Abarth HATER Drives a 230BHP 595 Competizione - Will He Join Us Or DIE?

[@markc1793]

The first person I've ever seen who describes a turbo and blow off as "bizarre" rather than the noise putting a big smile on their faces.

[@jongillies4871]

That noise is not normal at all mate, sounds like the turbo is on its way out to me, turbo and blow off doesn’t sounds like a high pitched screech lmao 🤣🤣🤣

[@Ayzingg]

@@jongillies4871 i think the noise is from the cold air intake

[@bw8476]

Non BOV makes the turbo cut air and give the 'Stututu'. It is the latest in boost-fashion..

[@drjmediauk]

These are the noises every petrol head loves.

[@marcperrett662]

Jay Emm is too used to driving overhyped expensive German tin , .middle class heavy weight journos should stick to reviewing the 316d beemers they all love

[@interceptor-ss8kb]

The buttons no longer feel like they are from a van from 2005, they now feel like they are from a van from 2011 😂😂

[@Hali88]

lollol

[@CED99]

Agreed, they still look like they're from a van

[@brusselssprouts560]

I guy I used to work with had a 131 Mirafiori which was a smart hot saloon. One day he was driving me somewhere and went to indicate and the stalk disintegrated in his hand, so he needed to use hand signals after that. This is Italian cars, but they are all much loved aren't they?

[@joeg8186]

Would you take the fiat 595 or a smart 454 brabus,

[@interceptor-ss8kb]

@@joeg8186 neither

[@elnyoutube123]

I used to have an Abarth and the way I think of it is like an old school modern classic. It has turbo lag like an old car, ropey quality in some places, great sound, unique driving experience but it all comes in the form of a "new" car

[@karim111]

The precise and crisp gear box is one of the best, and a lot of joy bringing in the Abarth.

[@dinzy14]

I’ve had my 595 Comp since Jan and it’s an absolute blast. I’ve owned faster cars, more agile cars, cars with far better build quality, but I wouldn’t swap this for anything at the moment. It puts a hell of a smile on my face every time I drive it 👌

[@IntenseDefence]

💪

[@noelgonzalez9549]

Truth.

[@terryatkinson899]

Good for you. You enjoy it so that's all that matters.

[@johnybigarms]

I have a Comp as well as a Focus RS and I love them both, the comp make all the right noises and has Italian charm oozing at every pore, the gear box is sweet as a nut, and next to the steering wheel, I can’t fathom why he dislikes it, resale values hold well too, the most interesting 20k car on the planet

[@dinzy14]

@@johnybigarms Agreed 100%!

[@StefABtv]

Awesome mate, really good video covering the 595 comp. I think this is going to be the best set up you will drive. 230bhp is the sweet spot for these cars. Great to see you having some fun in one. Agree that Abarth have gone wild with different variations of the same car that isn’t fundamentally different from the car released 10 years ago. Even I will say I’m fed up the same platform! Can’t wait to see the comments section of this video 😂 will have to let you lose in the 124 soon.

[@henryrobinson2635]

All hail Abarth Supreme Leader Stef 🙏🏽

[@acchaladka]

Yeah James really really liked the 124 Lusso and respected what it was rather than taking cheap shots. I’ll be ready curious to see if he’ll post a review of your rather lovely Abarth 124.

[@keithallen9994]

I wonder if stef agrees about the gearbox. I have owned one for 18 months now and really enjoy it. It could do with being a modern 6 speed but the gear change seems fine to me.

[@markduffy9475]

As a Lotus Elise and an Abarth Comp owner i'd take him to task on the gearbox and engine. He wants to try a Renault sport gearbox. Anyway, the Comp isn't perfect, not much feel from the front end, but it is a hoot to drive, looks and sounds great. However, if we all liked the same cars it would be a boring world.

[@maxnguyen9017]

Hey Mark, also a 595 comp owner here. Also planning to get an Elise (dream car), how do they compare in terms of fun and smiles? cheers :))

[@markduffy9475]

@@maxnguyen9017 Hi, there, there is no comparison. The Elise is one of the greatest handling cars of all time. It will put a smile on your face at 5mph. Steering feel is amazing, chassis is one of thee best there is. Its and event every time you drive it. People just stand and point. You can't compare the two cars anyway. One is a hot hatch, the other a bespoke mid engined sports car. As CAR magazine say "drive one before you die". 😁

[@Neojeff123]

Which gearbox? I always liked my old 182s 6 speed, clutch was heavy (which is normal) but nothing else wrong with it. Can't comment on the newer stuff as I haven't driven any.

