Abarth 595 Competizione as a daily?
Discussion
Mrs geeks is due a new car, on the list was the new 595, she took it out at the weekend and on her return salesman offered me a run out too, not wanting to be rude I took him up on the offer. On return I was sold I wanted one, the pointed me at the managers own one mentioning it was for sale, its the Competizione with every option (he is checking on the PP which I believe gives it an LSD, anything else?) on it for a good price and only 1600 miles on the clock for a 6 month old car.
Booked in for a go in it on Wednesday. Before I head down I am aware there are a few here that use them in such a fashion, I do between 13 and 20,000 miles a year probably 75% motorway and 25% A/B Roads and City work (I am not office based it's rare that getting to a customer site doesn't involve the motorway at some stage). What are their motorway manners like? MPG? Running costs (servicing etc)
I'll also be taking a look at the Mini JCW and the Golf GTi as well if that helps as a reference (both 2 years older for the same money), I reckon without having driven them, the Golf will be the better compromise and the Mini probably a middle ground between the 595 and the GTi but having really enjoyed the short run in a base spec 595 I can't imagine not enjoying the Comp even more.
Booked in for a go in it on Wednesday. Before I head down I am aware there are a few here that use them in such a fashion, I do between 13 and 20,000 miles a year probably 75% motorway and 25% A/B Roads and City work (I am not office based it's rare that getting to a customer site doesn't involve the motorway at some stage). What are their motorway manners like? MPG? Running costs (servicing etc)
I'll also be taking a look at the Mini JCW and the Golf GTi as well if that helps as a reference (both 2 years older for the same money), I reckon without having driven them, the Golf will be the better compromise and the Mini probably a middle ground between the 595 and the GTi but having really enjoyed the short run in a base spec 595 I can't imagine not enjoying the Comp even more.
I borrowed a 595 Competizione for a weekend a month or two ago, drive a Mk1 Focus RS (garage queen) and a Mk5 Golf GTI (daily driver).
The 595 was great fun hustling over country roads for a B-road blast (until my girlfriend started feeling car sick and told me to wind it in), but for me it was far too harsh/stiff/loud for daily usage. It was fun for a weekend I wouldn't want to drive one daily to be honest, I was happy to be back in the more sedate/subtle Golf once the 595 was gone.
I think it probably depends what you're after and how much compromise you can deal with for the fun of the Abarth. I'd have one as a fun weekend car (but I have the RS for that, though I hardly ever use it) but it was too much to consider as a daily for me.
The 595 was great fun hustling over country roads for a B-road blast (until my girlfriend started feeling car sick and told me to wind it in), but for me it was far too harsh/stiff/loud for daily usage. It was fun for a weekend I wouldn't want to drive one daily to be honest, I was happy to be back in the more sedate/subtle Golf once the 595 was gone.
I think it probably depends what you're after and how much compromise you can deal with for the fun of the Abarth. I'd have one as a fun weekend car (but I have the RS for that, though I hardly ever use it) but it was too much to consider as a daily for me.
I own a comp with PP and daily it. I’ve been quite bad I’m not updating my thread in a while but here it is in readers cars: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I’m averaging about 35-40mpg the ride is firm but far less than my old Honda Civic. Commuting im city driving and motorway miles. It still hasn’t got boring It brings out the inner child.
I’m averaging about 35-40mpg the ride is firm but far less than my old Honda Civic. Commuting im city driving and motorway miles. It still hasn’t got boring It brings out the inner child.
It’s fine in 5th gear and I don’t notice that I’m missing a 6th gear. I cruise around between 70-80mph and it’s fine you only really notice the exhaust over 3k when it definetley gets louder.
Last year I wasn’t in a rush to get to Devon and plodding along I recorded over 50mpg but I have a heavy right foot so I don’t bother with trying to eek out mpg, I’d rather have fun.
The biggest thing I miss is cruise control but not enough to retrofit like some owners. We did an 700-800mile single run to Stuttgart last summer and with the sabelts we got out the car still feeling relatively refreshed for such a long journey in a small stiff car.
Here’s a good quote from someone about my car recently on here that I quite like:
Last year I wasn’t in a rush to get to Devon and plodding along I recorded over 50mpg but I have a heavy right foot so I don’t bother with trying to eek out mpg, I’d rather have fun.
The biggest thing I miss is cruise control but not enough to retrofit like some owners. We did an 700-800mile single run to Stuttgart last summer and with the sabelts we got out the car still feeling relatively refreshed for such a long journey in a small stiff car.
