is tired, wobbly and sounds like its collapsing around you and I've started to get sporadic warning lights about the ABS, VSA and oil level sensor.
I want shot of it, but I'm finding it terribly difficult to figure out what I want to replace it with... most stuff these days leaves me cold. Yeah I could buy something because I need it, but I want to want something. Still, I could be changing jobs soon and that might necessitate something frugal (or electric!).
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