[@markduffy9475]

@@Neojeff123 200 and Twingo RS. Clunky and like shearing synchros. Cracking cars though. Wish the Abarth had a front end like any of them two.

[@Neojeff123]

@@markduffy9475 Ahh that's fair enough, haven't driven either. Yeah great cars :)

[@Fazers-On-Stun]

12:38 "Look! A smile!" His face: 😐

[@peterwhitehead2453]

...dials now feel like a van from 2011 😂

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

Fiat/Chrysler parts bin. Which is the worst parts bin :/ I've been looking at older A500 models as a daily. But I just cannot find one which doesn't need work. They all seem to have one or a combination of suspension issues, oil leaks, coolant leaks, knackered brakes, bits falling off (often the door handles lol)...

[@marremane]

@@BlatentlyFakeName sounds like any used sports car....

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

@@marremane Well the ones I've bought so far haven't been like that. I think the problem is the platform isn't changed much from the basic car and isn't really durable enough with the extra performance. 70-90k miles is when they seem to go. It's not the end of the world, but it means spending a few 1000 on a car which is only worth 5-6000.

[@RobinCawser]

Appreciate the space you give cyclists. Need more patient people on the road like yourself. (From a cyclist/car enthusiast)

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I always do - I operate a live and let live policy on the roads. Most cyclists in the country are car people too

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

As a truck driver you can fuck right off mate. Get off the main roads you muppet. Although I got way more patience with people who commute on bikes.

[@bunkaaa8726]

@@JayEmmOnCars ***Most***

[@Tejvir7]

Cyclists want all the space in the world but then squeeze past cars in traffic

[@P-I-D-D-Y]

@@Tejvir7 of course. There's a big difference between a 2 tonne car doing 40 and one sat still in traffic

[@rd6781]

Well, no one can say you never gave these a sporting chance

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

It piss, it sick

[@hallohey8995]

Pissening

[@TechnologySource]

That high pitch sound means they added a after market cold air intake. I have a 500 Abarth and love it. I also have a Porshe Turbo S 911 and sometimes its more fun to drive the slower car fast then to drive the fast car slow. You can floor it in the Fiat and hear all the noises and not hit hight speeds and not goto jail. In the 911 Turbo S you floor it on the typical road and before you know it you are going 140 MPH. If you are not trying to get to it as fast as possible the zero to 60 in the Fiat is actually more fun.

[@RichardWarner-df7dz]

This is crazy. I wa dreading your comment and thought I wrote it. I have both these cars also and a few more. Spot on. Cheers.

[@psircos]

When you planted it in second with the rear facing camera view.....your input into the steering wheel brought back the "wrestling with an agitated salmon" comment 😋

[@BookAutowerks]

It's a hopped up economy car. People who say it's rubbish are expecting too much of it. 😆 My 500 Abarth is my daily even though I have a BMW and Land Rover as well. It's just so hilarious and functional.

[@jacquesleconte8152]

My wife has one and it's a good laugh to drive, it's not trying to be up there with hot hatches it stands alone. It's like playing Mariokart for real without the red and green shells

[@Marcke-tb1hb]

James raises a serious point though. As awfully flawed as the Abarth 500 is, it weighs around 1100kg and with a cheep tweak or two easily makes 200hp at the wheels. It’ll do 50mpg if driven carefully, uses less than a fifth of the carbon to make than a Tesla, and will fit in any parking space. This surely has to be the future direction of motoring? I read yesterday the new e-Hummer weighs 4 tons and uses seven times the carbon to produce. We are surely going in the wrong motoring direction. Watch Chris Harris on Top Gear’s latest contribution to this argument too, very interesting. Oh and as we stand the vehicle running second in the Dakar runs on man/made fuel, with an 80% saving in emissions. No need for new infrastructure or technology. Surely problem solved?

[@akar2755]

The closed captions keep translating the exhaust crackles as [applause], which is quite accurate.

[@stephenwilliams6540]

Spot on review again James. I am an Abarth fan and have had both base 500 and 595 comp. your right they are riddle With flaws but for some reasons they get under your skin. They are fun but I think that’s because they are almost comical to drive. They were rare at one time and that made them feel kinda special. Now they are everywhere and that uniqueness has gone.

