General Is the Series 4 worth it?
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General Is the Series 4 worth it?
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Piccolo Nero e Bella
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That would be interesting Daniel. What colour combo did you go for?
It's exactly the car I was contemplating but I've written it off now - basically on a value for money basis. I contacted the salesman at the dealership today and he says the new 'entry-level' Abarth will be in next week, so I'm putting everything on hold until I've seen it.
It's exactly the car I was contemplating but I've written it off now - basically on a value for money basis. I contacted the salesman at the dealership today and he says the new 'entry-level' Abarth will be in next week, so I'm putting everything on hold until I've seen it.
Got a pretty good deal. Went for sky blue with tan roof, tabbaco leather seats and ivory steering wheel. Got chrome mirrors and bonnet strip plus side protection strips with 500 badges and carpet mats thrown in on the deal. Plus a couple of other perks.
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Piccolo Nero e Bella
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Sounds very nice. When do you expect delivery?
As I've been discussing in this thread I'd abandoned the new 500 in favour of a Mazda 2 Genki S but several things have rather taken the shine off the little Mazda so I'm hoping the new 'entry-level' Abarth might be the answer. I know it still won't equal the Japanese car for equipment or price but I'm hoping it'll make up for it with sheer exhilaration and 'standoutiveness' - time will tell.
Hoping for July - August! Go for the fiat it's got a soul!
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Piccolo Nero e Bella
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The heart says yes, the head says no, and the missus says "You're barking". Got to admit the allure of 140hp over 85hp. I don't mind that it's still a Series 3, in fact I prefer it.
The Mazda is an infinitely more 'sensible' car but maybe that's what's wrong with it...
I think the second-hand Abarth will prove better in every way, not least of which is depreciation and resale - it will always be more desirable than a standard 500, plus buying second-hand will avoid most of the depreciation, which you won't be avoiding with a new Mazda.
And you just know an Abarth, like many Italian cars, will feel pretty special. Just make sure there aren't any glaring obstacles to enjoyment, such as noise, seat shape, or a hard ride, but since the standard 500 is hardly soft and luxurious, I don't think that will be an issue.
We know that brand-new cars have just as many problems as older examples, I'm sure 3-5 years old is the happiest time to own a car. Most people will see it as new anyway.
And now, to play devil's advocate for a moment, what about stepping up to a Mazda MX5, again 3-5 years old, surely much more character than the Mazda 2 and probably one of the best small convertibles in the world. I'm guessing you might have a soft spot for soft tops as you like the 500C.
It's very interesting to hear how you decide to go with replacing your 500
As for me, I bought a Golf, and so far it's been an accountant-on-wheels, competent and polite. Easiest car to drive that I've ever had. It's kinda like when you stay in a hotel and feel guilty for ordering room service or having your dirty washing done. After a few days you feel you should apologise to the car for using it as transport and not doing anything for it in return
Meanwhile, we still have our 500, so it didn't really get replaced after all! It's now the Stilo that's sitting idle.
-Alex
And you just know an Abarth, like many Italian cars, will feel pretty special. Just make sure there aren't any glaring obstacles to enjoyment, such as noise, seat shape, or a hard ride, but since the standard 500 is hardly soft and luxurious, I don't think that will be an issue.
We know that brand-new cars have just as many problems as older examples, I'm sure 3-5 years old is the happiest time to own a car. Most people will see it as new anyway.
And now, to play devil's advocate for a moment, what about stepping up to a Mazda MX5, again 3-5 years old, surely much more character than the Mazda 2 and probably one of the best small convertibles in the world. I'm guessing you might have a soft spot for soft tops as you like the 500C.
It's very interesting to hear how you decide to go with replacing your 500
As for me, I bought a Golf, and so far it's been an accountant-on-wheels, competent and polite. Easiest car to drive that I've ever had. It's kinda like when you stay in a hotel and feel guilty for ordering room service or having your dirty washing done. After a few days you feel you should apologise to the car for using it as transport and not doing anything for it in return
Meanwhile, we still have our 500, so it didn't really get replaced after all! It's now the Stilo that's sitting idle.
-Alex
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Piccolo Nero e Bella
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Glad to hear you've kept the 500 - damned things get under your skin don't they?
