General Drove a TA today

[306maxi]

Really liked it, I'd have had it over my 1.2 if it was available in 2009, but definitely wouldn't get rid of mine for a new ta.

One thing that hit me was that it feels a lot quicker than it actually was, the wonders of a turbo engine

 

[chas379]

Really liked it

Glad you enjoyed the experience. You either like it or you don't, I did my OH didn't like the engine noise. Being quick off the mark really impressed me, so what must the 105 bhp be like?

 

[306maxi]

It impressed me, but there was a feeling of being a bit slower than it get, it's quicker than a 1.2 though for sure.

 

[wellfan]

Really liked it, I'd have had it over my 1.2 if it was available in 2009, but definitely wouldn't get rid of mine for a new ta.

One thing that hit me was that it feels a lot quicker than it actually was, the wonders of a turbo engine

I can drive one every day

 

[Montypaks]

I also drove a TA 500 a few months ago... Love the grunt sound and I agree... It is a lot quicker than it felt... Accelerate away and I'm already doing 40 without realising!

 

[306maxi]

I said the opposite, it felt quicker than it was

 

[ahmett]

I said the opposite, it felt quicker than it was

Maxi compared to the 1.4 it really felt powerful down low but it really disappointed me above 4000 when it simply runs out of steam.
Maybe that's how you felt also feels quicker than it was in that sense for sure.

 

[306maxi]

I can drive one every day

On a good day I get almost 70mpg, so I'm not really jealous tbh.

 

[ELL4EVER]

I love my TA, went for another 100+ mile trip earlier with some friends and it just surprises everyone. Keep the engine on the boil and you can zip round cars with no trouble. I drove it like an idiot today to outrun my friends but I still averaged 46mpg which wasn't too bad

 

[Squadrone Rosso]

As I've said elsewhere, the addition of the TA engine was that final special magical ingredient missing from the 500 range, IMO of course.

I'll be doing over 300 miles in mine tomorrow

 

[306maxi]

As I've said elsewhere, the addition of the TA engine was that final special magical ingredient missing from the 500 range, IMO of course.

I'll be doing over 300 miles in mine tomorrow

The 500 still managed to be one of the top 10 selling cars for a few months without the two air. I'm sorry but I'd have to disagree with that.

 

[ELL4EVER]

The 500 still managed to be one of the top 10 selling cars for a few months without the two air. I'm sorry but I'd have to disagree with that.

I agree, the twin air is a great engine no doubt but it certainly isn't the main feature that has improved the sales of the 500.

 

[Squadrone Rosso]

Not saying they were bad engines, just not as good as the TA.

I've had quite a few FIRE engines & whilst powerful, especially the 1.4, it lacked the fizz of the TA.

I think the TA is on balance, the best 500 there is, inc the Abarth versions.

I drove a super hi spec 160 AC version & thought mine was more fun.

The 105 S is interesting. Maybe keep our forthcoming Maserati & two of our Alfas company next year

 

[ELL4EVER]

I'm not sure what I'll change my 500 for when the time comes, I do fancy a basic abarth but a 105 ta 500 S would be quite nice

 

[Aussie500nut]

I agree, the twin air is a great engine no doubt but it certainly isn't the main feature that has improved the sales of the 500.

Well, t'was the only reason we bought ours

Combination of nostalgia of the Bambino days and putting the "fun" aspect back into driving

The fantastic handling and the "paddles" on the Duaogic.............

Our "other" car, just 12 months old, is a Skoda Yeti 4x4 TD with twin clutch "auto" gearbox which is extremely comfortable and magic car to drive with as good economy as the 500.

But I'd rather drive the 500 any day so the Yeyi only gets used when OH is using the 500

 

[44sunsets]

Accelerate away and I'm already doing 40 without realising!

It's all that extra torque low down in the rev range... gets you moving quickly

 

[Aussie500nut]

It's all that extra torque low down in the rev range... gets you moving quickly

And also lets you "putt" along at 1500rpm 60kph in 5th gear (Dualogic)
At first it didn't feel right

But is just a matter of getting used to a minimum of 2 cylinder missing up front

Figure if it is no good for the car , the Dualogic wouldn't change up at that speed - but it does !!
Anyway used to it now....

 

[JezC]

I agree it's the torque, the pull at low revs married with the low engine note that makes the TA so much fun for a born-again boy racer like me.
It is the impression of power/speed that works so well rather than the reality.

I can't help feeling that they have missed a small trick to maximize the fun factor.
In a period of feeling particularly poor I started to use the eco button but would reach over to turn it off if I felt I was about to need a little more 'oomph'.
As soon as you hit the button there is a noticeable increase in perceived power. The car gives a little leap forward.
I can't help feeling that if the eco button was on the steering wheel for instant access rather than having to lean over to the other side of the car, it would add greatly to the fun factor. Almost like having a boost button.

....... or is it just that I have a mental age of 10??!!

 

[Meski]

Stop calling it the Eco button too, make it red and call it turbo boost

 

[scout]

I agree it's the torque, the pull at low revs married with the low engine note that makes the TA so much fun for a born-again boy racer like me.
It is the impression of power/speed that works so well rather than the reality.

I can't help feeling that they have missed a small trick to maximize the fun factor.
In a period of feeling particularly poor I started to use the eco button but would reach over to turn it off if I felt I was about to need a little more 'oomph'.
As soon as you hit the button there is a noticeable increase in perceived power. The car gives a little leap forward.
I can't help feeling that if the eco button was on the steering wheel for instant access rather than having to lean over to the other side of the car, it would add greatly to the fun factor. Almost like having a boost button.

....... or is it just that I have a mental age of 10??!!

You may have the mental age of 10 but if you have then so have I although I always felt the 'boost' button should be on the gear knob, red with a flip up cover.