Hello
The Alfa was in for a faulty tensioner on the fanbelt yesterday.
I had just paid the bill when I noticed the new Fiat 500 on the floor.
They not available here yet, and this is a media car.
While looking at it the salesman approached, and we got chatting.
I mention I am looking for a reasonable town runaround replacement for the 2.5 so we took the Bravo out.
First impresion was that this isnt your uncles uno or palio.
Fiat have said that it is a serious contender for the Golf/ Focus Segment, and they may very well be right.
The level of trim is very high spec, what you expect for this segemnt and the build guality, I have to say better than my 156, albeit 10 years older. Like many manufacutrers these days, you pay extra for toys.
Luckly the dealership is 400m away from the highway, and I took it out on the main road. The model I took out was the sport, 110Kw and 206nm of torque (230 with the powerboost). Having never driven a turbo before, this was obviosuly new to me, but I can hinestly say, I know of no 1.6 or 1.8, that has the pull that this car has. Able in all speeds, happily pulling up to 5500 revs before it starts running out of steam. I floored it on the on and off ramp, and darts off the mark with no hesitaion. As I mentioned before, I have never driven a turbo before, so i cannot compare, but it is quic k to get used to. you can definately feel it, and its like a sugre of power that oozes in.
Steering is sharp, almost too sharp for my taste. I floored it to get over a robot, and I had to make a point of correcting the steering, as it turned sharply. (As opposed to the heavy nosed 156 which would understeer a little).
The ride is a little hard, but it comes standard with 17" alloys.
Gear changes smooth.
Why tell you about a little Fiat.
Well two reasons.
In SA here, the Bravo is stealing 147 sales. I am not supprised.
The top of the range sport here is 205K ZAR.
The 147 3 door 1.6 is 199K.
It gives the 147 a proper run for its money.
The maintenance plans are more comprehensive than the Alfa's as well.
But secondly.
This is the motor that will end up in the Mito. Or so we have been told.
If this is the case, we can really look forward to a nippy little car with Alfa Charisma, that even as a 1.4L will put a smile on your face, and Bar the GTI's and ST. Will put quite a few haches to shame.
This is a real little winner.
Pity I could not afford it at the moment
But it gives me time to save for the MiTo......
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