Update: Well 500 miles and a week (or so) into ownership here are a few thoughts and inevitably comparisons with the 500 TA plus she replaces
First lets be clear I'm loving the car and the number of people who are interested in seeing it, riding in it, asking what engine it has - described as '
throaty' today by a female passenger! - has been overwhelming
Okay lets start with the good...
1. I'm already getting low 40's MPG and based on my experience with the 500 it's nowhere near run in
2. The hight adjustment on the drivers seat is great.
3. The radio reception and speakers whilst not fantastic are a big step up from the 500
4. The wipers are significantly more efficient than on the 500 and they haven't once folded over and smacked the windscreen
5. Loving the look of the wheels.
6. The snow/mud tyres are outstanding, it's been below zero for the last few days here and the improved grip has been noticeable.
7. It's just fantastic fun to drive. I've been off-road and on road with a near constant grin on my face the car really just feels more relaxed to drive than the 500
8. The fuel cap doesn't need the key and dexterity of a Rubik's Cube champion to access like the 500 did.
9. The single biggest surprise for me - the feeling I'm much higher up than in the 500.
10. Can't ever get over the look on the face of the driver behind (insert muppet driver here for example low spec golf inches from your rear bumper) when they realise you're actually gapping them after the tractor pulled in in front of you
11. Explaining to others that '
yes it really is only £30 a year for VED on a 4x4 that does over 40MPG and no I really won't be getting stuck in the snow this year'
Now for the bad/annoying - it's important to understand
I love the car and some of these are really minor gripes but someone may find this info useful...
1. The tail gate sounds and feels like it's made of cheap plastic when you open and close it
2. Climate control is neither standard nor an option and I'm really missing that
3. The general consensus is the back end looks '
a bit numb'
4. Apparently someone at Fiat though it would be a good idea to replace the fuel tank with a thimble?!?!?!
5. WhyTF is the eco (Sport) button - something I use multiple times on every trip - hidden behind the gear stick and lots of other 'once in a blue moon' buttons are front and centre below the radio?!?!?!?!
6. WHY,
WHY,
WHY! does the lane change indicator flash 5 times???? Every other car I've ever owned (including the 500) flashes 3 times which appears to be optimum.
7. The cup holders are properly rubbish all either too big, too small or just plain the wrong shape - how many squirkle shaped drinks containers have you come across this year???
So that's my first impressions - feel free to ask questions now I've had a chance to play and please anyone else post your thoughts and opinions on your new purchase