babbo_umbro
Established member
Here are few pics of the new 4x4 TA - 350 miles on the clock when I bought it from Vospers in Exeter (my old 100HP should be for sale there shortly). Notice that there's still some Polish content - see last pic.
It has the lighter of the interior options, which contrasts with the dark grey and black of the 100HP. Feels very high; I reckon the driver's eye is about 4 inches higher from the road than in the 100HP, so view seems very commanding.
Took a tootle into Honiton - best ice cream for miles - soft and Italian style - Honiton Dairy - pity the ice creamio isn't a bit more cheerful.
Initial impressions.
Like the colour - Tuscan Green - became my favourite when I had another test drive last week - I notice that almost all the road tests and videos have 4x4s in this colour so Fiat may agree.
Gruff little engine is very different from the 100HP but in a very pleasing way. Mid-range pick up is quite useful; lots more miles to bed it in so it should be lively enough after that. Still think second is a bit high for starting off, prefer first unless there's a down slope or not quite come to a halt. Pulls well from 2000 revs to 5500; soft rev limiter at 6000.
Stop and Start will have its uses but I'm sure it will sometimes be switched off.
Gearbox is fine but there's a big gap between second and third.
Brakes are much more servoed than the 100HP but very smooth and will be fine when I'm used to them. Steering's too light.
Blue etc seems a bit fussy (it is Microsoft after all) - I hadn't expected the level of voice recognition but I'm sure I'll get used to it. I'll try pairing things and iPods/iPads in the next few days.
Not noticeably bigger than the 100HP in the garage, though mirrors are much bigger - and much better, suit the car more than they would the 100HP. BUT - if it's the second car in the garage the aerial fouls the door as it's shut - have to get a short aerial.
More reflections as I get used to it.
It has the lighter of the interior options, which contrasts with the dark grey and black of the 100HP. Feels very high; I reckon the driver's eye is about 4 inches higher from the road than in the 100HP, so view seems very commanding.
Took a tootle into Honiton - best ice cream for miles - soft and Italian style - Honiton Dairy - pity the ice creamio isn't a bit more cheerful.
Initial impressions.
Like the colour - Tuscan Green - became my favourite when I had another test drive last week - I notice that almost all the road tests and videos have 4x4s in this colour so Fiat may agree.
Gruff little engine is very different from the 100HP but in a very pleasing way. Mid-range pick up is quite useful; lots more miles to bed it in so it should be lively enough after that. Still think second is a bit high for starting off, prefer first unless there's a down slope or not quite come to a halt. Pulls well from 2000 revs to 5500; soft rev limiter at 6000.
Stop and Start will have its uses but I'm sure it will sometimes be switched off.
Gearbox is fine but there's a big gap between second and third.
Brakes are much more servoed than the 100HP but very smooth and will be fine when I'm used to them. Steering's too light.
Blue etc seems a bit fussy (it is Microsoft after all) - I hadn't expected the level of voice recognition but I'm sure I'll get used to it. I'll try pairing things and iPods/iPads in the next few days.
Not noticeably bigger than the 100HP in the garage, though mirrors are much bigger - and much better, suit the car more than they would the 100HP. BUT - if it's the second car in the garage the aerial fouls the door as it's shut - have to get a short aerial.
More reflections as I get used to it.
