A few thoughts on owning a Fiat 500 Abarth

"Burt" (Burt)
12/16/2013 at 23:39 • Filed to: Fiat 500 Abarth, Review

I've !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! about this little guy, and after spending about a month with it, I figured I'd tell you guys how it feels to live with an Italian hot rod. This isn't a formal review since there's already !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! of the Abarth, and I don't think I can really add to that, so this is from the perspective of a commuter. I also picked up a Nokia Lumina 1020 phone yesterday, so I took a few minutes today to play with the camera, and got the shots you see here. I understand that the car is dirty and the pictures suck. Deal with it.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

The overwhelming characteristic of this car is the exhaust. At low rpm, it gurgles and rumbles, and whenever you're on the throttle, particularly above 3,000 r.p.m., it roars like it's trying to prove to you that it's a big fast car. I had feared that it would drone on the interstate, but when holding a constant speed, the exhaust note dies away, and the Beats sound system this car came with drowns out the wind noise and remaining exhaust well enough. The 1.4 liter turbo 4 is torquey enough around town, although it needs to be revved to make power. This is fine, because the car demands you drive it like your hair is on fire, fuel economy be damned. Torque steer rarely rears its head, and when it does, it's nothing serious.

I personally have no problem with the ride, although most people will find it a bit stiff. The short wheel base exacerbates the car's bounciness, however, between the short wheelbase and minimal overhangs, I have yet to scrape the front splitter or underbody on anything. Handling is quick and darty, which is awesome around town or on a back road, although the car is a little busy at interstate speeds. I always have Sport Mode on, mainly because it adds steering heft, which helps make the car feel a bit more stable and taut. The brake pedal is immediate and firm, and makes the brake pedal in my Impala feel like stabbing at a wet sponge.

The interior of the car is plenty good for an economy car, and the steering wheel is the business. The sound controls are on the back of the steering wheel, and after I got used to having them there, I can't stand not having them. The beats audio is nice, particularly since I enjoy having a sub in whatever car I'm driving. It has heated seats, a folding rear seat, and automatic windows and climate control. The transmission is alright, the clutch is light with an easy to find engagement, but the shift throws are a little on the long side, and upshifts to third and fifth, particularly fifth, are are vague. Despite not being a standout transmission, I feel like a manual best suits this car, because while it doesn't quite get the mileage of a billion gear automatic, it was designed to be an engaging sporty car, yet not hardcore enough to for a cut-the-last-tenth-of-a-second-off-a-lap-time dual clutch. The manual provides the best engagement for enjoyment. The only thing I can really complain about are the seats. They don't provide as much lateral support as I had hoped, and the combination of a hard seat bottom and no lumbar support has lead to lower back pain for me on longer trips. I'm 6'2", so headroom up front is fine, but the back seat is something closer to purgatory. My friends who are 5'8" and below say it's fine, but don't punish six footers by putting them back there.

Overall, I think the car is fantastic. It oozes character, and demands to be driven, not ridden in, and I would rather have the car I drive every day be interesting, rather than a rolling refrigerator.

DISCUSSION (100)

Jay Lauer > Burt
12/16/2013 at 23:49

How would you compare it to a Mini Cooper S?

Burt > Jay Lauer
12/16/2013 at 23:59

I haven't actually driven a Cooper S unfortunately (this is the wife's car, and I'm driving it until she's comfortable with a stick.) however it is on my short list, and I'll bench race for you as best I can. From the bit that I've been around them, I like the interior layout of the Fiat better, although the Mini has more space. The Fiat gives up some power to the Mini, but sounds better from the factory. Both handle and ride like go-karts, and deliver respectable fuel economy, although both will goad you into the boost. If you like the styling of both, I would spend quality time inside both, and figure out if either has a glaring fault in your eyes. The Mini does have far more factory customization, but it's also more expensive.