[@carreragt8516]

All the flaws you mentioned are justified but I test drove a Polo GTI, Fiesta ST and the Abarth Comp on the same day. I only smiled during the Abarth test drive. The others were so woefully dull

[@whizzo94]

What is so special about a Fiesta ST?..........NOTHING

[@tadassmolskas3014]

@@whizzo94 They're brilliant cars and cheap too

[@whizzo94]

@@tadassmolskas3014 Yeah, you can park it on your driveway and watch it rust LMAO

[@muckspreader1able]

@@whizzo94 yeah fiats are bad for rust and electrics.

[@teabagtowers3823]

@@whizzo94 Yeah because Fiat's never rust. Hahaha get real buddy.

[@Eddieboote]

So the conclusion is, ‘it’s a lot less rubbish’....

[@BaybieK]

Pretty much what I gathered from this review.

[@xavierlaraserra]

lol, personally I like the look of this car, but I never drive it. Anyway I think it sounds amazing, possible one of the best noises from an affordable car

[@marremane]

haters gonna hate

[@Eddieboote]

@@marremane I’m not a hater. They look cool and sound cool. I need to drive one one day...

[@teabagtowers3823]

But still a bit rubbish.

[@sanderdejong66]

I have owned both an Abarth (the cheapest one) and a normal 500. The Abarth put a smile on my face every time I started it. I couldn’t help myself. Also: even a normal 500 jumps on speed bumps like they’re mountains.

[@simonhughes7382]

The look so good and SOUND so good. Which considering most modern stuff looks awful and sounds awful means i've got a small obsession with them despite never having driven one XD

[@johnbenias5090]

“I’m enjoying driving this car. I’m having fun in this car. And look at this......a smile” BINGO! You’ve got it!

[@VQSeries]

Truly appreciate your reviews, a thorough peeling of a car's dynamic/character is done beautifully well!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thankyou

[@Bub123]

I got one a few months ago. its a cabrio with 146 HP. Its my first car and i absolutely love it. Its pretty quick, not expensive and sounds great. I feel like for a young person who wants a slightly quicker car them average this is a great choice of car. I will most likely buy something different in a few years but for now this car is perfect for me. But i can also understand why you think it has some downsides to it. But what you get for the price is pretty good in my eyes.

[@Yumbutteredsausage]

Superb for your first car, cabrio & good power, u very lucky 👍

[@raysonviswas]

There're plenty of comments saying that girls buy these cars for looks and some looking down on men for buying this car. Can't guys buy cars just for the looks? I think this car is stunning. I won't be buying it since I think my mini is way better in terms of driving but even so I think it's fine to buy cars just for their looks.

[@keirbourne5323]

It looks great. I test drove one and found it disappointing to drive (went for the fiesta ST instead) but still think these look stunning in the right colour I.e. yellow

[@mclare9817]

Have you 'melted' yet....

[@itisjustacomment]

Look at them driving past you in traffic. They seem to be driven by young women in the majority of cases. So it's ok to say it when it is true.

[@acchaladka]

It's true, the 500 (as a renta)l is the only car I've ever had a woman compliment me on. Aside from my 944 once i guess.

[@keirbourne5323]

@@itisjustacomment nah the vast majority of abarth 595 owners are definitely male. You are probably confusing the 595 with the standard 500 which is almost exclusively driven by women.

[@pzipischiquo]

Bisogna accettare il fatto che la 595 Abarth non possa piacere a tutti...come bisogna accettare il fatto che il motivo principale per cui rischia di ribaltarsi sta probabilmente nel fatto che seduto sul posto di guida c'è una persona terribilmente sovrappeso...questo aumenta non poco il baricentro!

[@maxwellsiu]

The problem is not on the car but on the driver, you can’t feel how nimble a light weight car is if you add 20% the weight of the car when you get into it

[@ReptilianAnusWizzard]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@randomsimpsonsquotes6033]

It's true, They both come rolling in.

[@lloydjenkins1572]

Many years ago I looked into buying a abarth esseesse and after a positive top gear review I was confident it was my next car. After driving 2 different ones. I ended up with Mini Cooper works (not without fault). At the time I thought it was just me who hated the 500 engine and the driving experience. Glad I wasn't alone.

