Buzzy, Noisy, and Eager.

"Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection" (itsalwayssteve)
11/14/2013 at 17:02 • Filed to: None

I drove one of these today. I'm 6'3" and about 300 lbs. I barely fit inside — the driver's seat was wrapped around me like a glove.

The noise it made was beautiful. The growl and whistle of the little turbo four was exhilarating and the crackle when I let off the gas made my man parts tingle. My wife and a car salesman were with me so I couldn't toss it but it was amazingly taut.

Alas, we're likely going with a base (Pop) model with alloys and automatic because it's what's in our price range — unless a stickshift pops up in the next few days.

DISCUSSION (12)

Saracen > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection
11/14/2013 at 17:05

See, I couldn't settle for a base model after driving the Abarth. I would regret the purchase immeasurably. I would look at another car.

Also...that will be slllloooow with an automatic.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > Saracen
11/14/2013 at 17:08

Well I can't really fit inside with the sunroof. It's going to be my wife's car, anyway, and she doesn't need speed. She'd prefer a stickshift but it's not an urgent need because it's just going to be a commuter. I had to talk her down from a smart because I love her.

lepie > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection
11/14/2013 at 17:09

The base model isn't anything like the abarth.

Personally, i wouldn't get either, but maybe that's just me.

Takuro Spirit > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection
11/14/2013 at 17:12

Guy I know has a Pop. He hates it. It breaks alot.

But he also owns a Samurai and a old man Tundra with wheel covers. Not sure how much I trust him.

He did own a GLH Omni at one point, so there's that.

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection
11/14/2013 at 17:16

Pop owner here....Get the stick shift, it's still fun and about $1200 cheaper than the auto... sport mode still gives you a bit of the craziness. If you don't want to go all out and get the Abarth, they have the turbo model that is not too much more than the Pop.

davedave1111 > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection
11/14/2013 at 17:25

If you can possibly hold out for a manual one, do so. A good chunk of the fun in a small Fiat is rowing your own.

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > lepie
11/14/2013 at 17:37

I've never driven the Abarth but I found the steering on the base model to be lacking if the sport mode is off.

lepie > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
11/14/2013 at 17:41

Abarth: torque steer! Not very precise, but very busy.

Base: typical FWD steering. Precise enough, but lacking in feel.

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > lepie
11/14/2013 at 17:47

Maybe I'm spoiled due to some of the cars I've driven, but FWD can be good. Just look at the Focus RS.

I really hope the next one is offered in the US.

lepie > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager
11/14/2013 at 17:52

FWD can be good, but generally isn't. RWD can be bad, but generally isn't.

Sweeping, unpopular statements, i know. Probably not making any friends here. I'm not saying FWD cars are any slower, because they aren't. FWD cars are safer in the hands of total boobs, more economical, cheaper, etc etc. There are a lot of arguments for FWD, but steering feel isn't one of them.

The focus RS is very good ... for a FWD car. So, when we're talking "very good in their class", why not compare it to a lotus, or an M car.

Let's talk about the qualities of the previous gen RS ... the engine. Oh god ... the roar. Five cylinders of furious thunder.

Ferrero1911 > Saracen
11/15/2013 at 01:33

I couldn't settle for the base model even before driving an Abarth. Sloooow is right.

Ferrero1911 > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection
11/15/2013 at 01:35

Make sure you really drive the pop before you buy it. It is nothing like the Abarth. On a side note, I revved mine up in 3rd under a bridge today and then let off right in the middle. The popping sound was awesome!