Jay Lauer > Burt
12/17/2013 at 00:03

From what I've noticed driving the two, the Fiat has somewhat of a strange up-right seating position, making you feel more "on the car" than the Mini. Other than that, they're fairly similar, taking into account their respective countries stereotypes.

That being said, I thought the Fiat had more 'zing' than the Cooper. I'd love to see what happens after the Fiats have time to get old and depreciate.

Burt > Jay Lauer
12/17/2013 at 00:19

The Fiat rides high, and you sit high in it, to the point of looking down in some mid size sedan drivers. It really does want you to think it's a big car. ;)

Gimmi-Sagan-Om-Draken > Burt
12/17/2013 at 01:03

I heard one pass by the other day, sounds better than the mini!

Ferrero1911 > Burt
12/17/2013 at 03:24

I'm jealous of your heated seats. They were not available in the 2012 model. How many miles are on it? I ask because the exhaust sound gets even better after a few thousand miles.

Burt > Gimmi-Sagan-Om-Draken
12/17/2013 at 08:17

Indeed. I honestly can't think of any stock car at this price point that sounds as good.

Burt > Ferrero1911
12/17/2013 at 08:20

They are awesome. The car has around 1400 miles on it, and it had 16 on it when we bought it...I've made sure it hasn't gotten lonely.

DirtyVDub > Ferrero1911
12/17/2013 at 08:53

What changes after a few thousand miles to open the exhaust up?

yeah, that guy > Burt
12/17/2013 at 08:57

Fun car. I think my money would go to one of the ST twins, but the convertible option here is appealing.

Jonathan Harper > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:02

I agree with all of this, but you must address the glaring ergonomic follies in this car. I'm going to try to put a video together this afternoon in response.

NoahthePorscheGuy > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:03

What mileage so you get?

Burt > yeah, that guy
12/17/2013 at 09:03

It is a fun car. It's actually the wife's car, and the Fiat's bubbly Italian-ness fits her better than the STs, neither of which have styling she's a fan of. We had a long debate on whether or not to get the convertible, and eventually it came down to how much she would actually use it compared to the cost to get it.

Damasconian > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:03

This car seems like a blast to drive. I cant wait to get into one.

I remember when the first Dodge Neon SRT came out. It was silly, fast, and ridiculous. I didnt know what to make of it, and yet now there are 3-5 models that seem like direct predecessors. Props to Dodge, I guess.

Audistein > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:05

Do you wish it had a 6-speed or are you fine with the 5?

Also, do you pronounce Abarth the American way (AH-barth) or the proper Italian way (EH-bart)? It is acceptable to bust out the Italian delivery in conversation?

Burt > NoahthePorscheGuy
12/17/2013 at 09:06

I haven't been monitoring it closely, but I would say mid to high twenties, and I absolutely cane the thing, living from one boost-inducing downshift to another.

Bubs > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:06

I would love to have one of these, the only thing that keeps me out of one is my disdain for car payments. Maybe some years down the road I'll pick up a well-maintained, enthusiast-owned example.

parksachusetts > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:06

You're 6'2" and the headroom up front is fine? Really?

I'm 6'1" and when I sat in one at the dealer a few months back my forehead kept rubbing on the roof liner.

Which is fine, I guess - just means I'll have to get the convertible.

NoahthePorscheGuy > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:09

Abarth 1: Fiesta : 0
I've been getting 25 Max and only if I'm driving like a hypermiling Prius driver.

Burt > Audistein
12/17/2013 at 09:11

I can live with the five speed, the car turns around 3,000 rpm at 70 m.p.h., and it's rated at 34 m.p.g. (I absolutely do NOT do 90 and scare Priuses with it, of course) but no, I don't long for a 6th gear.

I suppose I pronounce it AH-barth, although I've heard it pronounced 8,675,348 diferent ways.

telkins > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:11

I love the looks and sound of the car. I am seriously considering trading in my heavily tuned 135i Msport for one. I overtuned it and have no use for a 400+HP daily driver. I love hot hatches (the wife has a MINI Cooper S) and was wondering a few things:

Does the seating position feel odd when driving? I have not driven one yet, just sat in one on the lot. It feels a bit high up.