I worry about buying a used Abarth, mainly because, as I've said, a lot of them will have been hammered simply because of what they are and I can't afford to get stuck with a bomb. That's why I'm waiting to see this new 'entry-level' Abarth that's supposed to be here this month. I understand the losses one accrues with new cars but the fact I tend to keep them for so long kind of amortizes that. Also of course I know exactly where the car's been and what it's done its whole life.
Yes, I am concerned about hard riding, comfort and noise but now I know what to look for. You're also correct about by soft spot for soft tops...
As a matter of fact we were both looking at MX-5's before we bought our 500C's. I love the MX-5, In fact I spent several months searching out and inspecting NC model's and it was top of my 'short list' (the 500 wasn't even listed). That it didn't happen was due to entirely practical reasons; firstly, the low-slung driving position made getting in and out quite an effort at our late stage of life, a situation that can only get worse with time, and secondly, the complete impracticality of the car. It was briefly replaced on the list by the MINI Cooper. If they'd kept the interior of the MINI simple, in the manner of the 500, it might have worked but I found it too cluttered - not to mention overpriced.
Then, on a whim, I tried out a 500 on behalf of my better half and I was impressed with the ease of entry and exit, the big wide doors and the high seating position. The latter gets a lot of criticism in reviews but I find it ideal. Add to that the extra space in the back (compared to the MX-5) and, in my case, the level of equipment and bright airy interior and the Lounge Twinair sold itself. That it turned out to be such a pleasure to drive, and reasonably quick with it, was just a bonus.
As to faults, I had two different clutch hydraulic faults in the first six months of my Twinair but in true Italian style just shrugged and carried on. If that had been a Mazda I'd have felt seriously let down.
I worry about buying a used Abarth, mainly because, as I've said, a lot of them will have been hammered simply because of what they are and I can't afford to get stuck with a bomb. That's why I'm waiting to see this new 'entry-level' Abarth that's supposed to be here this month. I understand the losses one accrues with new cars but the fact I tend to keep them for so long kind of amortizes that. Also of course I know exactly where the car's been and what it's done its whole life.
Yes, I am concerned about hard riding, comfort and noise but now I know what to look for. You're also correct about by soft spot for soft tops...
As a matter of fact we were both looking at MX-5's before we bought our 500C's. I love the MX-5, In fact I spent several months searching out and inspecting NC model's and it was top of my 'short list' (the 500 wasn't even listed). That it didn't happen was due to entirely practical reasons; firstly, the low-slung driving position made getting in and out quite an effort at our late stage of life, a situation that can only get worse with time, and secondly, the complete impracticality of the car. It was briefly replaced on the list by the MINI Cooper. If they'd kept the interior of the MINI simple, in the manner of the 500, it might have worked but I found it too cluttered - not to mention overpriced.
Then, on a whim, I tried out a 500 on behalf of my better half and I was impressed with the ease of entry and exit, the big wide doors and the high seating position. The latter gets a lot of criticism in reviews but I find it ideal. Add to that the extra space in the back (compared to the MX-5) and, in my case, the level of equipment and bright airy interior and the Lounge Twinair sold itself. That it turned out to be such a pleasure to drive, and reasonably quick with it, was just a bonus.
As to faults, I had two different clutch hydraulic faults in the first six months of my Twinair but in true Italian style just shrugged and carried on. If that had been a Mazda I'd have felt seriously let down.
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Piccolo Nero e Bella
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Thanks UFI - hadn't seen that.
I called in to the dealers today in fact but they're still awaiting their first two samples. The fellow I spoke to mentioned a $27k drive-away but I'm sure that's wrong.
He also said the convertible is 12 months away and I hope that's wrong. Having said that I notice the red car in the article is a 500C...
I expect to at least sit in one during the week so I'll let you know first impressions.
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New Abarth looks like a great option! I just wish they'd have come out with this years ago so that I could buy a used example now though maybe it will bring down the prices of Abarths on the used-car market. Unfortunately for me, most are manual transmission except for the priciest special editions that came with MTA. $69,995 for a Maserati edition, anyone?
Reversing camera is one of those ridiculous new-car features that is, at best, an occasional help (particularly in the dark) and at worst, downright dangerous as you're looking forward at a screen instead of backwards in the direction of travel. I really can't believe they'd rate that as a missing feature... you might as well complain about not having my Golf's forward-facing radar that only seems to work half the time anyway.
