![]() | #736 |
BHPian Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: BendaKaalooru
Posts: 55
Thanked: 102 Times
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![]() | #737 | |
BHPian ![]() Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Ooty
Posts: 31
Thanked: 39 Times
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Most of my Business trips to Europe will be to Italy and Spain, where I see lot of Fiat cars on road. During my last visit in November, one of my customer, took me on his 3 door Punto, which had run more that 250000 KMS. He was driving pedal to the floor, which is very rash to European standards, and the car equally responded well. He spoke highly about the reliability of the car and did not want to part its company since 9 years. He also has a Honda CRV, but he prefers driving the Punto. This some what influences me to stick with Fiat and not go for JTP. While I was trying to contact Marvel Fiat, Erode, for Abarth quotation, I got a lead of 2016 pre-owned Abarth in Erode, which has run 18,000KMS and in good condition. I'm quite new to this forum and I'm not sure if I can mention the price here. Now I'm in a dilemma whether to go for a new or pre-owned one. | |
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![]() | #738 |
BHPian Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Bombay/Bangalor
Posts: 67
Thanked: 59 Times
| ![]() Headed for the test drive today with mixed feelings. The news of the Fiat brand shutting shop has indeed dampened the spirits. Even my Fiat owning friends are now suggesting it is time to look beyond the brand. Maybe the sales guy inadvertently did me a favour by not responding to my request for the past week. The big question in my mind will be availability of spares, especially since I was thinking of holding on to the car for a long time. Time to read up on the experience of the Chevy ownership threads. |
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![]() | #739 | |
Distinguished - BHPian ![]() ![]() | ![]() Quote:
But if you want a hatchback with nice power, modification potential and can deal with a FNG, go ahead and buy the Abarth Punto as most the parts can anyways be procured from Mopar. One thing for sure, ownership wont be a cake walk. Last edited by khan_sultan : 4th February 2019 at 16:09. Reason: edited quoted post for better readability | |
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![]() | #740 |
Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Delhi
Posts: 4,862
Thanked: 7,295 Times
| ![]() Have done 2100 kms, man, this is one amazing machine. The power on tap and consistent city FE of 10-11 is icing on the cake. No need to worry about the brand going in grave, this car is meant to be enjoyed. In fact, post the forge IC change, I did find a better bottom end and engine breathing more freely. More mods to come slowly. ![]() Last edited by manson : 7th February 2019 at 20:15. Reason: Typo. |
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![]() | #741 |
BHPian Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Bombay/Bangalor
Posts: 67
Thanked: 59 Times
| ![]() Update on test drive 1: Spent more time in the showroom than driving the car. The manager and the sales man were in "let us explain why you need not worry about the article" mode. Heard them out, but there was nothing much that they could incrementally add to the bits in the public domain. Coming to the car itself. 1. The seating position - I'm 6', 115 kgs. And it took me barely a few seconds to find a good position. I guess that's good news given all that's been said on this. 2. The dead pedal - Aaaaaargh. I was wearing my boots (had taken the RE) and it was a mess. The size 13 left boot kept fouling with either the dead pedal or the clutch pedal while driving. Couldn't figure that bit out in the 10 minute drive around the showroom. I asked if it could be removed (the dead pedal, not the boot!!) was told "No sir". Will be critical to check this on the longer test drive next week. Has anyone removed/tried and failed to remove the dead pedal without mutilating the well? 3. The brakes - Woooowieeee. Best set of brakes I've come across in a small car/compact sedan 4. The engine - barely got it going beyond 1700-2000 rpm. And I guess that's a good thing. Sets expectations on what to expect while using it for the 30 mins / 3 km long trip between home and the daycare centre. I expected the 1.4 given that it is a 1.4 to have a bit more grunt at the low end vs say the petrol DZire. The next drive will be a longer one and I do plan to stretch her legs. 5. Other bits - Only black colour in stock. That's the one I would have opted for in any case. 10 days for delivery after booking. That's cool too. Company scheme of 1.88L as mentioned earlier. The OTR quoted is more than what other BHPians have quoted earlier in the thread. I did some comparisons using carwalle (to account for the difference in road taxes) and realised that I need to negotiate a fair bit. Didn't really bother with the music system. Will be me by myself most of the time and the stock one will serve my purpose. More after the next test drive. Cheers! Last edited by suhaas307 : 4th February 2019 at 22:15. Reason: Spacing for improved readability |
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![]() | #742 |
BHPian ![]() Join Date: May 2016 Location: Gurgaon
Posts: 238
Thanked: 318 Times
| ![]() So, finally got this beast home on 01 February 2019. One hell of a machine. I am just loving it and regret my decision of not owning it earlier. It's hard to find such cars meant for sheer driving pleasure and more often than not, we choose mileage above everything else (PS: I owned a Ritz and now own a Brezza and Celerio). I have just done around 300 KMS and already loving it. Sharing a few pictures below: ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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![]() | #743 | |
BHPian ![]() | ![]() Quote:
![]() While many are stuck in a state of ambivalence, given the sealed fate of Fiat in India, I feel glad to get my hands on a master piece like this while I can. Enjoy your ride man! | |
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![]() | #744 | |
BHPian ![]() | ![]() Quote:
Wish you many happy and safe miles with it. You should consider upgrading those tyres ![]() Last edited by suhaas307 : 5th February 2019 at 01:38. Reason: Spacing | |
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![]() | #745 | |
Senior - BHPian ![]() Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Wellington
Posts: 2,889
Thanked: 4,352 Times
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Next, wear less bulky footwear. Makes a world of a difference on a car with a cramped foot well. I struggled with this for years until one day, I decided to wear my fancy red Puma Ferrari sneakers and it was a match made in heaven. | |
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![]() | #746 | ||
BHPian ![]() Join Date: May 2016 Location: Gurgaon
Posts: 238
Thanked: 318 Times
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Thanks so much! While I agree that the tyres can be upgraded, I want to keep it stock for the time being and will consider mods may be after a few years. Last edited by khan_sultan : 6th February 2019 at 08:26. Reason: Back to back posts | ||
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![]() | #747 |
Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Delhi
Posts: 4,862
Thanked: 7,295 Times
| ![]() Next work done: Improving the overall driveability and making the car faster. Estimated 170 bhp and 280 nm at crank post Quantum Remap. ![]() More in the coming weeks. |
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![]() | #748 | |
BHPian ![]() | ![]() Quote:
A good set of tires can improve the driving experience to a different level. I think you know what I am getting into ![]() Last edited by pavi : 9th February 2019 at 20:23. | |
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![]() | #749 |
BHPian ![]() Join Date: May 2009 Location: Pune
Posts: 629
Thanked: 651 Times
| ![]() Got this baby home last week. She was sent straight to the detailing studio from the showroom. This car is money well spent! ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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![]() | #750 | |
BHPian ![]() Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Mumbai
Posts: 317
Thanked: 278 Times
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