modifying
Yes most of the dipsticks run modded cars but they're all fords and vauxhalls, so why do corsas, fiestas etc. have low insurance??
About wheel size, ever seen a rally car? they run 18s because the driver doesn't mind the harder ride. The setup chosen by FIAT has to fit everyone, yes, even on an HGT, I've seen grannies driving them. And if you look in magazines they all complain about the suspension being to hard while I think it's quite soft so does that meen the setup is best for me? I don't think that you can argue what's best. If the manufacturers are so good why do they go elsewhere for the tuning on their rally cars?.
I do agree with you on exhaust size though, it's the mistaken belief that you have to reduce back pressure to 0 when in fact the exhaust has to be a certain length and diameter for peak performance, hence where the term "tuned exhaust" comes from.
As for the GTV, I don't care what the magazines say, I drove it, the driving position was terrible (and yes I did adjust it) and the feedback from the road wasn't great. I did really want one prior to borrowing one for a weekend, that put me off them. I've driven better cars for the money.