So - at the same price as the 500 years ago - looks like the Abarth has finally arrived as the realistic option for a cool little hatch that replaces 'style chic' with 'performance shriek'. I especially like the compromise on the wheels and what they say about the suspension - if you get chance for a test-drive, I'd love to know whether it cures some of the 500's bouncing and pitching around (of course, our 500 pre-dates the 2010 suspension improvements) - without crashing over the kind of ridges and holes we have on our roads (I know Australian roads are similar to ours) and it would be nice to learn whether tyre roar has been reduced at all.
I don't ask for much, do I well, I'm not worried about performance, as the non-turbo 1.4 seems peppy enough for our needs, anything above that will be a bonus and I don't expect 3L-V6 levels of torque...
I've scoured the fiat.co.nz website, but there's no mention of any Abarth model yet (and there's no Abarth.co.nz website)...
-Alex
though maybe it will bring down the prices of Abarths on the used-car market. Unfortunately for me, most are manual transmission except for the priciest special editions that came with MTA. $69,995 for a Maserati edition, anyone?Reversing camera is one of those ridiculous new-car features that is, at best, an occasional help (particularly in the dark) and at worst, downright dangerous as you're looking forward at a screen instead of backwards in the direction of travel. I really can't believe they'd rate that as a missing feature... you might as well complain about not having my Golf's forward-facing radar that only seems to work half the time anyway.
So - at the same price as the 500 years ago - looks like the Abarth has finally arrived as the realistic option for a cool little hatch that replaces 'style chic' with 'performance shriek'. I especially like the compromise on the wheels and what they say about the suspension - if you get chance for a test-drive, I'd love to know whether it cures some of the 500's bouncing and pitching around (of course, our 500 pre-dates the 2010 suspension improvements) - without crashing over the kind of ridges and holes we have on our roads (I know Australian roads are similar to ours) and it would be nice to learn whether tyre roar has been reduced at all.
I don't ask for much, do I
well, I'm not worried about performance, as the non-turbo 1.4 seems peppy enough for our needs, anything above that will be a bonus and I don't expect 3L-V6 levels of torque...I've scoured the fiat.co.nz website, but there's no mention of any Abarth model yet (and there's no Abarth.co.nz website)...
-Alex
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Piccolo Nero e Bella
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The Maserati version is a stunning vehicle to look at but the lack of manual would kill it for me even if I was mad enough (let alone could afford) to shell out the ridiculous price.
As you know I totally agree about the reversing camera. Interestingly the Genki has both sensors and camera yet I was less confident about reversing it than my Twinair. The camera is mounted low, just above the number plate, and it has what is close to a fish-eye lens, no doubt to give it maximum peripheral vision. At a distance this was OK but as the range decreased the distortion made judging distance difficult and the sensors didn't seem as precise as the FIAT's, starting to beep at about three metres rather than one.
I like what I know so far about the Abarth (well, except the manual A/C). I sat in a more expensive one at the dealer and the seats were hard, uncomfortable and short on under-thigh support - good for haring around a track maybe but not for a daily driver or Sunday cruiser.
I have a feeling it might be held in some disdain by hard core Abarthisti's (for want of a better word!) and be accused of diluting the purity of the Abarth experience
. It does seem to be a turbo-charged 500S.
As you know I totally agree about the reversing camera. Interestingly the Genki has both sensors and camera yet I was less confident about reversing it than my Twinair. The camera is mounted low, just above the number plate, and it has what is close to a fish-eye lens, no doubt to give it maximum peripheral vision. At a distance this was OK but as the range decreased the distortion made judging distance difficult and the sensors didn't seem as precise as the FIAT's, starting to beep at about three metres rather than one.
I like what I know so far about the Abarth (well, except the manual A/C). I sat in a more expensive one at the dealer and the seats were hard, uncomfortable and short on under-thigh support - good for haring around a track maybe but not for a daily driver or Sunday cruiser.
I have a feeling it might be held in some disdain by hard core Abarthisti's (for want of a better word!) and be accused of diluting the purity of the Abarth experience
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That's kind of my issue with the new base 500, it's more like a 500S with a turbo and stripe - I kind of view it as a base car from which to build. If the seat's don't appeal you could probably find an S owner to swap them with (possibly even the dealer might do this - assuming they still have an S in stock). Given the choice between $22k for my TA or $27k for a junior Abarth, I'd have likely gone for the Abarth, but after three years I'd only get $10k for my TA so it's too much to pay for what I'd get in return.
