I think this was a very balanced view.... The one thing to remember when anyone buys an Abarth is not to expect a perfect car, but expect a fun car and you will not be disappointed.

Never switch off sports mode, better mileage, better steering. None of your annoyances have ever annoyed me but we are all different.

On a positive note it's nice to see a young lady that's not in a forgettable SUV.

I collected my Abarth this week, and had it on a 170 mile round road trip up to and around the Scottish Borders country roads. It’s fun to drive and goes like a rocket. I love it to bits. The only downsides are minor and things you can put up with - door and boot handles feel a bit flimsy, the fuel cap mechanism is just stupid, and it does attract more attention from kids in Clios and Fiestas who think you constantly want to race them

Haha I agree with this completely. The exhaust is very loud all the time and the suspension is very hard for everyday driving. But it’s good fun and has great styling. Great honest review! 😊

I've just had mine for a month. Just makes me appreciate the skill in design and engineering to make this tiny wee car such an adorable angry mini beast. I LOVE IT 😍

Keep at these genuine reviews because although it might take a year or two once the internet notices you your channel will fly as you definitely bring something unique to the party

Nice review Tish, like your honesty. A lot if things you don't notice as much when on just a test drive, only things you would find out with having for a longer period of time. This will be very useful for those considering buying one.

I really appreciate the *honesty* of your reviews, Tish… You say exactly what you think of every car, and the pluses and minuses that you have personally experienced (including the quirkily pleasant surprises or the seemingly minor but nonetheless genuinely frustrating niggles, that so many motoring journalists completely overlook). 👍 You also review a very interesting and varied mix of cars, and appear to drive them long enough to give an informed *driving and ownership* focused perspective, rather than merely reeling off a bland, sterile set of vehicle performance statistics that rarely convey the practical aspects of owning and driving the car. The growing confidence of your reviews and the impressive quality of your video presentations really makes your channel shine, and I applaud you for the painstaking amount of time and effort that you obviously expend, in order to provide your viewers with such quality….. It’s time and effort well spent, because I’m sure that you’re building up a steadily increasing number of loyal and appreciative subscribers because of it. As I liked your video (and because you requested it from those who did) I really wanted to give you “A MASSIVE THUMBS UP.” Unfortunately, however, I couldn’t do that as - when I checked - it turns out that I don’t have a massive thumb… 🤔😉 So I gave you “a handsome and aesthetically proportioned thumbs up” instead….. I hope that’s sufficient. 😂👍

Awesome review Tish! I agree with every positive & negative aspects of this Abarth! It does seem cheap and tacky inside with some of the components, such as the gear lever. In my opinion, its slightly underwhelming! But packs a punch with its dynamic and eye-catching speed! Overall, fantastic to watch! Keep up the terrific hard work! I'll be eagerly awaiting the next episode dropping! 🙌🏻👏🏻👍🏻

Great honest video, nicely presented. As others have said, this will help the channel fly. Keep up the great work.

This is the most genuine honest review I've ever heard about an abarth 👍 to you

Great video, Tish! I still think this car suits you very well; albeit with a lot of annoyances that you have to put up with. It’s like the old Defender for me - as I said in my overly corny comparison video, it’s horrible to drive, slow, uncomfortable, but that’s why I love it, because it’s flawed. Not something I’d own on a daily basis, but as a second, third or fourth car. Very interested to see what you’ll do with it, keep up the great work, and looking forward to another Abarth update!

Great video - cars like these are always great fun just not as practical or relaxing when you want it. Can't have it all ways though!

Another great review 👍

I've owned a 2011 500 esse esse since new. Yes, 17 inch wheels are harsh on Wustralian roads, but owners of other brands, like BMW M3, also experience the same harshness. Fixed the problem by changing down to 16 inch wheels, made things much more comfortable. The exhaust is deliberately noisy, but many new owners fit even noisier aftermarket exhausts and get a "carpark crackle tune" to make more pos and crackles. Otherwise its just the most fun ever in a car.