How is highway acceleration? That's the one thing I think I would miss on my 1 series.

Burt > parksachusetts
12/17/2013 at 09:12

Did it have height adjustable seats? I've got mine adjusted down, and even wearing my hair in douche-bag style, I have a couple inches of clearance.

NoRotorNoMotor > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:12

Do you have the leather or the cloth seats? If you have the leather, do you think they will hold up well over time?

Bullitt417 > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:15

Fantastic review. You brought up great points that I never thought about when I was looking to buy the car. Thanks!

DreaminShelby427 > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:16

Kinja'd!!!

Another good reason to own one.

Burt > Jonathan Harper
12/17/2013 at 09:16

There are two things you must understand about me. One is that I am very lanky, so everything is within easy reach (even the glove box), yet some things like armrests are usually awkward and more importantly, I grew up in 90's and early 2000's GM economy cars, so a car does NOT have to have good ergonomics for me to find them acceptable. I do eagerly await this video.

parksachusetts > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:17

I mean, I think I got it all the way down. I was only in it for a few minutes.

Could just be me, though. I have a long upper torso and just average length legs.

Burt > Damasconian
12/17/2013 at 09:18

Do it! Get into one! It is cool to see how large this segment has gotten in America. This car isn't as outright fast as an SRT4, but it is nicer.

Patrick George > Jay Lauer
12/17/2013 at 09:20

FYI, I've driven both and ended up buying a Cooper S. That's not to dig on the Abarth at all — I love it and I'd gladly own one. We got the Mini mainly because it's been around longer and we found a better-equipped used one for cheaper than a new Abarth.

As for differences, they're more or less equal in outright acceleration, as well as their ride quality, which is pretty harsh for both. I like the Mini's down-low seating position better than the Abarth's, but I prefer the Abarth's exhaust note. Nothing really tops that.

Both are excellent. It just comes down to personal preference after you drive them.

Burt > Bubs
12/17/2013 at 09:20

If you get one between now and the end of the year, they're really not that expensive. This one had the Comfort & Convenience package, and Beats audio, and barely cost 22K, brand shiny new.

spanfucker retire bitch > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:21

Nah, your pictures are fine. The 1020 has the best camera on any smartphone available right now - bar none.

Burt > NoahthePorscheGuy
12/17/2013 at 09:22

I should actually monitor it and see what I get. That seems like an appropriate thing for an idiot writing an owner's review to know.

Burt > DreaminShelby427
12/17/2013 at 09:23

I approve everything about this.

Sagar93 > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:25

I own and drive an abarth everyday and I think it's fuckin awesome

liquid_popcorn > NoahthePorscheGuy
12/17/2013 at 09:26

Damn, I'd have thought the Fiesta would be better. Is that the standard Fiesta or ST? I flog my MK6 GTI at every opportunity, and still get between 28-33mpg.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > DreaminShelby427
12/17/2013 at 09:27

Who says 500s aren't functional?? Not I..

Burt > telkins
12/17/2013 at 09:28

The seating position is very upright. It's something I've gotten used to, but I would definitely take an extended test drive in one if that's something that is a major concern for you. Highway acceleration is decent given the amount of power available, if you drop it into fourth you can pull right around people, and it has no problems pulling the (admittedly small) grades around here in 5th. I'm sure that won't compare to the 1 series though.

Ntovorni > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:31

Damm, I'm getting very similar mileage in my MkV R32, even if I drive it like a moron, and with that I have AWD, a VR6 motor, and a little more room.

There's a red Abarth in my parking garage that often leaves the same time as I do for work, does have a really nice exhaust note to it. Definitely was surprised to see that car coming around the corner.

sadfasdf > DreaminShelby427
12/17/2013 at 09:31

All convertibles are pickup trucks.

