The insurance groups for the 500 Abarth models, both with and without the Esseesse kit, have been finalised.

The standard 500 Abarth is in group 13, while the Esseesse falls into group 14.

Both have a security rating of T2, which means there's an immobiliser only, and no alarm - just like the GPA.

What is a little concerning, though, is the 'U' group suffix.  Quoting from the ABI, this means:

"Cases where the level of security for the model concerned is regarded as Unacceptable. This does not mean that the car will be uninsurable but consumers should be aware that individual insurers may insist on the security being upgraded before providing cover."

Me thinks you are over-reacting somewhat.

The 500 is two groups LESS than the GPA.  Three groups less in the case of the Esseesse.  Hardly a "massive insurance tag."

And an optional alarm has always been available for the GPA.  Of course it will be available for the 500.

Dog? I hope it is not too big. I remember when the wife had a Cinq Sporting and we had two German Shepards at the time. It became a 2 seater.

GPA is 15 and 17, fella.  Sticky here.

Good man.  I do kinda agree on the standard fitment thing, but I'm still secretly pleased my GPA doesn't have one.

EDIT: Actually, just noticed that *all* the 500 models are 'U' rated, even the boggo ones.

There is no reason why the standard fit 500 alarm would not fit the Abarth, the wiring looms are identical. The alarm is Tharcham class 1 and you can turn the ultrasonics off.
The U rating is not uncommon. It is put onto the more attractive cars for theives to steal. If a theif steals a car he needs to be able to off load it. Not much point in nicking a Yugo Zastava if there is no profit at the end of it.
We used to have the same issue with subaru impretzas. Insurance companies just insist that you put a tracker on the car so that they get bigger kick backs from the tracker companies.
In this day and age does anyone take any notice when an Alarm is going off? Not really.

Err, no they are not! S Works is circa 200 bhp and over £20K to buy in England. Insurance is too dear, obviously Fiat haven't thought about running costs too closely.

I know it doesnt relate to the UK directly, but my policy on the Abarth here in Holland (3rd party) was 500 Euro.

For full option cover (including a new car if wrecked within 3 yrs) was 1300 EUR.

That makes it almost exactly the same price as a Mini Cooper S JCW, which in my mind is reasonable as they are a similar sort of car.

HaHa, I haven't even had a buying price quotation yet.......

Quote from: Shep76S on December 16, 2008, 09:16:45 pm

Insurance is too dear, obviously Fiat haven't thought about running costs too closely.

I take it you've obtained an insurance quotation, then?