[@markdiesel6432]

I was dating a girl that worked for a Fiat dealer (Desira I think) and when I asked her about this car she said, “the Abarth has a sting in its tail” I had to hold in the lolz. Still it was a golden opportunity to get a F&F quote in and I responded with, “wow, you can read the brochure”. Totally lost on her though 😂

[@notmenotme614]

Reminds me of when I've been in a shop and asked one of the staff a question about a product. And they pick it up and start reading the packaging in front of me. Not impressed that she didn't have a clue, I told her "I can read too"

[@canto_v12]

Nice review! I'm a big fan of these Abarths and wish I had the room to keep one, but at the same time it's not that hard to accept that different people like different things. Why that gets so many people upset is beyond me. Cheers!

[@MrKrampyHands]

Oh man you must be British if you got no where to put a car that fits in your back pocket parking absolutely sucks in England

[@canto_v12]

@@MrKrampyHands sorry to disappoint-just an American with too many cars LOL

[@venom5809]

Whenever you talk smack about the Abarth I always feel like STG is going to pop out from the bushes and punch you in the face. LOL 😂

[@TopUTooBa]

This was my thought throughout the review - he loves these things. I've never drove one, I do admit they look great and thought they must be good, he'll STG loved them. Interesting, I'd love to get them on a stage together.

[@venom5809]

@@TopUTooBa Agreed, they need to have a whole podcast discussing and arguing over these cars. 😂

[@TopUTooBa]

@@venom5809 100% agreed!

[@nick140i2]

As a 595 Comp owner......I’d say that’s a fair and honest review James. They are absolutely riddled with flaws - there’s no doubt about it - but.......they are fun! Keep up the good work - your videos are always entertaining and interesting

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks Nick

[@emc3065]

@@JayEmmOnCars agree 100% with you as well James in regards to the steering. Bought my Mrs one a 63 plate Competizione and the steering is terrible, with barely any feedback whatsoever and completely unispriring. It's definitely a flawed car, but it sounds good and is easy to park so the Mrs loves hers.

[@customsportsvans]

Had a Renault 5 turbo when I was a kid. Now 48 and bought one of these. I love my Abarth. Goes like stink and lots of fun. Easily tuned for not much cash. Just can't keep the wife out of it

[@simonm8988]

I clicked so fast on this! "I enjoyed this one - it's a lot less rubbish than the others I've driven" xD

[@peterlewis3540]

I owned this model, the Competizione for nearly three years, and you simply could not forgive its very high seating position. It was the only thing i could not forgive Fiat for, otherwise, its a great car, with a superb racing pedigree

[@Crisdak46]

you can change that about 4 5 cm by a chip setup

[@carlpearson6734]

I don’t understand this as I have a comp with upgraded sabelts and it’s perfect height definitely not high

[@marcdelaunay1]

Quirky but ultimate,y having driven in and up against one on straights and twisties did very little for me....my quaif diff slightly modded fiat coupe 20vt plus utterly demolished this with a known to me good driver in and although I like the styling, design of my coupe and sorted performance simply far bigger smile on my face from a classic fiat. Glad it has a fan base as do our coupes! ✌️👍

[@steveedwards3821]

I use to drive these brand new off the docks and everything you say about build quality and driving position is correct I absolutely dreaded a day of getting in and out of these things.

[@MrRoyck10]

I personally don’t not take an Arbath seriously when they tailgate me, I usually pull over to let them through, the 124 Arbath is more of a better set up IMO.

[@camrunner6633]

I dont pay attention to them at all, they are at their core a car designed for 20 year old girls and 45 year old women

[@garryh69]

I think i know why he hates them. Its because he's Massive, looks like Bowser driving mario kart.

[@rjexe1713]

Facts 😂😂😂😂

[@andreanastacio9548]

regardless of opinion on the car itself, I absolutly adore the way that car in particular sounds... If I ever get the opportunity to own a "high performace" turbo car (or really any turbo petrol) I absolutly want to get that much turbo whistle and blow off noise in the cabin...

[@maxjones2722]

I have the “awful” one, I love it but I agreed with a lot of things you said on your last video and respect your opinion.. because I’m not a cock

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks Max

[@UpShiftTrackdayVideos]

This car is a platform... you can keep it OEM or You can make modifications to enhance the parts you find fun or fix the bits you don't. I have pretty much the same car as a daily, I find it fun to drive on the road.. for context I also have a Civic EP3 K24 Supercharged 500bhp track/weekend car. I would also say the OEM car should have a mechanical diff as standard!

[@bubbaj6929]

My son bought one. Moved to NYC and didn’t use her much. I bought it from him and I have to say. Every time I drove her , I laughed and smiled. Too much fun! Gas mileage doesn’t suck either.

