Having had a disaster with a secondhand Audi TT, I have leased a new Abarth 124 Spider for 2 years. Always wanted an Abarth ever since I worked at Thruxton and one of the bosses had a Strada Abarth. This one is 1400cc turbo with about 170 bhp or so. Quite enough power for me and it goes rather nicely, the limited slip diff lets it wag its tail just a bit and the exhaust, which is tuned for Abarth, makes it sound good and fruity. I had to go for the auto gearbox as my wife could not reach the clutch, but as long as you stick it in sport mode and use he paddles it is fine.
Seems to be quite rare, I have seen a couple of Fiat 124s but no other Abarth versions. Roof down on a day like today reminds me that driving can still be fun.
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One of Mrs DP's colleagues has one. Absolutely loves the thing.
I haven't driven or been in it, but I can vouch for the fruity noise it makes. Plenty of popping and burbling on the overrun, especially.
I don't know if you are aware, but the 124 shares its underpinnings (and production line) with the ND generation MX-5. Engines and trim aside, they are pretty much the same car.
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The MX-5 one does not do the popping and burbling.
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Yes, I was aware of that. At the time of ordering Mazda were not doing the hot version of the.
MX5 and as I said above I always fancied an Abarth
I think it has the same chassis but different suspension, gearbox, brakes and engine and exhaust.
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>> ... Roof down on a day like today reminds me that driving can
>> still be fun.
>>
Absolutely right. I wish you many pleasureable miles in your new toy.
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Thanks. Great drive down to Goring this morning then back early afternoon. Bit chilly first thing but roof down once the sun was up properly. Solihull tomorrow, hope the weather holds!
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Abarth - 124 Spider - new toy - DP
