"Wicked Cute" First Road Test in Motor Trend February 2012 Issue

[geeded]

Edit: Now online link:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/1202_2012_fiat_500_abarth_first_test/

The Abarth 500 "Road Test" is spread across 3 pages but includes limited information. Much space is taken up by its appearance, some history, and little specific about its ride & handling....just the numbers with little about how it feels, rides, etc.

The writer enjoyed the engine, that the Abarth's grip was "impressive" and "stays much flatter". OTOH, he said that the Abarth understeered more and was "a little less playful" than the Sport.

Another extended bash ("disappointed") of the driving position being old-school Italian long reach (why couldn't they have spent an extra $50 per car & installed a reach adjustment for the steering wheel?).

Ended with "As a complete package, the Abarth is a solid choice for those who want a hot hatch that stands out from the Coopers and GTIs of the world. For those dyed-in-the-wool Fiat and Abarth fans, it will be the only choice".

I wholeheartedly agree with that last sentiment.

Exterior photographs of the Rosso version, small one of the dash, and none of the seats. The pictures take up more room than the writing. It would be interesting to know the peak g's it pulled since it was equipped with the 17" wheel/tires. (I still haven't seen ONE picture of the NA Abarth wearing its standard 16" wheels).

Here are some of the specs they give:

0-60 6.8 seconds
1/4 mile 15.3 Seconds @ 89.8 mph
Braking 60-0 117 ft.
Lateral g's 0.86 g (avg)
Curb Weight 2564 lb (64/36%)

Base price $21,500 (est)
Price as tested $23,000 (est)

EPA Mileage 27/32 mpg (est)

I'm pleasantly surprised they got 0-60 below 7 seconds, obviously gets there w/o shifting to third. BTW, nothing at all in the Feb issue of C&D. I don't know if MT jumped the gun or just got it out first.

Cheers

[500ways]

Thanks for the post - can't wait to try one out for myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[VTEC Mini]

The Abarth 500 "Road Test" is spread across 3 pages but includes limited information. Much space is taken up by its appearance, some history, and little specific about its ride & handling....just the numbers with little about how it feels, rides, etc.

The writer enjoyed the engine, that the Abarth's grip was "impressive" and "stays much flatter". OTOH, he said it understeered more and that the Abarth was "a little less playful" than the Sport.

Another extended bash ("disappointed") of the driving position being old-school Italian long reach (why couldn't they have spent an extra $50 & installed a reach adjustment for the steering wheel?).

Ended with "As a complete package, the Abarth is a solid choice for those who want a hot hatch that stands out from the Coopers and GTIs of the world. For those dyed-in-the-wool Fiat and Abarth fans, it will be the only choice".

I wholeheartedly agree with that last sentiment.

Exterior photographs of the Rosso version, small one of the dash, and none of the seats. The pictures take up more room than the writing. It would be interesting to know the peak g's it pulled since it was equipped with the 17" wheel/tires. (I still haven't seen ONE picture of the NA Abarth wearing its standard 16" wheels).

Here are some of the specs they give:

0-60 6.8 seconds
1/4 mile 15.3 Seconds @ 89.8 mph
Braking 60-0 117 ft.
Lateral g's 0.86 g (avg)
Curb Weight 2564 lb (64/36%)

Base price $21,500 (est)
Price as tested $23,000 (est)

EPA Mileage 27/32 mpg (est)

I'm pleasantly surprised they got 0-60 below 7 seconds, obviously gets there w/o shifting to third. BTW, nothing at all in the Feb issue of C&D. I don't know if MT jumped the gun or just got it out first.

Cheers

Is this in news stands now or can you see it on line?

[geeded]

Is this in news stands now or can you see it on line?

I have a subscription for MT, C&D, R&T, AutoWeek, & Automobile. I received MT and C&D in the mail yesterday. So if it is not out on the newsstands yet, it will be in a day or two. (Yes, I know I have a problem when it comes to cars<grin>).

Cheers

[VTEC Mini]

I have a subscription for MT, C&D, R&T, AutoWeek, & Automobile. I received MT and C&D in the mail yesterday. So if it is not out on the newsstands yet, it will be in a day or two. (Yes, I know I have a problem when it comes to cars<grin>).

Cheers

LOL! My wife has put the brakes (no pun intended) on my subscription list. Like four different ones is to many, ssshhheeeesssshhhh! LOL!

[geeded]

Motor Trend internet link to this story now up:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/1202_2012_fiat_500_abarth_first_test/

Enjoy!


Cheers

[VTEC Mini]

Motor Trend internet link to this story now up:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/1202_2012_fiat_500_abarth_first_test/

Enjoy!


Cheers

Thank you!

[epb]

LOL! My wife has put the brakes (no pun intended) on my subscription list. Like four different ones is to many, ssshhheeeesssshhhh! LOL!

Aren't all those subscriptions dirt cheap? I think I saw an offer for Automobile that was a dollar an issue! A print copy of Evo is $11 - a buddy of mine took a bunch of old issues home once and his wife saw the prices and freaked.

*PS - this forum has the ugliest collection of smilies I've ever seen - they're so weird.

[buzzny]

Damn, It's been a while since I had 2 car payments. This might be worth it. Just can't part with my other toys. That red will sell it to the wife

[VTEC Mini]

Aren't all those subscriptions dirt cheap? I think I saw an offer for Automobile that was a dollar an issue! A print copy of Evo is $11 - a buddy of mine took a bunch of old issues home once and his wife saw the prices and freaked.

*PS - this forum has the ugliest collection of smilies I've ever seen - they're so weird.

One of my subscriptions is Mini Magazine out of Britain and it is $146 dollars a year! Besides with four coming a month it piles up pretty quick and I think that's what my wife hates hates most. She says are house looks like a tire shop waiting room for Mini's/ MINI's......

[Dwaynek]

Vtec you can now get mini magazine on line for 4.95 an issue. Get info for my older Cooper.

[epb]

One of my subscriptions is Mini Magazine out of Britain and it is $146 dollars a year! Besides with four coming a month it piles up pretty quick and I think that's what my wife hates hates most. She says are house looks like a tire shop waiting room for Mini's/ MINI's......

Yep, they pile up quickly. I save/shelve 3 titles, the rest I bring to work for the breakroom, where they disappear quickly.

[geeded]

Aren't all those subscriptions dirt cheap? I think I saw an offer for Automobile that was a dollar an issue! A print copy of Evo is $11 - a buddy of mine took a bunch of old issues home once and his wife saw the prices and freaked.\

Yep, dirt cheap. Once you have a subscription and it's getting ready to lapse, the reductions come fast. If you DO let them lapse & since they sell advertising based on copies sold, they become almost free. I paid $25 for three years of Automobile I think, and always around $10 a year for Autoweek... I've had to let it lapse but they always come back at that price, sooner or later.

I know I can get almost everything online but I grew up on those magazines. I bought my first new car (1970 2002) based on the recommendation of David E Davis. I do find myself skipping a lot of articles though... usually those having to do with Porsche, Corvette, or Mercedes.

Cheers

[VTEC Mini]

Vtec you can now get mini magazine on line for 4.95 an issue. Get info for my older Cooper.

You can, how?

[VTEC Mini]

I know I can get almost everything online but I grew up on those magazines. I bought my first new car (1970 2002) based on the recommendation of David E Davis. I do find myself skipping a lot of articles though... usually those having to do with Porsche, Corvette, or Mercedes.

Cheers

Yep, since I was wee little and always having Hot Rod Magazine in my hand there is just something about having an actual magazine in hand that on line can't capture. I don't know what it is and I can't put my finger on it.