So Fiat is back in America. I was curious to know how the Fiat 500 felt to drive so took a spin with my friend Brian and Al the sales rep. I didn’t want the base model Pop so went for the stick-shift 160hp turbocharged Abarth model.
In summary it was nice to drive. The diminutive dimensions of the 500 imply “basic transportation” but the acceleration and handling, at least of the Abarth, assured me it would be fun to commute to work.
My comparison of driving it was like using an iPad then going to an iPad Mini. Everything was there that you needed, but was a little smaller. The seat was small but comfortable. The speedo, tach, and fuel gauge were in the same pod directly in front of the steering wheel. There was a ledge for my right arm that positioned my hand to grab the gearshift naturally. Brian was in the front and Al was in the back, but we all seemed to have enough room at least for a short ride.
Our white Fiat was fairly easy to drive. I had no trouble getting the seat and mirrors into a comfortable position, and mastering the clutch. Al the sales rep directed me down a busy state highway. The sportiness was there with the dual exhaust that growled when you smashed the accelerator. The steering was really tight and quick. It had nice acceleration from 0-45 mph, but not blistering. Brian had an easier time coordinating shifting and accelerating. This would be a car that gets more fun to drive with practice. The seats were beautifully covered in red and black leather. I could somewhat test the performance for city driving, but would have liked to take it on the big road!
I liked the Fiat 500 Abarth, but not as much as the first generation Mini Cooper S or the Mazda Miata. This car is probably marketed at a 30-ish single male who has a little more to spend on a car but also needs to carry another person and stuff sometimes. I’m not sure Brian liked it; while driving this little car he was telling me about his practicing to drive a semi truck.
Male bonding time with Brian over my lunch hour. Do you have a car I need to test drive for you?
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