Burt > NoRotorNoMotor
12/17/2013 at 09:31

They are leather, and I'm assuming the seat is going to get a bit stretched/wrinkly over time, but my bony butt seems to have that effect on most leather seats I've sat in. This is actually my first car with leather.

NoahthePorscheGuy > liquid_popcorn
12/17/2013 at 09:31

It's the ST. Keep in mind this is pretty much 100% city/suburb driving, but I'm honestly worried about how bad it is because everyone else seems to be getting much better. I'm worried I Fucked up breaking it in or something because I'm so paranoid haha.

Burt > parksachusetts
12/17/2013 at 09:33

same here! I did notice that I sat in two different ones, and the headroom felt different. It could be that the convertibles and sunroof cars have less headroom, that's how the Camaros are.

Pikersez > NoahthePorscheGuy
12/17/2013 at 09:34

In the year and 5 odd months that i have had mine, just over 20k now, i have averaged 30.1 MPG, and has cost me just under $2,500 in fuel. That isn't pussy footing it, or not beating on it.

cazzyodo > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:36

Kinja'd!!!

BEHIND YOU!!!!!!

yeah, that guy > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:36

I love the car. Its awesome. If my SO was getting a car to replace the bus she rides, this would probably be at, or near, the top of the list.

legowife > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:36

I loved this car when I first saw it. Loved it even more when I saw top gear review it (the abarth review vs. the original fiat review). Recently I finally got inside one and it broke my heart to actually drive it and find that I did not enjoy sitting in it, let alone drive it. For all of that turbo hidden under the hood, it still felt like sitting in and driving a toy car.

Burt > spanfucker retire bitch
12/17/2013 at 09:37

That's why I got it. I had been using the same old Samsung something or other for the last four years (it was indestructible, I never broke it) and since I don't currently have a camera, I basically got the best camera I could that happened to be a phone. Also, I meant that if the pictures suck, it's my fault, not the phone's.

Burt > Bullitt417
12/17/2013 at 09:39

No, thank you sir. I'm glad that this helps you out!

Stupidru > liquid_popcorn
12/17/2013 at 09:40

Why don't people acknowledge the A5 more often? The same 2.0T that's in your GTI gets around 38mpg hwy in the A5

Jonathan Harper > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:40

I also am very lanky. It's not about reaching stuff, it's just awkward placement and unnecessary complication.

dyrtdawwwg > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:40

i got severe back and shoulder pain after driving and being a passenger in it for a week. there is just no place for your arms and shoulders to go. other than that its a nice little car

Burt > Sagar93
12/17/2013 at 09:40

They are awesome, and seem to be a fairly exclusive club, at least around here.

Scootin159 > Jay Lauer
12/17/2013 at 09:40

I too have driven both (and own an Abarth), and basically I'll echo that they're both fairly similar in most respects, and both are wonderful cars. The Abarth is a bit more "spartan" to me, while the Mini struck me a bit more "civilized" - but I'll admit you're splitting hairs there. It's kinda like the Evo vs STI argument - either option is a win, but one just is more domesticated than the other.

Scootin159 > NoahthePorscheGuy
12/17/2013 at 09:42

I've found that my range goes from about 28mpg to 38mpg tank to tank, depending on how much I look at that "Sport" button. I've gotten as high as 75mpg for my (30 mile) commute, by driving like the gas pedal has 1/16" total travel, but that gets old real quick. I think my long-term average is right around 32-34mpg.

Michael Banovsky > NoahthePorscheGuy
12/17/2013 at 09:43

Kinja'd!!!

I have a near-identical Abarth. Right now, I'm averaging an easy 6.8 L/100 km to 7.1 L/100km; 33-35 US MPG. I still have fun and drive like an adult most of the time.

We've got some nice snow here in Ontario, the only real issue with the vehicle (which may be disconcerting for some) is that it doesn't seem to like greasy winter roads, IE, cold pavement with some light slush on top. The back end squirms from time to time, and the ESP light (to say nothing of the system itself, which may be working) doesn't flash.

