Fiat 500 Abarth 1000 mile road test results

Drove from Dayton OH to Charlotte NC and back this weekend for the SCCA National Convention. After some debate on engine break-in I decided to take the Abarth. Some observations:

• Steering wheel could use some cushion, it's leather-wrapped stone. Wondering if I can get a cover that fits with the flat-bottomed shape.

• The seats are amazingly comfy. I did not expect much, being on the sporty side vs luxury. But even 5hrs in I felt fine, and I go to a chiropractor every month for adjustments. (After 7-8-9hrs it was a bit less comfy but even a recliner would have been by then.)

• Forget heated seats, give me a heated steering wheel! 15F and no gloves was like steering with an ice cube. (That's on me for forgetting my gloves.)

• There is no reason to not have "Sport" button pressed. I thought maybe the MPG might be a little better (not sure) but having sport to pass on a mountain is worth it...

• ...and there was no need to downshift to pass/climb a hill. Hit the gas, she moves.

All in all this was a very fun car to drive and the looks from the rednecks in WV trying to figure out what the hell that was was worth it alone.

Does it track straight on the highway? That's always a concern of mine with short wheelbase cars.

In reply to Woody:

I didn't notice any problems. Hit some good potholes and it hops around a bit but nothing unusual to me.

My mantra for 3 years has been "No car payments means more cash for racing"

You're making me want a car payment.

In reply to DaveEstey:

I haven't had a car payment since 2010 or so. Trust me, I held out as long as I could, but I couldn't pass up the huge deals on the 2013's.

Jerry wrote: In reply to Woody: I didn't notice any problems. Hit some good potholes and it hops around a bit but nothing unusual to me.

Yes, what is the difference in in stability compared to those other boats I've seen you driving around?

In reply to wae:

So much less wind resistance, no need for the "IH8WIND" plate the xB had at least.

I say it every time I read an abarth thread, but those cars sounds wonderful. There are 2-3 around me and anytime they go by I have a crisis in my pants.