Author Topic: AlexO says hello! (Read 4740 times)

AlexO · « **on:** October 30, 2008, 05:52:42 pm »

Hi AlexK Nice to see somebody has taken the Bull by the horns and set up a decent forum.
I am one of those undecided people who is sitting on the fence re garding Abarth GP. Want to see what the SS is like. Must admit also undecided on new Ibiza Cupra? Am a current owner of a Seat Ibiza FR. But have to say went for test drive at Lipscombs Maidstone and though impressed with the car, the dealer network is decidley wobbly, in my opinion. $:-\$
Abarth UK dont appear to have got their act together it all appears hit and miss! They dont even have a brochure fort he car! Configurator not yet in existance,etc etc.
Is there going to be a network of Service Centres as Italy and continent seems ahead of the game.

AlexO

AbarthForum.co.uk

AlexK · « **Reply #1 on:** October 30, 2008, 06:34:08 pm »

Hey Alex, welcome aboard! (I've split this out into its own thread, it's good to get people to introduce themselves)

Most dealers should now have an Esseesse to demo - elsewhere on the forum you can read about John at Vosper's car, and I know my dealer (Westover, Poole) should have theirs by now. Whereabouts are you?

Have you driven the Cupra? I haven't, but I have driven the Golf GT with the TSI engine, and there was a noticeable step in the power delivery that I felt upset the car. Hopefully they can sort this.

I agree about Abarth UK. I feel they're waiting for the main event - the 500 Abarth - before they sort themselves out. I still don't have floor mats, they still haven't technically confirmed the pricing for the Esseesse and Assetto kits (although some dealers have published their own pricing), and the Abarth UK website sucks, in my opinion.

But... there's something so much more 'theatrical' about the GPA. The Ibiza will almost certainly be good to drive, efficient, and a tidy enough handler, but I'm not sure it'll be *fun*.

Regarding service centres, Fiat UK did launch a new centre in London this week, so I think this type of thing is coming.

Welcome again! Stick around!

John501 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 30, 2008, 06:41:40 pm »

Hi AlexO,
I'm suprised that Lipscoumbs configurator dosen't work, mine works fine.
As far as the brochure goes, Abarth felt that with most people checking out the internet before even going to a dealer, it was more prodent to post the PDF on their website.
With regards to the service network, there are plans to appoint "preportorie" dealers next year that will be qualified to service the car, but sell or fit the kits.
As AlexK says, I feel its the fun factor that sets the GP apart from the main competition, but then I may be a bit biased.

AlexO · « **Reply #3 on:** October 30, 2008, 08:54:13 pm »

AlexK John & co.

You will have forgive me, am a bit of a techno-phobe and have just launched into the 21stC with my first ever post

I live and work in Kent. In my mid to late 30's.
I have yet to drive the New SC Cupra, bit worried its only available in DSG, prefer a good old manual box plus as other have said, [Abarth is Exclusive]

John, As regards the configurator I wasnt made aware that they had one, at Lipscombs.
I believe the Abarth Italian Web Site has a Configurator but no such luck over here, are we that much of a backwater, who is running the show at Abarth UK???

John501 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 31, 2008, 10:12:43 am »

Hi AlexO, All Abarth showrooms are the same, there should of been a wall with photos of old Abarths on it. On the reverse side of that wall will be a large touch screen displaying the Abarth configurator. The U.K.website does not have one yet.
I think I need to clear up a point here, Its definately not that Abarth U.K. is being badly run, because the person running it has a wealth of experience within the Fiat and Alfa group. Abarth U.K. however do have to work within the financial restaints placed on them by Turin. If Turin have not given them enough money, then they cant spend it.

magicmole · « **Reply #5 on:** October 31, 2008, 10:19:28 am »

I wasn't told about the configurator when I visited my dealer either. In fact it's only seeing your post that has made me realise that there is such a beast. I've only noticed that screen when my wife and I went to have a look at a 500, which was in another section of the dealer's showroom.

I was also told that there wasn't going to be a Skydome available for the AGP because of possible shell rigidity problems. I didn't want one anyway as I am considering the EsseEsse kit.

John501 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 31, 2008, 10:32:24 am »

Quote from: magicmole on October 31, 2008, 10:19:28 am

I was also told that there wasn't going to be a Skydome available for the AGP because of possible shell rigidity problems. I didn't want one anyway as I am considering the EsseEsse kit.

Who told you that ?

MattP · « **Reply #7 on:** October 31, 2008, 10:52:12 am »

Quote from: john501 on October 31, 2008, 10:32:24 am

I was also told that there wasn't going to be a Skydome available for the AGP because of possible shell rigidity problems. I didn't want one anyway as I am considering the EsseEsse kit.

I have to say that's really bad news.....the skydome is a great asset and also looks good. There's one on this image

AlexK · « **Reply #8 on:** October 31, 2008, 10:56:15 am »

Quote from: john501 on October 31, 2008, 10:12:43 am

I think I need to clear up a point here, Its definately not that Abarth U.K. is being badly run, because the person running it has a wealth of experience within the Fiat and Alfa group. Abarth U.K. however do have to work within the financial restaints placed on them by Turin. If Turin have not given them enough money, then they cant spend it.

With respect, John, that's not really our problem. Maybe they're doing the best job they can with the resources available to them, but as customers we will be judging them against our own expectations and, of course, the competition.

I think we need a separate Dealer Feedback forum. I know in my business I'd kill for this kind of feedback.

AlexK · « **Reply #9 on:** October 31, 2008, 11:01:09 am »

Matt, Sky Dome is definitely available on the AGP. It's Â£550 off the top of my head.

magicmole · « **Reply #10 on:** October 31, 2008, 11:22:40 am »

Quote from: john501 on October 31, 2008, 10:32:24 am

Quote from: magicmole on October 31, 2008, 10:19:28 am
I was also told that there wasn't going to be a Skydome available for the AGP because of possible shell rigidity problems. I didn't want one anyway as I am considering the EsseEsse kit.

Who told you that ?

The salesman when I first looked at the car. I've since found out that one is available.

John501 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 31, 2008, 03:52:38 pm »

Sky dome is definately availble, I've got one!!!! It is a Â£600 option, and on the white, it's definately worth it.

Shep76S · « **Reply #12 on:** November 20, 2008, 05:47:14 pm »

Just a quick note to say we bought an Elise from Lipscomb and haven't had a problem with them. If we ever get a 500A, it will be from them.

Quote from: AlexO on October 30, 2008, 05:52:42 pm

Hi AlexK Nice to see somebody has taken the Bull by the horns and set up a decent forum.
I am one of those undecided people who is sitting on the fence re garding Abarth GP. Want to see what the SS is like. Must admit also undecided on new Ibiza Cupra? Am a current owner of a Seat Ibiza FR. But have to say went for test drive at Lipscombs Maidstone and though impressed with the car, the dealer network is decidley wobbly, in my opinion. $:-\$
Abarth UK dont appear to have got their act together it all appears hit and miss! They dont even have a brochure fort he car! Configurator not yet in existance,etc etc.
Is there going to be a network of Service Centres as Italy and continent seems ahead of the game.

AlexO

AlexO · « **Reply #13 on:** November 21, 2008, 05:32:43 pm »

Hi Shep
It wasnt a moan about the dealer, made it claear that at this stage still sitting on the fence. Probably why he didnt show me or mention the configurator?
Just early days for Abarth UK believe there is a post somewhere else saying that there will be a few more dealers and also some service centres. Would be good if Abarth UK will tell us where and when?