An issue with many vehicles is that snow and ice loves to collect inside the wheels. I've found that with such large wheels on a small car, it doesn't take much to make my little egg cup vibrate.

Jeb_Hoge > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:44

I haven't gotten to drive one but I sat in one for several minutes at a car show and was trying my damnedest to get a seating position that worked. Headroom...amazingly fine, even for my 6'4" frame. Legroom...OK, not great but not really any worse than any other smallish car I'd been in. The problem I had was that the relationship to wheel and shifter when I had the seat in a comfortable position was terrible. Like, old-school Italian driving position terrible and leaning to get to the shifter. I was so sad.

boxrocket > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:44

Congrats on the Lumia purchase. I'm on my second (900 first, now a 925), and am eagerly looking forward to the new models coming in spring/summer. How do you like it so far? The camera is amazing

I had an opportunity to drive a couple 500s within the last few weeks (about five to ten minutes apiece), and, to me, the car seemed pretty good, but the interior ergonomics were very different than what I am used to, and appeared they'd need a slight learning curve; has that been a problem, or was it relatively easily mastered?

TomTVR - Belgian working in Chicago > DreaminShelby427
12/17/2013 at 09:44

Kinja'd!!!

To be honest, my TVR is the only car I have that I could use to transport my new parasol. I made it home safely although not very fast.

Burt > Ntovorni
12/17/2013 at 09:44

Boost is the enemy of economy. Motortrend long term tested an EVO MR a while back, and I think they averaged like 19 m.p.g.

Burt > cazzyodo
12/17/2013 at 09:45

That's how I feel waiting on the turbo to spool.

BeaterGT > NoahthePorscheGuy
12/17/2013 at 09:46

I'd be worried too. That's so low for such a small car.

barnburn3r > parksachusetts
12/17/2013 at 09:47

Did the model you tested have the sunroof - that cuts an inch or two off the headroom. I'm 6' 4", 240 and I fit just fine in mine (I have a 2013 with the cloth seats).

Burt > legowife
12/17/2013 at 09:47

Yeah, I can see that. My wife is the one who actually bought it, I wasn't a big fan of the idea until I realized I would get to listen to it all the time. Dat noise...

Michael Banovsky > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:47

Yes, very upright. We're about the same size; I'm 6'1, and find the driving position O.K. for commuting (90 km each way on country roads.)

Passing is easy. #turbopower

(I say this as a former 2CV owner who would pass cars on the highway, so...)

ZabiakFero > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:49

i woud not consider abarth an economy car

Burt > yeah, that guy
12/17/2013 at 09:49

Women do seem to love the things.

79MZsidecar > parksachusetts
12/17/2013 at 09:50

Yeah. In ergonomics, you are called a "sitting giant".

I'm 6', and a ex girlfriend of mine was 5'. She was taller than me sitting. She's also a sitting giant, and I'm a sitting midget.

My car's seat is almost all the way up and pretty much all the way back. And sporty motorcycles hate me, making me bent my legs in impossible angles.

Fun stuff.

Michael Banovsky > NoRotorNoMotor
12/17/2013 at 09:50

The insert is leather, the outside is pleather. The inside is already starting to move around / stretch after ~2500 kms.

I work at RM Auctions, though, and with the restoration shop out back I'm strongly considering asking them nicely to do alcantara inserts. And steering wheel. And...

mtdrift > Jay Lauer
12/17/2013 at 09:50

I had a similar shopping experience as Patrick - one thing that really pushed me toward the Cooper S was the ability to get it serviced. The nearest FIAT dealer or independent shop that would service an Abarth is about 250 miles from me, and word is it's struggling to stay alive. The local BMW garage down the street does the bigger services on my Mini no problem and I trust the mechanic.

By the way, a friend/rival of mine in the local SCCA club has an Abarth, and even though I'll admit that he's a better driver than me by a good margin, his FIAT just can't keep up with my Mini on track (though they are classified differently).