[@jimjam8949]

Too many people take Abarths too seriously. They are anoying AND hilariously fun. And that's ok with me.

[@RCRN36]

The more weight you add, the slower it will go

[@georgepom328]

At least he respects this particular abarth, I really don't like when some good iconic cars because they aren't enjoyable are not respected, like he doesn't like the Land Rover Defender, due its floors but he probably respects it due to what it accomplished and what is. But at the end of the day this is his opinion I would buy the Abarth over the Gr yaris because that's my personal preference

[@garylane9052]

My wife has one I absolutely love it .sounds great real drivers car fun factor ..disagree with everything you said at the beginning of the video love the driving position gearbox great interior

[@4changede]

just add a steering column extender and a seat lower frame and you will love the seating position Jay

[@Lix198606]

I own a standard 595 Abarth and tbh honest i have no idea where these views come from, especially the one about the gearbox? I mean he mentions the gearbox 100 times but never really says whats wrong with it. Mine changes smoothly and fast if needed and the ratio is plenty long enough i think.... Also in terms of interior, i think it suits what the car is and considering they give a lot of performance for the money i am not really put off by a door card lol.

[@chadwithporsche]

After owning a Ferrari, and 4 Porsche (and a current Abarth owner), less is more. It's a cartoon supercar that you can't be too critical of. It's impressive because it makes you smile without breaking the law too much. Jeremy Clarkson got it right.

[@sidrens5292]

Stylish, quick and super fun! What is not to like?

[@youcancallmeted]

I believe I did meet you in real life, eating your lunch few times while having "from friend" the V6 Mx5... I do like this video and I am glad you gave Abarth another shot. As you know I drive one (with the shopping list) for living, roughly 500-600 miles every week. And still love it...

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Yes, that was me :) We'll meet again I am sure

[@youcancallmeted]

@@JayEmmOnCars as a guy who's missing work with camera and good old Premiere, I like the edits and style... Just wondering what I will see you picking your meal in next time.... Btw, sadly traction control cannot be switched off.... TTC button on helps with cornering by braking inside wheels.... Not really useful until you need to get up the hill on snow... Helps a bit. 😉

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Who knows what I will turn up in next!

[@gatobakuniano]

Great review. It still shocks me that he doesn't have more fun with it. It is a light, small, powerful car, with decent chasis and suspension. Could be better? Sure What other similar cars are around? Very few. Fiesta ST probably. Yaris GR is really in another whole level, but it just got released, and the Abarth is probably at the end of its life cycle. So they are just to different car generations.

[@tanglewood777]

his fatt body dont do any thing for the engine that 230 hp takes it back to 180 hp with pepper pig in it

[@autosportivobedford]

We own one and we have a biposto 695. As our daily’s. We love them.

[@R13AAD]

I agree about the steering, hated the car for it but after I took it on track I started to get use to it and I actually started to like the car. I think 230bhp might be too much? Mine is 212bhp and it feels like more than enough, improves the drivability so much more! The seating position is quite funny tbh, way too high!

[@Cayres9]

I bought a 2013 Fiat 500 Lounge Edition last weekend sadly the dealer never told me the gearbox was bad £800 i had to pay to fix it ! I love how the car looks and drives but after spending £4 grand now in total i am very sad , beware of dodgy car dealers ! A and A autos in Farnham shame on them , 100 cars in their stock including a £60 grand Ferrari but they choose to scam me over a £3 grand Fiat 500 which cost £1 grand to put right.

[@callumjenks6202]

Literally no love for these people who review these sort of cars. So one sided its untrue. Fact is the 595 comp is brilliant car to drive and fun

[@MrGuvEuroman]

That intake sat in the engine bay 🙈 It would sound and probably have more power if a decent intake or the original intake was fitted.

[@tpv59]

This guy is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME.

[@stephenedwardsnewell1715]

I’ve got one of the normal ones it’s an decent run about but does need a quickshift . Well said mate .

[@mrc7966]

Used to have an Abarth....it was crap.... absolutely loved it.

[@jamess4522]

Hired a pair of Competiziones to do the North Coast 500 a couple of years ago - horribly flawed seating position but a superb car for the roads up there and seriously good fun 👍🏻

[@arkenangel]

I suddenly became very happy when I heard “do his thang”. Excellent review, bravo

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

I wouldn't buy one but I'm glad they're around. I like seeing them. In a world of boring grey hatches these make me smile. Here in Oz they start from £13,000 GBP for a 2015.

