Abarth 595 but doing 15k a year?
Discussion
My golf GTI is coming up to 3 years old so I'm just kicking ideas around with what a possible replacement for it could be or whether to keep it. The golf is flawless so keeping it wouldn't be a hardship but it's always nice to get a new car.
I've had a wander around a few dealerships and the 595 looks like an interesting prospect. I really like small cars so I'm happy with the size of it but as it's aimed at sporty driving I'm just wondering what it's like when you have to spend a few hours on a journey? I do at least one day of doing 150 miles each week.
My last few cars have been - Golf GTI, Pug 208 1.2, BMW 325 convertible, R53 mini cooper S, Volvo V40 t4 (original shape). Impreza WRX, Mini cooper S Convertible.
I know they don't have cruise control or heated seats but for the cost of them they look like they could be fun for a couple of years.
I don't think I'd go for the 180bhp one as the suspension sounds very stiff but how's the 160bhp to live with?
I've had a wander around a few dealerships and the 595 looks like an interesting prospect. I really like small cars so I'm happy with the size of it but as it's aimed at sporty driving I'm just wondering what it's like when you have to spend a few hours on a journey? I do at least one day of doing 150 miles each week.
My last few cars have been - Golf GTI, Pug 208 1.2, BMW 325 convertible, R53 mini cooper S, Volvo V40 t4 (original shape). Impreza WRX, Mini cooper S Convertible.
I know they don't have cruise control or heated seats but for the cost of them they look like they could be fun for a couple of years.
I don't think I'd go for the 180bhp one as the suspension sounds very stiff but how's the 160bhp to live with?
Just to update following the test drive. Having snow falling this morning wasn't a great start but it wasn't too heavy so I didn't cancel, it was only the pavements that were an issue anyway. I arrived at the dealer and the car was being warmed up for me so it wasn't a shock getting in and I could enjoy the engine from the start, as much as you can when it's snowing anyway.
Took it out on dual carriageways, town centres and the roads in between. I was in the 165 Turismo, it wasn't the latest model as they didn't have a Turismo demo in but there's not that much difference I don't think to the driving dynamics anyway. The ride is firm but not overly so for me. It was a great drive and I really liked it.
The garage offered me a good price for my current car and a decent price on a new unregistered car in a beautiful colour. It's only got the 5 inch screen but running google maps off my phone won't be an issue.
TL:DR Loved it collecting a Turismo in podium blue next weekend, can't wait.
Took it out on dual carriageways, town centres and the roads in between. I was in the 165 Turismo, it wasn't the latest model as they didn't have a Turismo demo in but there's not that much difference I don't think to the driving dynamics anyway. The ride is firm but not overly so for me. It was a great drive and I really liked it.
The garage offered me a good price for my current car and a decent price on a new unregistered car in a beautiful colour. It's only got the 5 inch screen but running google maps off my phone won't be an issue.
TL:DR Loved it collecting a Turismo in podium blue next weekend, can't wait.
12 hours of work later and it's all ready for the road, I could have done it faster but I took my time. Despite buying a car that has been sat on the forecourt for a few weeks it is surprisingly light on swirls.
I mainly used Gtechniq products as I find them easy to use and last for ages. C5 on the wheels, paint is poorboys black hole with C2v3. Leather and mats are also protected.
Some pics before I refitted the number plates
As for driving it, I've only done 30 or so miles but it's great fun and makes a lot better noise than it should for it's size. There's also a fairly busy social scene for these so I'm looking at getting it out to a few meets and runs.
I mainly used Gtechniq products as I find them easy to use and last for ages. C5 on the wheels, paint is poorboys black hole with C2v3. Leather and mats are also protected.
Some pics before I refitted the number plates
As for driving it, I've only done 30 or so miles but it's great fun and makes a lot better noise than it should for it's size. There's also a fairly busy social scene for these so I'm looking at getting it out to a few meets and runs.
Gio G said:
Congrats OP, looks lovely. The Abarth grill lettering looks more pronounced on yours, nice touch..
One thing that I struggle with in our Turismo is the seating position, it sits so high.. coming from a coupe that sits fairly low, takes some getting used too. Anyone know whether the Sabelt seats help with that? Also be aware of the turning circle, can catch you out
Enjoy!
G
Thank you, the grill is the standard one for the version 4 car I just coloured it in with a tyre pen. How long it will last I don't know but if it starts looking bad I'll colour it back in with a sharpie marker.One thing that I struggle with in our Turismo is the seating position, it sits so high.. coming from a coupe that sits fairly low, takes some getting used too. Anyone know whether the Sabelt seats help with that? Also be aware of the turning circle, can catch you out
Enjoy!
G
I've come from a mk7 golf GTI and the seats are a lot higher in this, I've sat on the sabelt seats in a car at the dealers and I didn't notice any height difference. The reach on the wheel is the wheel is the weirdest thing for me but my arms are quite long so it doesn't really bother me.
That 595c is stunning.
I'm absolutely loving my Turismo, only covered 150 miles so far but it's great. I've ordered one of those steering wheel extenders which should give me a bit of a more natural seating position.
Even though it's only a Turismo I'm slightly addicted to the noise it makes, I went to an undercovered car park yesterday purely to hear it.
I'm absolutely loving my Turismo, only covered 150 miles so far but it's great. I've ordered one of those steering wheel extenders which should give me a bit of a more natural seating position.
Even though it's only a Turismo I'm slightly addicted to the noise it makes, I went to an undercovered car park yesterday purely to hear it.
Had the car 3 weeks now and I'm still loving it. I passed 1000 miles last Saturday and it's now sitting on 1850 so it's well and truly getting used! I'm averaging 37mpg which I'm pleased with.
The only niggles I'm having at the moment are fluid related. There is there is no warning light for the washer fluid and it only takes 2 litres so I've ran out twice so far. Also due to the thimble of a fuel tank and my current mileage, I'm topping up the tank almost every day. Not much of an issue as it only takes £20-£25 to fill it back up again. My mileage should drop off a fair bit soon hopefully so I won't be at the petrol station quite so often.
It's an absolute blast to drive and brings a smile to my face especially in multistory car parks. I had to go to Lincolnshire the other day and it was fantastic down the lanes. Even though it's only a Turismo it picks up speed very quickly so is great for overtaking.
The only niggles I'm having at the moment are fluid related. There is there is no warning light for the washer fluid and it only takes 2 litres so I've ran out twice so far. Also due to the thimble of a fuel tank and my current mileage, I'm topping up the tank almost every day. Not much of an issue as it only takes £20-£25 to fill it back up again. My mileage should drop off a fair bit soon hopefully so I won't be at the petrol station quite so often.
It's an absolute blast to drive and brings a smile to my face especially in multistory car parks. I had to go to Lincolnshire the other day and it was fantastic down the lanes. Even though it's only a Turismo it picks up speed very quickly so is great for overtaking.
Gio G said:
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Also be aware of the turning circle, can catch you out
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You're not wrong, it's caught me a few times!Also be aware of the turning circle, can catch you out
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66Grey said:
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Regarding the steering wheel reach you're not alone, one guy has even started building extenders
http://www.abarthforum.co.uk/500-abarth-tuning/ste...
I've bought one of those, not cheap at €235 posted but it's very good quality and has transformed the comfort.Regarding the steering wheel reach you're not alone, one guy has even started building extenders
http://www.abarthforum.co.uk/500-abarth-tuning/ste...
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