My Abarth 500 EsseEsse

[Wizardskills]

I had been looking to change my car and I was finding it hard to choose one that would be cheaper to run and more interesting to drive when compared to my Z4.

There were all the usual suspects in the hot hatch category but none of them really appealed. My boss at work suggested the Abarth 500, which I had completely forgot about. Its not the most obvious choice but after going on a test drive in one I was sold. I wasn't expecting to like it but the way it handles and sounds is just fantastic. The level of grip is quite astonishing and with 160 bhp and 170 lb/f it is fairly quick. The one I purchased also has the koni damper kit and the Sabelt racing seats which really adds to the character of the car.

• Puts on flame proof jacket

[rufusgti]

Absolutely awesome!!

[tinkertaylor]

Excellent car. The Esseesse is my favourite.

[P I Staker]

Love these, wouldn't have gone for white my self but all the same it looks great.

[Dave Hedgehog]

i shouldnt like it but i do

[Wizardskills]

Dave Hedgehog said:

i shouldnt like it but i do

Haha, that was my reaction when I was test driving it

[p4cks]

I love these. Future classic maybe?

[christofmccracke]

Came very close to buying one of these a few times

[TAHodgson]

Was it specced without the side stripes? I can understand the appeal of having one that doesn't stand out quite so much, but I don't think they look right without them! I'll be on the hunt for one second hand in the middle of next year (all going well) Absolutely love them!

[P K Wright]

That looks like great fun and those seats look awesome!

[Max M4X WW]

Looks great with the EsseEsse pack, I hate the retro looking wheels on the Abarth's.

[Podie]

Quite fancy one...

[the stigs dad]

Looks the business, do the Koni's make a big difference and how much are they?

[Wizardskills]

TAHodgson said:

Was it specced without the side stripes?

Don't think so (I didn't buy it new, its a year old). I'm currently undecided as whether I should put the stripes on.

the stigs dad said:

Looks the business, do the Koni's make a big difference and how much are they?

The Konis make a huge difference. I dove a normal EsseEsse with just the lowering spring and the ride was very harsh to the point that I wouldn't have wanted to drive the car every day. The konis fix this making the ride much smoother and car much more controllable. As for price, I think they are about a £1,200 option.

[ben lee]

Awesome car! Looking at getting a one myself next year hopefully. Is the Koni kit worth the extra? Really like the Sabelts, might have to add them onto the options list. :P I know it's not the point of the car but what kind of fuel economy are you getting out of it?

[Wizardskills]

ben lee said:

Awesome car! Looking at getting a one myself next year hopefully. Is the Koni kit worth the extra? Really like the Sabelts, might have to add them onto the options list. :P I know it's not the point of the car but what kind of fuel economy are you getting out of it?

I would say it is, yes. However, I would advise that you dive one with and one without over different road surfaces. You may find the ride doesn't bother you. The Sabelts are awesome. They are very firm but also very comfortable. I did 130 miles in it today and wasn't uncomfortable at any point. As for MPG, I only picked up the car yesterday so couldn't really say. I'm hoping to get 38mpg out of it as I think the government figure of 43 is a little too ambitious.

[s1mmons]

Anyone know how much these things weigh ?

[Wizardskills]

s1mmons said:

Anyone know how much these things weigh ?

1030Kg according to Parkers. The sablet seats give a 10kg saving however.

[tommy vercetti]

Really like these, look like fun little rockets

[mig25_foxbat2003]

This is the first one I've liked the look of, I think - looks a million dollars without all the silly stripes etc. I especially like the seats and the red stitching on the gearknob.