Maybe its because I've decided not to get one when they come out, but I kind of think you've got to step back a bit and take the long view. They will come out, its technically not overdue at all, and you will get the car you want next year, thats not so long to wait, even if you include the period of waiting from July to now.
I get your frustration, and perhaps I sound like a dealer or bitter journo (due to the company I keep) but it will come, either the info, the price or the car, they will all come eventually. You'll get your car, and you'll soon forget the wait that you went through.
As to the other points, well, Abarth UK could perhaps pull their socks up, but haven't Fiat UK always been a little poor? I've had limited contact, but my expectations are low for Abarth. Its the dealers in which we trust when it comes to Fiat/Abarth/Alfa, finding a great one is key, which does present a problem given how few there are of the Abarth variety, I know nothing of the Midlands dealers, so I'd be taking a risk in my book. We only bought our Panda 100HP because of personal recommendations in the trade, which given my experiences of other Fiat dealers over the years was the only way in my book. As for Abarth, I'll have no idea what I'll do when I take the plunge, my only plan right now is to buy from John as he's the only one posting.
I'd agree with the AMG analogy, that fits for me, although branding wise its more akin to the modern Alpina's, which are fairly modestly, but effectively, modified versions of the BMW's they are based on nowadays rather than hardcore wacky versions as they sometimes once were.
As for depreciation? Who gives a damn about that now, everything's worth sweet FA anyway, just buy it and enjoy it and don't get into negative equity.