Have been quite fascinated with these cars especially since they are so affordable and offer good value for money…your review has made think twice..thanks

Yet another great review 👍

Tish… one question I forget to ask, you reviewed a 145 in one of recent videos , in your opinion how much quicker was the Turismo vs the 145?

Good review ! I have a Abarth 595 comp as a second car and I absolutely love it , a pocket rocket 🚀

Best Abarth review out there in my opinion. Thanks for sharing. Jan.

Having to hold in the roof button on its final stage may be its a safety feature to prevent for instance a child getting its head/throat caught?

Can anyone who’s owned one for some time be able to give a rough estimation of the fuel economy range in normal vs sports mode? I’m reading some people never take it out of sport mode, others only use the button for having a bit of fun here and there, but what MPG would you get if you drove continuously on the same mode?

Was your usual consuption 9,5l/100km?

Hello can someone help me thinking of getting a 595 2016 blue convertible with a roof like this. Do you have to maintain the roof then ? What happens if it rains or you wash it doesn’t it go mouldy and damp on the inside and eventually green etc I’m slightly worried now thanks Also what about the standard 595 does that sound still as good and pops and bangs etc or is it just the turismo and also what’s the difference in performance between the turismo and standard 595 thanks

Good honest and informative review. I think that to be a fan of these cars you really have to understand them, the problems/niggles pointed out are all founded (especially the seating position)and all of which are inherited from the Fiat 500. The difference is that the Fiat 500 gets away with it , maybe due to the fact that the 500 is after all a relatively cheap , charming little run around but due to the massive price increase of the 595 Abarth (compared with the Fiat 500) these niggles are questioned. My thoughts are this - the additional money that you pay for an Abarth vs a Fiat 500 is basically performance! All the extra cost goes on performance parts , Engine, Turbo, suspension, breaks, wheels, exhaust and so on. Fiat/Abarth haven’t invested in changing the refinement, I can except that because the Abarth makes up for it all with its character and fun factor. To me it feels like a hot hatch straight out of the 1980s or 90s and I love that retro style.

Hey Tish, your original 595 competitione review spurred me on to get one a few months ago, I now own one in adrenaline green 🙈. I average around 35mpg and I use sport mode 50 percent of the time so you getting 30 mpg seems strange considering the turismo has less bhp than the comp. My comp has no sun visor mirror which is so irritating, I have to lean over and use the rear view. The thing I hate are the tiny aircon vents, there's no position to have them so you feel it on your face 100 percent because the steering wheel partially blocks it. I really wish the exhaust was almost silent when out of sport mode, yes it sounds amazing when starting up but leaving for work before 7 and also going out late at night does make me paranoid sometimes. The thing I dont understand is the lack of electric folding mirrors, my previous car (fiat bravo sport) even had them... And my sisters scabby picaso does too 😂 🤷 oh and I really wish the bumper plastic was painted, even if it was matte black, it's definitely on my to-do list. Anyway lovely review as always😁 🇮🇹

A couple of points, the stiffness of controls will ease as the mileage goes up, and mpg should be 40 plus unless your giving it the "beans".......Short shifting is a good way of improving as is block changing.i have a similar engine in my Delta (140 hp), and can get up to 50 mpg.... As far as the roof is concerned, the last part of closing is manual so you can set the open gap to your own personal requirement......just a thought.....Great video ,well done.

Sport mode is a must, what I did notice is that the Abarth Turismo they sent you is a pre refresh (March 2021) not a massive difference but the new seats are diamond stitch and the sport mode is now Scorpion mode. Perhaps this is why you got such a great deal.

Hi i have had the 145bhp Abarth mta And now have a Turismo 2022 year model mta on order even the basic Abarth 595 i had was quick and the upgrade to the new model i am looking forward to. I have had the semi auto dsg type gearboxes and a Skoda Fabia vrs dsg in the past and i just like the rawness of these little cars.