Michael Banovsky > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:52

I HAVE ONE TOO LET'S PARTY. Abarty?

I left my job as an automotive writer—after driving pretty much everything—and picked up the Abarth for my personal use. How's that for an endorsement?

Burt > Jonathan Harper
12/17/2013 at 09:52

That's true. The center-of-the-tach menu thing is a nightmare. I usually fight with it, forget what I was even trying to find, the rev the engine, and then forget that it's a problem. One triumph I've found is that little pocket/hole in front of the front cup holders. Never has there ever been such a perfect perch for my wallet.

Michael Banovsky > Jeb_Hoge
12/17/2013 at 09:53

The solution is 20 minutes of hot yoga before driving in order to stretch your arms, fingers, and tips.

Ntovorni > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:53

Oh damn. If I have the DSG in manual mode, and I'm shifting up as soon as possible, I can get damn near to 30mpg, and when I'm cruising on the highway I'll get 26-27 (but that's because my highway speed puts it a bit higher in the revs, the R is geared to accelerate like a madman.)

This does make me much happier with my decision to grab this car over everything else I was looking at. (Including Abarth, JCW, STi, EVO, C30)

Malforus > Burt
12/17/2013 at 09:54

Good call! There are a few convertibles here in Boston and I have heard during the ice months things can get hairy with the top if you accidentally open it.

Burt > dyrtdawwwg
12/17/2013 at 09:55

I haven't noticed a lack of shoulder room in the front, but then again, you aren't the first person who's brought that up, so maybe it's just me who doesn't have that problem.

Burt > Michael Banovsky
12/17/2013 at 09:56

^Listen to this guy.

Burt > Ntovorni
12/17/2013 at 09:58

Yeah, it's one of those things where I could do better, but I actively chose not to by driving like a maniac.

Burt > Malforus
12/17/2013 at 09:59

I can see that, although with the controls being on the header, it strikes me that it would be difficult to accidentally open it.

Scootin159 > yeah, that guy
12/17/2013 at 10:00

I had much the same debate when I bought my Abarth. My short list was Abarth, Cooper S, ST twins, and BRZ/FRS. I test drove them all a half dozen times or more, and even autocrossed them a bit. For me it largely came down to both sets of twins not having as good of fuel economy, and the Mini was too expensive once optioned out. For me the car is almost purely a commuter car (I have a dedicated race car, full size truck and a mid-size SUV as well), so fuel economy was a major justification in buying it.

Malforus > Burt
12/17/2013 at 10:00

Lets just say the case in question was one where it was sunny and the person thought "oh I'll open the roof".

Forgetting that we currently have 10 degrees F here...

It was total cockpit error but the repercussions were felt. A small snow shower and a some ice jammed up in the mechanism. Course I was a bystander.

Michael Banovsky > mtdrift
12/17/2013 at 10:00

I hate to be "that guy" but Mini's latest hipster advertising has turned me off to the point that I can almost forget Charlie Sheen was hocking the Abarth at launch.

The Mini and its derivatives are classic BMW: enough engineering to make you feel confident in the car's abilities enough to push harder. The Abarth is enough of a step above the 500 to feel not totally useless, but rewards a driver who will have faith in its platform.

They're both great cars. I think I took a relative risk in buying the Abarth, and am not confident of its long-term reliability or worth.

Burt > ZabiakFero
12/17/2013 at 10:01

Why is that? It's a sporty economy car, but it's rated at 31 m.p.g. combined and is relatively cheap in today's market. Besides, the door panels SCREAM economy.

parksachusetts > barnburn3r
12/17/2013 at 10:01

Yeah, it definitely had a sunroof - wouldn't have guessed that would make such a difference!

Scootin159 > Audistein
12/17/2013 at 10:02

I'd agree - a 6th gear is definitely not needed for acceleration factors, but I do sometimes wish I had a 6th overdrive gear above the current 5th for just rolling down the highway, if only for better fuel economy.