Here’s a good quote from someone about my car recently on here that I quite like:
wal 45 said:
Been in a convoy with you as well so know your Abarth doesn't hang about 
It certainly mixes well with the more powerful stuff. Most people who have dynoed there cars have got closer to 190bhp stock. Edited by ecsrobin on Monday 21st May 18:31
Just be careful you can get comfy in it is my only advice.
It handles motorways just fine other than the suspension is quite stiff and it bounces over poor surfaces. Exhaust isn’t drone like, nor do I find the car as a whole excessively noisy.
The wheel in relation to the seat can be tiring (it’s either long arms or short legs- it’s difficult to find a happy medium) and the seats can be an issue as they don’t go down low enough (I’m talking about standard seats not the sabelts- I think you can get a lowering adapter for them.) Because it also tilts the angle of the seat cushion at the same time it’s a bit hit and miss getting comfy.
Having said that I recently did a 4 hr slog, in stop-start snowy weather, for about 150 miles and got out ok!
It handles motorways just fine other than the suspension is quite stiff and it bounces over poor surfaces. Exhaust isn’t drone like, nor do I find the car as a whole excessively noisy.
The wheel in relation to the seat can be tiring (it’s either long arms or short legs- it’s difficult to find a happy medium) and the seats can be an issue as they don’t go down low enough (I’m talking about standard seats not the sabelts- I think you can get a lowering adapter for them.) Because it also tilts the angle of the seat cushion at the same time it’s a bit hit and miss getting comfy.
Having said that I recently did a 4 hr slog, in stop-start snowy weather, for about 150 miles and got out ok!
Sort of.
Had a Mini Cooper S (not JCW)
Ride was even worse in this on run flats than the abarth.
Better screwed together though (abarth isn’t flimsy, just the mini is very well put together.)
Mini was slower, thirstier and more expensive to run (but it’s almost a size up again I suppose)
The only thing I would say is massively better is the seating position. Goes nice and low in the mini.
If I had pick one over the other (and I like both) I prefer the Abarth; sounds better and seems a fair bit quicker (not sure it actually is, but seems to be more of an “experience”)
My main caveat would be the amount of motorway driving. I’d say the mini was better suited to that being heavier, sixth gear, and longer wheelbase.
Had a Mini Cooper S (not JCW)
Ride was even worse in this on run flats than the abarth.
Better screwed together though (abarth isn’t flimsy, just the mini is very well put together.)
Mini was slower, thirstier and more expensive to run (but it’s almost a size up again I suppose)
The only thing I would say is massively better is the seating position. Goes nice and low in the mini.
If I had pick one over the other (and I like both) I prefer the Abarth; sounds better and seems a fair bit quicker (not sure it actually is, but seems to be more of an “experience”)
My main caveat would be the amount of motorway driving. I’d say the mini was better suited to that being heavier, sixth gear, and longer wheelbase.
For comparison...I test drove a 595 and a JCW at the back end of last year and ended up with the mini.
I'm 5'8 and couldn't get comfy in the 595. The seating position was like sitting on a bar stool and there was no adjustment at all really. It definitely sounded the part but couldn't put it's power down at all (it was pretty cold to be fair!) And it skipped around corners when pushing on which was a bit disconcerting.
The Mini was more comfy, more adjustable, the exhaust is still very childish with pops and bangs when in sport mode and it has a 6th gear which is nicer on motorways.
The run flats are crap, it still wheel spins a bit if you boot it from standstill and it could definitely do with a proper LSD but overall I'm happy with my choice. I get between 37 - 40 mpg on my daily commute of mainly A roads and crap town traffic jams (16 miles each way).
So to summarise... Definitely drive both
I'm 5'8 and couldn't get comfy in the 595. The seating position was like sitting on a bar stool and there was no adjustment at all really. It definitely sounded the part but couldn't put it's power down at all (it was pretty cold to be fair!) And it skipped around corners when pushing on which was a bit disconcerting.
The Mini was more comfy, more adjustable, the exhaust is still very childish with pops and bangs when in sport mode and it has a 6th gear which is nicer on motorways.
The run flats are crap, it still wheel spins a bit if you boot it from standstill and it could definitely do with a proper LSD but overall I'm happy with my choice. I get between 37 - 40 mpg on my daily commute of mainly A roads and crap town traffic jams (16 miles each way).
So to summarise... Definitely drive both
I’ve got both -sort of. I’ve driven a jcw hatch as a main car for the last year and about 12000 miles mostly on b and a roads. It’s a great car with some character and reasonable comfort,performance and toys. The ride is a bit harsh but not so much that I’d complain. I get about 37-40 mpg. It handles motorways without any problems.
Make sure yours has the chilli pack and the recaro seats which are wonderful. I’d also recommend the xl tech pack with the head up display and I like the sunroof on mine.. mine has just about every option except the adaptable suspension.