I had 4 Abarths, not convertible, and I kind of agree with most of the gripes, especially the gap in the seat. I forgave most things because its an ageing design. Based on a city car, some could be better. Most things should be fixed by now, but they're not. I got used to the driving position, although I doubt I'll go back, though. It is compromised in may ways, the biggest for us being its so tiny If going for a factory order, go for a fixed roof with the sunroof, we did that, makes it much nicer inside. The fuel consumption was around 32, seems worse because the tank is so tiny and the fuel light/range reading is bizarre, that exhaust encourages the revving! I found the gearbox to be fine, I do agree that its a car you always have to "drive", you can't really relax, which is more tiring on longer journeys. But, what fun!

Hi Tish I have had 2 both Comps and when i sold them one in 2016 and 2018 you do actually miss them ,the personality and cheeky little looks/exhaust there's not much that can match them , yes its not perfect Abarth`s were never meant for that , they are to put a smile on your face everyday even when you feel down . There`s not many cheeky little cars can do that .Enjoy :)

While the Abarth is a very cool thing with loads of personality, you'd have to really, REALLY love the car to put up with it for a long period of time. Otherwise all the little quirks will drive you utterly insane. Italian flair, right? Maybe a liitle too much of it I"d say. I think it"s a very good second car for the weekend or whenever you want to go annoy the neighbours! 😁

Pro tip, if its too big for the trunk just open the top and put the items in. also pro tip 2, you can detatch portion of the sun shade/mirror and adjust the angle :)

I used a very similar "some will love it, some will hate it" in my video review of the North American Fiat 500 back in 2011. In 2020, I bought a used North American 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth. This model has the turbocharged engine that delivers 160 HP with sport mode on, and 135 HP with sport mode off. Keeping the sport mode off in the city is preferable so that you don't take off like a rocket whenever the light goes green. The hatchback model will resolve most of the problems with the roof and the boot. No convertible of course, but you can still have a sunroof. I'm surprised the convertible's roof can be so wonky! The cheapness of the buttons doesn't really annoy me. What matters to me is that the car's interior is easy to clean especially during a typical Canadian winter. The car can become pretty messy! Surprisingly, the Abarth's OEM winter floor mats were less expensive and appear better built than the custom aftermarket mats I could find online. My Abarth has a modern digital dash but the older radio with the orange LED display and SiriusXM satellite radio. No problems with the screen, but no extra features. That's fine by me because I only listen to a single local radio station. I'm surprised your seat's height can't be adjusted. My Abarth has height adjustment, but only for the driver's seat. I also have no distance adjustment on my steering wheel just like yours, but by some miracle the wheel's already at the perfect distance for my driving style. Luck of the draw, I suppose. Are you using the recommended octane fuel as indicated in the owner's manual? The minimum "acceptable" octane fuel will give you low power and crappy mileage. The recommended octane fuel will work much better. Just like your Abarth, the stiffness of the ride was enough of a problem that I absolutely had to correct it. I swapped the stock shocks and struts with cheaper and softer KYB Excel-G shocks and struts. I kept the stock springs. The car's now much more comfortable and it still holds the road almost just as well! It can be a bit more bouncy, though. I love my little car! It gets me everywhere and it's so much fun!

Agree completely we tried one and found all the same problems you did, so went for a Mini Cooper S instead

Good honest review 👍 i can't believe there is no height adjustment and no reach adjustment on a car made to have fun in! deal breaker for me in any car never mind a sporty one!

great review tish i think your missing your vw up i would get a new vw up love watching

Then why you use a convertible if the roof is annoying

I enjoyed your review, what I get is an honest opinion of gripes that get blown away when you want fun!! Anyone thinking of acquiring this car will do well to listen to what you say but watch your smile when you let rip. Booked your track day yet? Thanks, and how about a vid of a good hoon?

I like the sound

I agree entirely with you.

Great video Tish. If the car puts a smile on your face on a London commute....well I think that is a thumbs up for fiat.!! I drove an Alfa for some years and it too had issues but I still loved it. 😁😁

Great second car (ensure to take the Cabrio version; I know it isn't a real one but it is good enough). Have it for 4 year now. Took it last weekend to the "Champagne" area in the North of France. Unforgetable experience. Hope to keep this one forever; you know... when we all have to drive electric... still having one of these in the garage... that will do...