[@kidoctane]

I have one....since 2011. Also have an Abarth 124. TBH I enjoy the 5oo more, just gets under your skin like few other cars.

[@jeffvaljean6030]

Its a good small car and mega reliable this guy doesn't belong in this car he needs a grandad car like a rover 75 to fit his size 😂

[@600raficrow]

my question is .. how does it compare to the fiat 128 2 door saloon on cornering .. because mine went round bends like it was on rails ...

[@mattbrown4747]

I’ve been lusting after one of these as an ‘alternative’ choice for a few days and bam you upload a review! Great review, I’m still game for one despite its shortcomings. I’m after something that’s a real event every time I get in it and not a bland boring hot/warm hatch. This seems to be the closest thing to that in this sector imho.

[@BreakerBarney]

One thing I’m curious of is what is your daily drive? I’m always curious about what cars reviewers drive

[@ImDavidJames]

probably are feeling like you are sitting high when you dont fit in the seats properly

[@eurojulien]

Please Jay, don't ever change

[@TomasWatchReviews]

it was made for girls with short skirts, that is why the seat is so high, easier to get in and out with a skirt.

[@MrCarGuy]

A whole bunch of sanctimony and insecurity in the comment section already.

[@camrunner6633]

Always good to see an abath video Can you have you 500 vids in one playlist

[@misterroboto571]

perhaps do a 500 week? hats off to Aaron, and your good self of course

[@jamesstaggs4160]

I absolutely abhor these things. Ugly doesn't begin to describe what they look like, and I've never seen one that doesn't have a driver doing a metric shit-ton of stupid things on the road within the span of thirty seconds. I generally like hot hatches, but this thing is an abomination.

[@Glosole]

I have a 595 comp similar to the one tested but its much more an all rounder than you report it does pottering round town just as well as a blast up the motorway. Ok I have Focus RS and a Lotus Evora that are very capable but a small car with that much go is such a laugh and smiles per mile sort of unbeatable though living in the edge of London rather than wilds of Suffolk might sway my choice too.

[@jsmakaveli]

No one can judge, until they’ve have driven the 180 competzione one

[@RMAGEDN740]

It made me smile to hear the detailed description of the steering. Thanks, mate!

[@adambrown743]

The golf R also has one tail pipe per cylinder 🙈😂

[@nikomoin7604]

True Thats also awful, but atleast it has over 300 hp 😂

[@Yes-kn6zm]

they do sound a bit like an outboard motor

[@GTXOla]

I love the fact that when you drive by the external cam the Automatic translation hears the wining noise as "applause" it thinks its a football game or something 🤣🤣😂

[@BM_PAZ]

Love it when James does an Abarth review, the hate is strong with this one.

[@Bigflorent]

That sound is the garret turbo, on most cars does similar whistle, but depends on the engine size and type (petrol or diesel)

[@mrlotusmic]

My 2017 595 comp from new is going to sit next to my 718 4.0 GTS when it’s delivered in May. Both very different cars for different uses. But both tick the boxes I require 😄

[@itisjustacomment]

If you like little cars that are mostly driven by women that's up to you :)

[@mclare9817]

Have you had 'The jab' recently??

[@mrlotusmic]

😄 yes. I think I might be slightly older than you. Nicely set up for the final years but good luck with yours. I wish you well. 👍

[@mrlotusmic]

Thank you for the permission. Can I ride my motorcycles as well or do you wish to comment I that. I wish you well 👍

[@itisjustacomment]

@@mrlotusmicNone aim of permission intended. Just pointing out a fact. I wish you well also. Nice flex btw :/

[@ehhhh9287]

I used to own a 595 Turismo which I modified extensively. It was my first "performance" car and I loved it. That being said, having owned a Mini JCW, E36 M3 and a M2 Comp since the nostalgia has certainly worn off. I loved that car because it got me into the car scene in an inexpensive way. I think that's how these should be looked at and I think a lot of people who swear by them don't look at them as a track weapon or a motorway cruiser, but a nippy little thing with a fruity little engine that will propel them around the city or some twisty b-roads adequately without rinsing your wallet. Would I get one again? Not a chance - but I enjoyed it whilst I had it.

