(G) ESP - retro-fit?

Hi Guys

Does anyone know if it is possible to have ESP retrofitted?

I didn't pick it as an option when I ordered because I didn't know that much about it's benefits (hadn't found this site at that time )

My Husband is actually quite looking forward to the back end swinging out on him, I tried to explain it won't quite be like "F&TF Tokyo Drift" but he's still looking forward to it

With the car due next week, its a bit late to order it now...

Mrs_B

500, 1.2 Sport, 16" O-spoke alloys, black roof/bonnet stripe due mid sep

I would think the only way it could be retrofitted would be hugely expensive.

And none of the car's electrics would ever be right again...

Tell your husband the back end won't kick out as it's a front wheel drive. It'd just spin the front wheels and torque/understeer. But anyway, it's a 1.2 so there won't be much of that either.
You really don't need it and I'd imagine it'd be a bit of a pain fitting it after. Driving without it is more fun in my opinion and in a car with limited power it's not exactly a necessary safety feature.

Never driven one then I take it.

lift off oversteer?

Oh lets not get into a driving style debate!
You can get the back out in any car yes. But the only way to do it properly is in a RWD car.

I'm a bit of a girl racer but I wouldn't drift a 1.2 500! (although the back end did feel like it was kicking out a little on a roundabout during one of my test drives which is why I asked about ESP)

Let me loose on an Abarth though...

I have the 1.2 sport. My favourite local roundabout has a concrete apron running around it which is great for drifting. My first go in the 500 was bloody alarming as it just fell off the apron onto the surrounding tarmac before suddenly correcting itself. I'm not sure I like that much. I don't have ESP.

I tend to think people who feel the need for ESP in cars with very limited power just need to learn how to drive better. It's a good feature to have but it's too easy to just plant your foot down and let the car drive itself. I don't find that at all satisfying. But it's all personal preference I guess, I always talk from a track racing point of view which isn't always the best way!!

Regardless of engine size/power ESP should be fitted to 99% of cars on the road. Track is a different matter of course where ESP would limit your ability to push the car on and beyond its limits. Even with limited power ESP will help you out when carrying too much speed into a corner, a slide on a wet roundabout or if, for example, a lhd lorry nudges the rear of your car on a motorway because he hasn't seen you (extreme case maybe). All these cases have no influence with engine power.

ESP is not fun but it does save lives. However just because you do not have it fitted does not mean that the car is in any way dangerous. At the end of the day you still have one of the safest superminis on the road!

unless you are trying very hard in the 1.2 you will not need it. the "drift" in the 500 is more a feeling of the car's bodyroll rather than an actual drift, take out a pug 306 gti-6 then you'l appreciate a fwd car drifting.
the real benefit of esp will be seen over the winter months this is when it would save you. i'm not against esp it has been on my past 2 car's i'm against paying for it ! other car makers add it as standard.

Mine has the ESP and it doesnt stop the rear end drift. Its more of a skip though
TBH, I havent even noticed any of the cars safety aids yet... must try harder

Erm... Maybe not? eek!

Jim