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Piccolo Nero e Bella
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I know what you mean UFI - I'm justifying the cost on the grounds that this will probably be my last car and certainly the last chance to own a 'performance' car, albeit at the bottom of the scale. I'll be looking to keep it at least as long as I can still drive so it has to be reasonably comfortable and if it's the same as my TA Lounge in that respect I'll be happy.
The dealer offered me a 500S, but it's a hard-top with a sun-roof. I wouldn't mind so much except it really isn't that much of a step up from the TA. HP up by 16% sure, but torque down by 9% compared with my little twin. The Abarth, on the other hand sees HP up by 65% and torque by 42%, a respectable jump in anyone's book.
The Genki is pretty much dead in the water. If all else fails I might reconsider it because it makes economical sense but I really don't want to spoil my lifelong record of never owning a four-door.
A question; is the boost gauge plugged into the same socket as the sat-nav mount, and therefore swappable, or is it fixed in place?
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Well, that's exactly why I call the hatch model a five-door car. Maybe this helps you to keep a clear conscience.
To be honest, I'm quite interested in the Mazda 2 (hatch model) as successor of my 500S.
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Piccolo Nero e Bella
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Well, that's exactly why I call the hatch model a five-door car. Maybe this helps you to keep a clear conscience.
To be honest, I'm quite interested in the Mazda 2 (hatch model) as successor of my 500S.
Maybe you're right... I tend to refer them as 2- or 4-door hatches rather than 3- or 5-door cars It's all in the nomenclature.
The Mazda 2 is a very good car if not a particularly exciting one - well equipped and, I'm sure, very reliable, but aren't there more exciting options in the EU market? Mazda is very big in AU (they've been here since about 1960) and last year were second biggest seller overall but I was given to believe they were a relatively small player in Europe.
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Piccolo Nero e Bella
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So - at the same price as the 500 years ago - looks like the Abarth has finally arrived as the realistic option for a cool little hatch that replaces 'style chic' with 'performance shriek'. I especially like the compromise on the wheels and what they say about the suspension - if you get chance for a test-drive, I'd love to know whether it cures some of the 500's bouncing and pitching around (of course, our 500 pre-dates the 2010 suspension improvements) - without crashing over the kind of ridges and holes we have on our roads (I know Australian roads are similar to ours) and it would be nice to learn whether tyre roar has been reduced at all.
I don't ask for much, do I
-Alex
Took a new Abarth 140 for a brief spin today and generally quite impressed. Ride and comfort are close to those of my TA and I felt right at home almost immediately - just a little more hard-edged and noisy. Steering felt more precise and the clutch take-up was perfect. Didn't get a chance to try it on rougher surfaces but it felt pretty settled and I should think it'd be similar to the 500 with 16" wheels - I could certainly live with it. Those used to hot hatches may be underwhelmed by 140hp but coming from my 85hp TA that's about a 60% increase and, along with a 40% increase in torque, really made itself felt - I could get into a lot of trouble in this car...
I still maintain it's just a turbo-charged Sport but it's probably easier to live with on a daily basis than one of the more full-on Abarths. I was a bit disappointed with the exhaust note while driving but it sounded great from outside the car, with the top down in a cabriolet I should think it'd be fun.
I'd want to remove the Abarth decal from the side and replace it with something more striking but I've no idea what just yet.
Once again I can't get my first choice of colour combinations and I'm put off by the totally black interior so the choice of a new car is far from decided. Maybe I should just wait for the Series 4 Abarth as described elsewhere on this forum. It'll probably filter down to us in a couple of centuries...
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It is a shame you cannot get exactly what you want right now
i went from a twin air 105 and the torque difference was unreal especially on hilly areas or for a quick overtake on a motorway etc, the A500`s do hold there value really well as does mine ,i hope you manage to find one in a specification you like soon .
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Piccolo Nero e Bella
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It is a shame you cannot get exactly what you want right now
We get a limited choice over here and it's pretty much a 'take it or leave it' attitude from FCA. The dealer's trying to help out but their hands are tied. I really think I might just save the money and stick with the TA. I'm fed up with the whole business.
Well i cant blame you for that .
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