I do but haven't been for the past two years as they were both washouts, good old British summer. Sunday is the best day as they have the show and shine in the car park at the top of the town.

I don't think it's as good as it used to be say 10 - 15 years ago for the vw's and proper custom cars, there are too many modern Saxo's and Corsa's now. Times change though and vw's gate crashed the custom and hot rod guys in the late 80's so can't complain

Nice Lambo.  I have a grey 5 series. 

Ah ok, Chinchillabug.  Not up to speed on the A500 colours that much.  Flat grey sounds, er, interesting so I'd agree that it needs a chequered roof to enhance it.

Back on topic:

Absolute bleeding amazing is the best description, in a car that had done about 40 miles the acceleration from 20 to 60 in 3rd was amazing, and really blew me away. The steering is a little odd as it is numbed a bit by the electrical assistance but the car tells you everything that is happening underneath it so it really doesn’t detract from its chuck ability. It’s a little bouncy but the car is small so not really a surprise but it isn't kidney punishing like the GTI I had. The drive I had was on the standard 16” but I have gone for the excellent looking 5 petal 17”s so my ride is going to be even firmer. The magazines all talk of it breaking away progressively but I dread to think how fast you need to be going to do that, we were hammering it through some very tight S bends on damp greasy roads with no problem at all.

Interior looks fantastic except for the boost gauge that has been moved to the top of the dash, looks like an aftermarket add on but is in a good position to read out the corner of your eye, really have to make it scream for it to want an up change in sports mode. No idea about normal mode we didn't turn off the sports setting. The leather is on par with anything Alfa has turned out really soft and the seats are comfortable and supportive, very little room in the back but I just about managed to squeeze my 6’3” frame into the rear. Wouldn’t want to spend any time in the as it was cramped and it means I wouldn’t be driving. I have no kids and there are rarely more than 2 people in my car.

Strangely the absolute best bit of all is lost on the driver; the exhaust note as it pulls away from outside the car is incredible, its reasonably well damped inside so it doesn’t get wearing on long journeys, but it still sounds good. Think this is one of the first cars in ages which would be made worse sounding by an aftermarket exhaust system.

I’ll miss the comfort and looks of the 159 but the A500 just takes the fun dial, turns it to 10 and then keeps on twisting. My other half hates me changing cars but within about ½ a mile they turned slightly to me in the back and said “Yes, you can buy me this” laughed and promptly put it through a very fast S bend. As they said and I agreed when you get behind the wheel it just felt right.

 I was really keen on the Mito but the A500 has just grabbed my heart strings and pulled it out of my chest, now just the hideous business of waiting for it.

Meant to add big thanks to Kevin @ Rockingham for letting us play.

Me too 

I think there is a small (thin) clutch rest recessed in side panel to the left of the clutch pedal.
It was just about the right size for my shoe (size 9 ish)

I don't think too many policemen are going to be buying A500's!