The old battered white Uno is getting near end of days. I kind of feel obliged to get it past 1/4 million Km's but that’s only a few months of city commuting away. Then there is the question of what to replace it with. I have some requirements but finding something that meets them all is a challenge. It must be:
- Fun to drive – Fun to drive is hard quantify. Ever gone the long way home because it’s more fun? Nothing to do with power, even handling, just getting out thinking I wish could do that drive again, now, then doing it.
- Small – I hate big cars and I mean anything bigger than a supermini. Am I the only person to refuse an upgrade to a larger car at the airport rental counter?
- Relatively economical – The Uno has me used to Fifty Dollar fills, every 500km around town.
- A bit more powerful – OK, with only “45 Italian ponies”, probably more like 35 by now, that’s not going to be much of a challenge.
- Safer – State of the art late 70’s safety, again not much challenge to better
- Maybe rattle a bit less – The Mk2 Uno was slightly better than the Mk1 but I know all the interior trim by it’s audio signature…
- Probably Italian – Most would say that’s asking for trouble but my experience has proved they ain't all bad
This car meets the bill, it’s due in New Zealand next year… Brmm, Brmm
PS: Is white back in fashion for sporty Fiats?Fiat Grande Punto Abarth Driving Video - Via carscoop.blogspot.com
The 155Hp 1.4-litre turbocharged GTi on a twisty Mediterranean mountain route. Abarth will rollout the Grande Punto in Italy during September 2007 with plans to expand to additional European markets in early 2008.Fiat Punto Abarth breaks cover - www.fiat.co.nz
After months of eager anticipation, Fiat has released details of the Fiat Punto Abarth, the car that marks the return of one of the industry’s most respected performance badges and is on sale in Italy this month, with New Zealand arrival due in mid-2008.
The Punto Abarth is fitted with a 1.4 turbo petrol engine, delivering 116 kW. Combined with a six-speed manual gearbox, the engine gives the car a top speed of 208 kmh, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds.
The Punto Abarth is not just a high performance small car – it is also safe, and environmentally friendly… (cont)