The Abarth is a 695 Rivale c that I picked up a couple of weeks ago as a weekend car. I had a new Boxster gts for 3 weeks before an oil leak led to rejection. Then I tried to buy a jcw convertible-which shows how much I like the hatch - but failed for reasons not worth boring you with. I then turned to the abarth having owned an ss when they first came out. It’s great. Fine on motorways although more work without cruise and generally less refined. It makes the mini feel more grown up. I’m getting about the same mpg as the mini but driving harder .
Louder,more fun and lots more engaging than the mini. More character and more of an event..
BUT as a main day to day car i’d keep the mini as it is more refined and easier to live with when you just want to get somewhere but still with some fun in sport mode. If having something that will put a smile on your face is the criteria they both qualify. The abarth smile can be bigger but the mini is less likely to cause a frown.
I hope that helps. Any questions then fire away.
Make sure yours has the chilli pack and the recaro seats which are wonderful. I’d also recommend the xl tech pack with the head up display and I like the sunroof on mine.. mine has just about every option except the adaptable suspension.
The Abarth is a 695 Rivale c that I picked up a couple of weeks ago as a weekend car. I had a new Boxster gts for 3 weeks before an oil leak led to rejection. Then I tried to buy a jcw convertible-which shows how much I like the hatch - but failed for reasons not worth boring you with. I then turned to the abarth having owned an ss when they first came out. It’s great. Fine on motorways although more work without cruise and generally less refined. It makes the mini feel more grown up. I’m getting about the same mpg as the mini but driving harder .
Louder,more fun and lots more engaging than the mini. More character and more of an event..
BUT as a main day to day car i’d keep the mini as it is more refined and easier to live with when you just want to get somewhere but still with some fun in sport mode. If having something that will put a smile on your face is the criteria they both qualify. The abarth smile can be bigger but the mini is less likely to cause a frown.
I hope that helps. Any questions then fire away.
So I am back!
Cracking little machine that, was happy with it on the longish DC run I got, went down some bumpy A and B Roads at normal traffic pace and a short run of "making progress" and I will be honest it's more comfortable than my A4!
Sabelts were wonderful and they had already had the lowering mod (but still went back and forth) really supportive and I reckon with a little fine tuning I would be just as comfortable as any other car. It has the PP and that LSD does an excellent job of keeping it in check as well on the tight stuff you could take enormous liberties with it and it would scrabble out of the corner effortlessly!
Beats audio was excellent quality, not so fussed about the sunroof but it has one. Actually there isn't an option it doesn't have!
Last word has to go to that exhaust, it makes such a wonderful noise, hilarious just childlike glee the whole time I was in it!
Colour me impressed! Very impressed as it goes. Now to see if we can get a deal we are all pleased with and I think I will take it!
Cracking little machine that, was happy with it on the longish DC run I got, went down some bumpy A and B Roads at normal traffic pace and a short run of "making progress" and I will be honest it's more comfortable than my A4!
Sabelts were wonderful and they had already had the lowering mod (but still went back and forth) really supportive and I reckon with a little fine tuning I would be just as comfortable as any other car. It has the PP and that LSD does an excellent job of keeping it in check as well on the tight stuff you could take enormous liberties with it and it would scrabble out of the corner effortlessly!
Beats audio was excellent quality, not so fussed about the sunroof but it has one. Actually there isn't an option it doesn't have!
Last word has to go to that exhaust, it makes such a wonderful noise, hilarious just childlike glee the whole time I was in it!
Colour me impressed! Very impressed as it goes. Now to see if we can get a deal we are all pleased with and I think I will take it!
Great to hear you like it!
I tried to give a balanced view based on your comment about motorways and the fact that an Abarth could be seen as a bit "raw". But if you feel comfortable in it then go for it they are wonderful cars with a great character.
I'm sitting here now facing a 35 mile mainly b road commute in my Mini JCW and wishing I had the Abarth with me - I suppose that says a lot.
As far as the sunroof is concerned I would always go for one. I had one in my Abarth 500 SS and loved it. Tilt it open for extra noise from the exhaust. It also brought light in and the option of opening it for even more exhaust.
What colour are you getting?
I tried to give a balanced view based on your comment about motorways and the fact that an Abarth could be seen as a bit "raw". But if you feel comfortable in it then go for it they are wonderful cars with a great character.
I'm sitting here now facing a 35 mile mainly b road commute in my Mini JCW and wishing I had the Abarth with me - I suppose that says a lot.
As far as the sunroof is concerned I would always go for one. I had one in my Abarth 500 SS and loved it. Tilt it open for extra noise from the exhaust. It also brought light in and the option of opening it for even more exhaust.
