Fiat 500 US Market

Sport mode definitely tightens the steering, but I don't think it touches the suspension.

Doesn't yours default to off? I have to manually turn my sport mode on every time I turn on the car. I haven't figured out a way for the car to remember the setting.

 

Yes. I think you are right. Must be a placebo effect!

 

Pick mine up at 1:00 PM CST tomorrow. Can't wait.

 

Let's see pics asap.

 

While the 500 is certainly cute, I just can't see myself driving one on a regular basis. Are you guys buying these things for your teenage daughters, or do you plan to drive them yourselves?

 

For me. Yes, no doubt many see it is a chick car, but so far buyers appear to be male and female all ages.

 

This one is for my daily beater (if I can get the keys from my wife). I've spent enough time in old European towns, I really like cars this size.

 

Totally agree. I want a small, cheap to run but stylish and fun to drive car. This and the Mini are the only two in that category. I've had a Mini for 7 years now. I'm looking for something new and interesting to get me around town.

 

The Abarth will crush the chick car image.

 

First impressions, this car is brilliant. Controls are light, well placed, intuitive. 101hp in sport mode is not buzzy or underpowered, fine at 70mph+ speeds. Fun in the corners. More pics and write up later, but I am very pleased with the car. I didn't get a sunroof and there is more than plenty headroom at 6'2".

 

First pics...
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So which one is the real car, red or white?

Oh, I forgot, these aren't actually real cars.

Dale

 

Drive one, it will surprise you.

 

I dunno who has them in Houston. I don't think Risi does.

Dale

 

Very nice...white is sweet.

 

FIAT of McKinney
800 N. Central Exp.
McKinney, TX 75070
fiatusaofmckinney.com
*Opening: 4.4.2011
Sterling McCall FIAT
Coming soon!
Q FIAT
698 E. Airport Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
Website coming soon
*Opening: 5.2.2011
Northside FIAT
2201 Woodlands Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
fiatusaofnorthhouston.com
*Opening: 5.14.2011
FIAT of El Paso
950 Crocket Street
El Paso, TX 79922
fiatusaofelpaso.com
*Opening: 7.1.2011
Helfman FIAT
7720 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77024
fiatusaofhouston.com
*Opening: 9.30.2011
FIAT of Clear Lake
15711 Gulf Freeway
Webster, TX 77598
fiatusaofclearlake.com
*Opening: 9.30.2011
FIAT of Austin
11011 Domain Drive, Suite 124
Austin, TX 78758
fiatusaofaustin.com
Open now!

 

That car is really attractive. Can you shoot some interior shots and under the hood?

 

Not mine but they are all the same.
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Not all the same, I didn't get the sunroof, I'll get some additional interior shots later today.

 

Right, though they look the same (except the ceiling)

 

I sat in a demonstrator again the other day. The local dealer brought it to the all-Italian car and bike show. It got LOADS of attention from those in attendance - more so than the Maserati dealer - most likely because it's within the realm of possibility for real-world consumers.

The best feature of the eronomics is the seat-steering wheel-stick shift interrelationship. Very efficient use of space, and feels different from any other car currently on the market. It reminds me, in a subtle way, of how it always felt different to get into an Alfa Romeo spider at the annual new car show, thanks to Alfa's unusual stick shift poking from the dash.

 

It's not just the packaging, it works well on the road. This is an easy car to drive. Already expressed interest in getting their first Abarth (although I may have to go head to head with the dealer principal on that honor) and started discussing getting a race car, it does sound like they are going to bring the trofeo series to the USA...

 

MSRP?

Dale

 

Prima Edizione's are sports ($17.5k) with a $1500 package. Delivery was $500.

 

I was told I'm first in line for the first allocated Abarth at my dealer with my deposit. I didn't think of the dealer principal factor, but I will be aware that it better not show up with 150 hard miles....