You should have seen this red GPA at Glyn Hopkin last week, all seats, carpet, dash, engine parts etc all stripped out and then ALL the cables, loom, everything electrical stripped ouyt and in pile. I asked why and apparently it was because of a faulty sensor. Bet it wouldn't all go back without rattles and squeeks!
Nobody on here I hope.

I'm getting a little worried about you 
Look forward to meeting you sometime.
burble burble (who said that!).

3 weeks and 750 miles into my Abarth 500 ownership. Time for a review I think!

Deciding, waiting, converting the garage, collection & handover all excellent, smooth, on time and enjoyable (thanks again to Claire at Glyn Hokin).

LOOKS:   :thumb:Everyone’s first reaction is about the sheer beauty of the car. My MD who owns 2 Ferraris looked it over, repeatedly saying “what a beautiful car” – he’s now going to order one. There are better driving alternatives (Clio Cup) for my £15.5k but it looks the bollox and make you feel good. On my first drive from collection up to Paintshield, people took photos, pointed and smiled. The way the youngsters all look longingly and curiously out of their Saxos, Fiesta ST’s and what not is fun. Everyone looks twice!

INTERIOR: The driving position is near perfect for me (due to my long body and short legs), the height seems a bit odd at first but has plusses over low down sports positions. The controls are good, the steering wheel great and the leather seats are superb to the touch and comfortable. This is my “toy” so practicalities like boot, storage and back seat space do not matter. The use of cheap, thin plastics has to be tolerated as it applies across the model range. Everything is a tight as a drum with no rattles, creaks or loose trim. The Aircon is effective and there are good, practical features like the trip computer and B&M. Mmmm, B&M! I must say that I find it absolutely outstanding – my ipod works perfectly (with the adaptor and software update) and the phone functions are excellent. Perhaps I’ve been lucky so far and will experience a “meltdown” at some point like everyone else seems to have.  
The cabin is a nice place to be.

ENGINEERING :  :thumb:I am no Mechanic but looking under the bonnet and through the car, there is an incredible amount of Technology crammed into a small space. Everything looks to be tight and of good quality and the engine bay is very pleasing on the eye. Build quality seems good with panel gaps and paintwork quality way above what I expected. The guys at Paintshield, who see all sorts of top end cars, were impressed.

THE DRIVE : I don’t use non-sport mode but would if it were everyday transport. The first day cruise to Peterborough and back helped loosen up the car and showed what an accomplished little cruiser it is. A bit bumpy, but on decent roads quite quiet. I’ve got a feeling that I would get a bit weary of the ride if I used motorways day in, day out.
I didn’t push on for the first 500 miles but have since started to explore the fun mode. I’ve been out round the country roads and am well impressed – it’s a hoot!
Off-the-line acceleration feels much stronger than it actually is and once the revs pick up, it flows really nicely, turbo lag is minimal. Grip is excellent, cornering flat and steering responsive. The gear change is getting better as time goes on but reverse is a bit of a pig to engage  Brakes seem strong but concentration is needed to keep a straight line when braking hard. The Hazard warning lights flash far too easily when braking and the “shift up” indicator is infuriating in non-sport mode (another reason not to use it)  In sport mode it is a useful feature when you’re listening to loud music and pushing on a bit.
All in all – good fun and a nice drive.

mod- im removing this post because it does nothing but insult someone who has spent a lot of money on his pride and joy.... please dont do this again....

hahaha.... bet they were gutted when they came back to there car!

A rose between two thorns.
Mixing with royalty again this week

Hi mate
I absolutely love my A500. My budget was £15K -£20k (at a push) and I'd always thought I'd get a good used Caterham, Elise or similar no compromise drivers car.
When I first saw the Abarth I absolutely fell for it. If you are looking for the driving experience ONLY and don't care about the looks and style then I would suggest you look elsewhere as there are undeniably better driver's cars for this sort of money. But who gives an Elise or Caterham a second glance?

A Clio Cup is the same sort of money and is undeniably a better driver's car than an Abarth both in a straight line and through the the twisty bits but where is the style? If you're 'in the know', you know it's a bit special but if not it just looks like a particularly nice Clio.
The Abarth on the other hand, in my view, is an excellent complete package. The style, interior, comfort, gizmos (B&M is excellent - faultless so far), build quality, technology and performance all add up to exactly what I wanted. I'm only 1000 miles in so I cant tell you about reliability.
Go with your gut feel. You won't be disappointed (read my 'review' a page or so back if you get a moment). Cheers
 

Nice one!  I was walking into Morpeth for a pint last night and gave the thumb up to a bloke driving a 360 spider.  He waved back then put his boot down and zoomed off.