I like the cold start of the F-Type R V8 previous generation.

I drive the hard top 595 Turismo and I enjoyed this review. The criticisms and niggles are common to all reviews of the Abarth but, as Tish points out, the flaws are part of its character and it’s a very subjective drive. Personally, I love it to bits and enjoy driving it immensely. It never fails to put a smile on my face and, I suppose, that’s the reason for having one. Is any car ‘perfect’?

Lovely big exhaust Trish

Tish yep such a lovely rear end but enough of that back to the car such an Honest eye opening review and for the money it would cost to buy i would be very disappointed at what I would consider a basic car ie no cruise etc would love to know how much it would depreciated over a year I agree a fun drive but not enough to make me buy one loved the content of the video well done

I love this car, its a shame I can't afford it as a CBU, as in India, this car is no longer on sale. This is a perfect urban commuter, but with a character. And a Manual transmission is a delight

As an owner of a 69 plate turismo(not cabrio) I concur with a few things you say, but not all... My mpg is much better and I do a mixture of short hops and longer drives on the motorway occasionally... The gearknob is aluminium, not plastic, so it should look better and feel better than you suggest.. Beware the gearknob on very hot or very cold days though if you have the car long enough... I like the exhaust note, the comp would drive me mad, and the harsher suspension wouldn't be for me either... And if you press the sport button, it doesn't change the exhaust note at all.. Just throttle response and steering.. They are very marmite cars I think, but they have a massively passionate following on social media despite all the misgivings and old platform and interior fittings.. Even today I was told how nice my car was, so abarth must be doing something right :)

Nice review. But keep eye on fluid/oil leak by your driverside front wheel.....xx

Looks wise Tish it seems to suite you well but obviously your driving it day in day out and know whether it’s for you or not. It’s like back in 2005 I was 18 I had a New Citroen C3 1.6i 16v Exclusive SensoDrive I got called Grandad for having it but I loved it.

I think that I’ll stick with my BMW 125D M Sport (2015 vintage) cheaper tax, 6.5 to 60 and 150 mph , it’s only got 60k miles on it so only just run in. I looked at one but I just couldn’t get comfortable in it, I like my seat low and drive arms fairly straight with thumbs on the spokes of the wheel which is impossible in the Fiat.

The roof has a safety feature that is why the roof closes like that 😀

Looks like a bit of a workout that car. Is a Mini Cooper better? Expect the fuel consumption isn't great as it needs a few more miles on it.

A daily driver to make you smile Tish 😃

Once the vehicle has run in, the fuel figures will improve, but with the roof down, it will use more, Fiat gearboxes have always been notchy, Fiat build better cars than they did years ago, they are a lot more reliable, Fiat electrics have always left something to be desired

i had a 2020 comp until recemtly, and it spent most of its time in sport mode. i was getting mid 30s to a gallon. only did 5000 miles in it, because all the issues were starting to get on my wick too much. monza exhaust went rusty, brakes would constantly squeak and up to a month before i sold it, the engine would sometimes stall on its own. shame, because the car overall was a hoot to drive. yes very dated and theyre way overrpriced for what they are. shame.

You do complain about seating position adjustment (or lack of it) and yet you don't even adjust what's possible in the correct ergonomic way. The seat is leaning back way too much and / or the seat is too far from the steering wheel. You find yourself holding on to the wheel on the bottom... That's also why you can't reach the screen.

The i20 N is going to be the car of choice to have over this any many others.... The mirror is over like that to try and stop the driver sitting in traffic messing around with Makeup Or while their driving so there is a valid reason

At least they aren't boring. 😁

I genuinely can not believe you had complaints about the loud exhaust. You know this is an Abarth, right? You do know this is a sports car, right?