What colour are you getting?
undred orse said:
Great to hear you like it!
I tried to give a balanced view based on your comment about motorways and the fact that an Abarth could be seen as a bit "raw". But if you feel comfortable in it then go for it they are wonderful cars with a great character.
I'm sitting here now facing a 35 mile mainly b road commute in my Mini JCW and wishing I had the Abarth with me - I suppose that says a lot.
As far as the sunroof is concerned I would always go for one. I had one in my Abarth 500 SS and loved it. Tilt it open for extra noise from the exhaust. It also brought light in and the option of opening it for even more exhaust.
What colour are you getting?
Loved it, the more I sit here thinking about it the more I enjoyed it! Your review did help thank you, I will still test the Mini but it's going to have to be leagues ahead to make me chose it over the Abarth if I am honest.I tried to give a balanced view based on your comment about motorways and the fact that an Abarth could be seen as a bit "raw". But if you feel comfortable in it then go for it they are wonderful cars with a great character.
I'm sitting here now facing a 35 mile mainly b road commute in my Mini JCW and wishing I had the Abarth with me - I suppose that says a lot.
As far as the sunroof is concerned I would always go for one. I had one in my Abarth 500 SS and loved it. Tilt it open for extra noise from the exhaust. It also brought light in and the option of opening it for even more exhaust.
What colour are you getting?
As for the sunroof, it has it although I wasn't fussed about it but I can see the advantage to it as well, not had a car with a sunroof for years though so I would probably enjoy it again.
Its in Circuit Grey I think, that or Record Grey, here is a quick pic I took on the way out, it has the Grey Abarth styling with Yellow Brembos!
Looks ace.
Just buy it.
I concluded after being given a c-class 220d to use while my Boxster Gts was being looked at before rejection that life is too short to drive boring cars.
If you love it buy it.
I had a choice of more or less anything and bought an Abarth a few weeks ago.Why - I connected with it and it is fun. The Mini definitely won't have the character or the noise and is much more ordinary.
If you really love it get it bought before someone else sees it in the sun.
Just buy it.
I concluded after being given a c-class 220d to use while my Boxster Gts was being looked at before rejection that life is too short to drive boring cars.
If you love it buy it.
I had a choice of more or less anything and bought an Abarth a few weeks ago.Why - I connected with it and it is fun. The Mini definitely won't have the character or the noise and is much more ordinary.
If you really love it get it bought before someone else sees it in the sun.
geeks said:
Loved it, the more I sit here thinking about it the more I enjoyed it! Your review did help thank you, I will still test the Mini but it's going to have to be leagues ahead to make me chose it over the Abarth if I am honest.
As for the sunroof, it has it although I wasn't fussed about it but I can see the advantage to it as well, not had a car with a sunroof for years though so I would probably enjoy it again.
Its in Circuit Grey I think, that or Record Grey, here is a quick pic I took on the way out, it has the Grey Abarth styling with Yellow Brembos!
That's Record Grey (metallic) I believe, Circuit Grey is a flat colour. They also do a Trofeo Grey which is similar to Record but more of a green hue.As for the sunroof, it has it although I wasn't fussed about it but I can see the advantage to it as well, not had a car with a sunroof for years though so I would probably enjoy it again.
Its in Circuit Grey I think, that or Record Grey, here is a quick pic I took on the way out, it has the Grey Abarth styling with Yellow Brembos!
We had a Record Grey Comp in the family and was a very good colour to live with. Great combination against the black wheels and yellow Brembos.
JKDesign80 said:
geeks said:
Loved it, the more I sit here thinking about it the more I enjoyed it! Your review did help thank you, I will still test the Mini but it's going to have to be leagues ahead to make me chose it over the Abarth if I am honest.
As for the sunroof, it has it although I wasn't fussed about it but I can see the advantage to it as well, not had a car with a sunroof for years though so I would probably enjoy it again.
Its in Circuit Grey I think, that or Record Grey, here is a quick pic I took on the way out, it has the Grey Abarth styling with Yellow Brembos!
That's Record Grey (metallic) I believe, Circuit Grey is a flat colour. They also do a Trofeo Grey which is similar to Record but more of a green hue.As for the sunroof, it has it although I wasn't fussed about it but I can see the advantage to it as well, not had a car with a sunroof for years though so I would probably enjoy it again.
Its in Circuit Grey I think, that or Record Grey, here is a quick pic I took on the way out, it has the Grey Abarth styling with Yellow Brembos!
We had a Record Grey Comp in the family and was a very good colour to live with. Great combination against the black wheels and yellow Brembos.
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