Burt > Malforus
12/17/2013 at 10:03

Ah. If there was snow on the roof, then there was also snow on the windshield, which they presumably just scraped off? I would think you would have to be a very special person to do that.

Burt > Michael Banovsky
12/17/2013 at 10:04

ABARTY! I like it. I would also say that's about the best endorsement you can give it.

Scootin159 > parksachusetts
12/17/2013 at 10:05

I'm hardly 6' anything (I'm 5-9), but I'd be surprised if headroom was an issue for anyone. I have an easy 6" between the top of my head and the headliner - so much in fact that I wish the car had a lower roofline, as that just feels excessive to me. Even with a helmet on in the car, I have plenty of room up top (although I have hit my helmet into the top of the side window a few times).

Iheartmy365kHonda - Car enthusiasts do like FWD > Burt
12/17/2013 at 10:05

I want one so bad!

John Hamilton Farr > Burt
12/17/2013 at 10:07

Taut.

jariten1781 > NoahthePorscheGuy
12/17/2013 at 10:08

I'm driving my ST like a normal car (no hypermiling, occasionally run it hard) 100% city driving and I'm getting 24mpg. Average speed 14. It was pretty much what I expected since I was getting <20 on the same route in a Mazda 6 previously.

parksachusetts > 79MZsidecar
12/17/2013 at 10:08

Sounds about right.

Kinja'd!!!

TheBaron2112 > NoahthePorscheGuy
12/17/2013 at 10:09

You're doing it wrong. My Fiesta ST gets 27-29 in the city with a tad bit of interstate. Bite the bullet and use 93 octane. The performance will be noticeable to your butt dyno and the little readout on the dash will reassure you that yes, you are driving a fuel efficient hot hatch.

ZabiakFero > Burt
12/17/2013 at 10:11

I look at MPG as primary economy factor and nothing below 50 is really economy in my view. I am from EU and I am spoiled I know :)

Burt > boxrocket
12/17/2013 at 10:14

Thanks, I love it so far, after I got Windows set up how I wanted it, everything I use is right there, without even having to scroll for it.

The interior is also different than what I'm used to, and there's actually another comment thread on here about how the ergonomics are bad but I'm too dumb to care, but after about a week with the car, I could do most things without thinking about it. It's a car that seems to come with some compromises, but I've always heard that Italian are weird but the character makes it worth it, and I think there's something to that.

DipodomysDeserti > NoahthePorscheGuy
12/17/2013 at 10:14

I just got one. If I'm not using sport mode and shifting according to the fuel saving shift indicator I get around 35 mpg with 50/50 city highway. If I'm hooning in Sport mode I get mid to high 20s. I get 18 mpg in my Forester XT, so I don't drive like a grandma.

Burt > John Hamilton Farr
12/17/2013 at 10:15

Gosh darn. That's what I get for writing at midnight. Thanks.

Malforus > Burt
12/17/2013 at 10:16

As a short person my car always has a "mohawk" of snow where I can't reach the center of the car. But yes like I said, cockpit error.

brandegee > liquid_popcorn
12/17/2013 at 10:16

I'm with you. The Fiesta should easily get 32 highway unless the gearing is really short. My departed Saab 9-3 made slightly more power and was definitely heavier and still got a dependable 29-30 highway because it was always out of boost at 78-80. My WRX spools at 2,000 rpm, which means I get 21-22 city, 24-25 highway... and that's on good day.

Burt > ZabiakFero
12/17/2013 at 10:18

Well then by your standards it is not, but by my particularly American standards, once you start breaking 30 m.p.g. on the highway, you're getting good fuel economy. I wouldn't mind paying the fuel costs to daily a C7 Corvette, and I could live with, say a Camaro SS. I'm not hard to please.

NoahthePorscheGuy > TheBaron2112
12/17/2013 at 10:18

I know im doing it wrong. That's why I've been freaking out. I only use 93.