[@bennp2000]

I've just traded my yellow 66 plate 595 comp. in after owning it for about a year mainly as we were able to manage with one practical car and the 595, a change in work means that's no longer the case. For me, I drove many of the different flavours before buying the comp. (this one had a few choice extras such as the carbon sabelts, xenons and glass roof) which seemed like the best of the compromises available, the others just didn't hit the mark but (and perhaps it's my age?) the suspension did become tiring (the Tarmac in E Lancs isn't wonderful) when doing anything other than driving purely for pleasure and whereas the record Monza exhaust I absolutely loved on a b-road, turning up to a conference for work in it set a certain tone. Likewise, the people nodding from badly modified Corsas when sat in traffic was also telling. I think you're correct about the gearbox but being overly harsh about the plastics, certainly don't go anywhere near the dashboard of a Suzuki Swift Sport which appears to be made from recycled crisp packets!

[@jusssy5078]

I've never been 'sat' in a car, I've only been sitting in a car... informative, nonetheless!

[@simewood2040]

Your criticism is fair. I had one in Singapore and it got more use than the Carrera S. It’s good in dense traffic and makes huge fun in car parks.Trans continental punts - not so much.

[@troycoffelt498]

U might like the interior more if you could fit in the seat

[@davidarter9670]

They must set up the Australian ones slightly differently. A friend has just purchased one and it is much better damped than the UK ones it seems...

[@maxnguyen9017]

I'm sure that UK roads are much worse than Aus roads, so maybe that's why UK abarths feel more stiff

[@raysonviswas]

yeah that's the problem the rain and occasional destroys the road. Also the roads are quite narrow so traffic tends to drive along the same lines destroying hem further

[@davidarter9670]

@@maxnguyen9017 Max, you’d be in for a BIG shock if you came here! Australian roads are TERRIBLE!!!

[@maxnguyen9017]

@@davidarter9670 I live in Sydney mate haha! It isn't that bad 🤣

[@davidarter9670]

@@maxnguyen9017 Drive to Dubbo then across to Tamworth and update me....

[@LostinSweden68]

I own the Competizione and I love it. Appreciate your honesty!

[@peterbratu]

Ah, those Sunday mornings when you feel like taking the washing machine for a drive.

[@tanglewood777]

washin machine thats your st ford

[@UKfromadrone]

"you shouldnt have 1 tailpipe per cylinder" laughs in audi TTS/golf R edit: S3/S1

[@owenalp1977]

Was under the impression the TT was a five cylinder

[@UKfromadrone]

@@owenalp1977 the tt came as 4, 5 and 6 cylinders, even petrol and diesel... The base tt can be 1.8 and 2litres (or 2l diesel) the tts is a highly tune 2l petrol 4cyl...the ttrs is 2.5l 5cyl turbo... And the mk1 and mk2 tt-s could come with the 3.2 vr6... Such a tiny car with so many engine choices... The tts' signature is the quad tailpipe, the ttrs' signature is the oval dual tailpipes (like all rs models) (previously a 3.2 mk2 owner, now a ttrs mk2 owner... Not because i like them but because i dont need a bigger car...)

[@owenalp1977]

@@UKfromadrone sweet mate great info

[@ALE5six1]

Looking for a fun weekend hatch. So how would you compare this to the r53 Cooper S or mk6 Fiesta ST?

[@sidrens1047]

Ironically, as a massive Abarth fan I happen to agree with James on most points! However, these points in combination with the awesome ones make it such a great car to own! 😁 - the only thing I don’t like is the badges on the sides of car 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jaront4922]

I like your reviews but I have no idea how you cannot find an any abarth fun. They are such a hoot and smile.

[@paulfages749]

Great video to enjoy on a Saturday.

[@sportzntouring]

I can understand why people like the idea of these cars (while they're not a car I would personally go for). They're a "fun" car but that doesn't mean they're a great or fun drive compared to alternatives. But if an owner loves it despite its flaws, that's just cars. If we all liked the same things, cars would all look the same. I'm glad they don't. Still, I always respect your reviews for their integrity.

[@richarddutchholland4780]

So what’s the alternative then?

[@apathyboy5306]

@@richarddutchholland4780agree Abarth has no flaws

[@Firemarioflower]

@@apathyboy5306 It does. They are just not big and the car has character to spare to make up for those small, meaningless downsides

[@stu0508]

Only ever drove a 500 on hols but it was absolutely terrible so we went for an Uno next time out. I just have to assume girls buy them for the looks. The fact petrolheads own these, even in Abarth form, is disturbing to me...