You should test drive the Mazda MX 5 ND ;)

The convertible roof last foot or so is not automatic because of the safety freaks. it can't be automatic in case someone traps their hand in it! annoys me too on ours, but you get used to it. Try the voice control to use the stereo/nav. it does work OK albeit a bit "italian" ie clunky 😂

This one made me laugh. As I motor trader I find bug bears for fun. . Mostly live with them if driving position and comfort seat bob on. Once seat uncomfortable. Game over. Had a trade Yamaha Editioin Dec. Drive twice. Actually prefer the base slow 1.2 Lounge but did love the noise.

That was one of my biggest annoying things it will let me know I've got 400 miles in the tank it will let me know I've got 300 miles in the tank, well I obviously know that because I've got almost a full but when I really need to know I've got 30 miles or 25 miles left it won't bloody tell me, it just reads no petrol once again poor quality ☹️

The Abarth 595 is a relatively inexpensive way of looking seriously cool.

No car is perfect. You like the Abarth...buy one. If you don't, don't. I can't help but love em!

And the black Abarth cat !! Check your lipstick while your driving !

What a great shame that most of the video was a complaint. Easy to get 40 MPG even driven hard, watch the video and you will see the unburned fuel pouring from the exhaust! Try changing gear at the right time! Being a man I have not used the make up mirror but I can see how that may be awkward. I agree about cruise control, it should be standard in a car like this. Mine is the hard top so that probably also adds to my MPG. Soft top open = tons of extra drag. Fuel filler lock is daft as you say and again on a £20,000 car keyless entry would be better, but this car is all about driving.

✌️😎💗

Don’t check the vanity mirror while driving!!!!

My fiat 500 had the seat gaps, phone ended up in the back all the time!

What a fantastic review. Lovely young lady to watch too. Better than most of the presenters on television.

I didn't like the fit of the boot size but I loved the fit of the.. ... jeans👖 Boom 😂

Why did you buy a abarth?

You're driving an Abarth for heaven's sake. It is supposed to be noisy. Lookup who Carlo Abarth was.

You can complain. It sounds too much and too hard in its suspension. You are sitting in a sports car, what do you expect.

Did somebody say PCP??

Can't see you keeping it long with all the niggles, bet you're glad you didn't get it on an ordinary finance agreement. Had the same problem with my Suzuki Swift Sport, great fun to drive but I needed more comfort at my age so it had to go.

I brought one of these for my girlfriend omg it's terrible everything fell apart the quality is so bad the ride is bloody awful it was a year old when we brought and 6-months later couldn't wait to see it go nothing but trouble. So I brought her a mini John cooper works (I've had minis for years) really good quality as it's a bmw product and my girlfriend absolutely loves it,, if you're thinking about a fiat abarth don't get one,, go and get a mini jcw

I guess the mpg is so low because half the fuel is spent out of the exhaust lol. Fun car. Considering it but hell current fuel prices that will only go up really worry me and wondering whether I shouldn't aim for a bit more toned down more economic car.

Tish tish ,it’s Italian the abarths are full of strange quirky quicks .

Fiat have changed the engine now its a GM same as in the vauxhalls it aint good 😢

The sunroof doesn't automatically close that last section so a child or stupid person can't as easily shut their neck/arm in it

Abarth

There is no perfect car.This is a little car with character,Engines are good basically a small sporty drivers car.

She does not understand this car drive slow in a sportscar , do you drive fast in a old mans car Toyota?

Poor girl.

Arrrr barf, sounds like a sick pirate...

You should go trade that in and buy a Skoda and leave the Abarths to the people who actually appreciate them

I like your down to earth approach and your career in presenting would be enhanced a lot if you pronounce your g’s . I train presenters for TV and it is the one bugbear that directors have , lazy English ,…… so please do try as you have a lot of potential.

At the end of the day it’s just a cheap dressed up Fiat, cheap feel and penny pinching come as standard. Not worth the premium money

Then don't keep it I love mine

NO NO NO. The Exhaust noise makes the Abarth.

No cruise control no thank you.

Were you driving barefoot

Tish will you be my GF? 🤣

Hahhahahhahah....youre negative "spots" about this car make me laught....

You are still mispronouncing ABARTH........It is pronounced "Abart "(the H is silent).....