Fiat Abarth pricing announced (22k USD); driving school included
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 772
Likes: 2
From: Blacksburg, VA
The February 2012 issue of Motor Trend reports the results of their comparison test of six "oddballs", including the Mini Cooper (1st place) and the Fiat 500 (5th place). Other oddballs in the running were the Honda CR-Z (2nd), the VW Beetle (3rd), the Hyundai Veloster (4th), and the Scion TC (6th).
In the Epilogue they suggest they will do a "rematch" later using the turbo versions of each; including the MCS and the Fiat Abarth. I suspect that other car mags will also do comparison tests of the MCS and the Abarth.
In the Epilogue they suggest they will do a "rematch" later using the turbo versions of each; including the MCS and the Fiat Abarth. I suspect that other car mags will also do comparison tests of the MCS and the Abarth.
If I am not mistaken, many dealerships do offer manual driving lessons.
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Mobile, AL
5th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 918
Likes: 0
After owning 4 JCWs I have made a deposit on the Abarth. I've driven the 500 and enjoyed it in a similar vein as the R50. Go carty and very European with a great interior (as large as a Mini/more trunk space too). It brings back the same excitement as ten years ago.
I find it amusing that so many Mini people are so threatened by this car which was designed by Frank Stephenson, the same man who designed the R50/R53. It's a tiny European fun car just like the Mini. It has a longer heritage than Mini and has just as much racing history. Isn't this why people bought the R53? I won't comment on the R56.
At a base price of $22k this car comes loaded. In addition to the extra 60 HP and 70 lbs torque you get sport seats that are better than anything Mini has produced. A body kit (add $1500+ to the Mini), a radically upgraded suspension that provides more than JCW (add another $1500 Mini), upgraded brakes, upgraded tuned steering, an upgraded clutch, aluminum pedals and door plates, rear difuser, the almighty scorpion badges (that alone is worth it), leather wrapped steering wheel, dash hood, and emergency brake all with red stitching. An auxiliary turbo gauge. Bose stereo and Sirrius radio. Blue tooth. Ipod jack. Beautiful 16" wheels with the scorpion center caps. And I'm sure I'm forgeting something. All standard.
You can add 17" wheels, sunroof, leather. All nice but not neccessary.
All negative comments on this car come from this site. Check out what the Porsche sites say (yes I have a Porsche too). They LOVE the Abarth! Many Porsche owners in Europe own the Abarth as well.
Furthermore, an American Esseesse kit is coming to upgrade the power to 200+HP. And this car weighs 2500LBS.
Mini has lost their way with ALL their current cars. I won't be the only one to jump ship for the Italian scorpion.
This is all my opinion. I'm happy for anyone who enjoys the new Minis. But insulting the Abarth/Fiat for lame reasons that mask insecurity/jealousy is childish. There's no need to compete. You can like both cars.
I find it amusing that so many Mini people are so threatened by this car which was designed by Frank Stephenson, the same man who designed the R50/R53. It's a tiny European fun car just like the Mini. It has a longer heritage than Mini and has just as much racing history. Isn't this why people bought the R53? I won't comment on the R56.
At a base price of $22k this car comes loaded. In addition to the extra 60 HP and 70 lbs torque you get sport seats that are better than anything Mini has produced. A body kit (add $1500+ to the Mini), a radically upgraded suspension that provides more than JCW (add another $1500 Mini), upgraded brakes, upgraded tuned steering, an upgraded clutch, aluminum pedals and door plates, rear difuser, the almighty scorpion badges (that alone is worth it), leather wrapped steering wheel, dash hood, and emergency brake all with red stitching. An auxiliary turbo gauge. Bose stereo and Sirrius radio. Blue tooth. Ipod jack. Beautiful 16" wheels with the scorpion center caps. And I'm sure I'm forgeting something. All standard.
You can add 17" wheels, sunroof, leather. All nice but not neccessary.
All negative comments on this car come from this site. Check out what the Porsche sites say (yes I have a Porsche too). They LOVE the Abarth! Many Porsche owners in Europe own the Abarth as well.
Furthermore, an American Esseesse kit is coming to upgrade the power to 200+HP. And this car weighs 2500LBS.
Mini has lost their way with ALL their current cars. I won't be the only one to jump ship for the Italian scorpion.
This is all my opinion. I'm happy for anyone who enjoys the new Minis. But insulting the Abarth/Fiat for lame reasons that mask insecurity/jealousy is childish. There's no need to compete. You can like both cars.
Saw this car in Detroit last night. More excited than ever. Mini, please up your game in 2013 and win me back!!
I'm not a huge 500 fan in general... I see them kind-of like a MINI that's lagging behind in character, individuality, and performance-focus.
That said, I do like the Abarth, at least in theory. The spec sheet at least reads like a performance-oriented car, you won't see a lot of them around, it comes with a free track day, the price seems relatively good, etc. Of course, that's all speculation until the production car is available here and it's compared/driven, but if I were looking for another hardtop MINI, I would drive one at least. Any other 500, I wouldn't bother, but the Abarth is a big step in the right direction it seems.
That said, I do like the Abarth, at least in theory. The spec sheet at least reads like a performance-oriented car, you won't see a lot of them around, it comes with a free track day, the price seems relatively good, etc. Of course, that's all speculation until the production car is available here and it's compared/driven, but if I were looking for another hardtop MINI, I would drive one at least. Any other 500, I wouldn't bother, but the Abarth is a big step in the right direction it seems.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
igzekyativ
MINIs & Minis for Sale
34
Jul 16, 2020 12:54 PM
igzekyativ
MINIs & Minis for Sale
28
Dec 23, 2015 10:36 AM