Abarth Turismo or Fiesta ST?

S

Sgreen

Member
Hi all,

Looking for people's opinions on the Abarth Turismo v Fiesta ST. I have just started a new role which has a company car cash allowance. Now whilst I could put my E89 35is on the company insurance that's not going to happen as I don't want to lose my NCB and also i want to keep as my special toy :D .

However keeping the Z4 restricts what cars I can look at for a company car because of the space I will have left on the drive. (We already have 3 cars, 320d belonging to the other half as his business car, the Z4 and old school NSX).

So my criteria is small car, fun to drive but good over long distances (i.e. The odd journeys that take 5/6 hours to get to my destination).

I have the Abarth and Fiesta ST short listed. On test drives the Abarth is nippy and a hoot, but I am unsure about comfort of the seats over distance. The Fiesta also fun and well appointed inside, as well as planted, however I had a Fiesta titanium several years ago and it was full of electrical issues (including melting the master fuse at only 1 year old) and the dealership service department were awful and really couldn't care less.

Does anyone have any experience of either car that they would be willing to share?
 
The new fiesta is a great drivers car, it also feels like a mid-size car on the road capable of doing journeys in reasonable comfort, I'm 6'2" and headroom is OK but seat size could be an issue if you are a very big fella. I haven't driven the Abarth but a mate swapped his out after a few months as he couldn't live with the crashy ride and wayward antics of the front end on poor surfaces or in the wet (and he's a proper petrol head).

Having said all that I would check out the actual dimensions of something like a new Fiesta compared to other contenders you might have considered, 'small' cars ain't so small any more! The Fiesta is less than a foot (28cm) shorter than something like a Golf where as the Abarth is a full 1/2 meter shorter than the Fiesta, so a different size class all together.

Choices :)
 
Ewazix said:
The new fiesta is a great drivers car, it also feels like a mid-size car on the road capable of doing journeys in reasonable comfort, I'm 6'2" and headroom is OK but seat size could be an issue if you are a very big fella. I haven't driven the Abarth but a mate swapped his out after a few months as he couldn't live with the crashy ride and wayward antics of the front end on poor surfaces or in the wet (and he's a proper petrol head).

Having said all that I would check out the actual dimensions of something like a new Fiesta compared to other contenders you might have considered, 'small' cars ain't so small any more! The Fiesta is less than a foot (28cm) shorter than something like a Golf where as the Abarth is a full 1/2 meter shorter than the Fiesta, so a different size class all together.

Choices :)
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+1 all of the above really. My choice would be the Fiesta all day long. If you think your previous experience owning a Fiesta was bad it will pale into insignificance if you buy a Fiat! :rofl:
Completely agree on the sizing of cars these days, you may well be surprised what actually fits on the drive. That said I would still probably opt for a Fiesta over say a Focus if you dont need the space. Apart from the obvious cost savings etc the slightly smaller/lighter car is going to feel a bit more agile on the road etc
 
I was thinking the same thing - my friend has a Fiesta ST and we have done some long journeys in that which has been relatively comfortable.
The Abarth was on my shortlist but purely as a fun little runaround, not for doing mega long drives in - I also wanted the Comp.

The Fiesta is a better all round car - just got to be careful as they are easier to break into than a can of beans so insurance will be high (not an issue for you though) Just don't leave any valuables in them at any time as they will probably be gone, along with the car in no time.
 
I drove to Silverstone in a 595 Competizione from Edinburgh and it wasn’t bad at all. I thought it might have been a bit of a nightmare in terms of seat position etc but it was fine and it seems to sip fuel even when going for it (not used to that on such a small tank). The only issue with the 595 is the fact it’s so light that when you have to apply the brakes sharpish, it’s a definite change of pants moments. Especially if you’re driving on an A road or Motorway.

However fab car for around the twisty country roads and the sound can be quite addictive.
 
Another fan of the new Fiesta here. Not driver the Fiat though so I can't compare them.
 
I had an Abatth on an extended test drive as my wife was considering one as a runaround.

Neither of us liked it and would take the fiesta every day of the week 👍
 
My daughter just sold her Fiesta ST as it was just too uncomfortable for her on any journey longer than an hour I think the main thing is the suspension is stiff and jiggly and as standard they come in Zetec Spec which didn't include cruise control. She has now gone to a Focus ST that suits her much better and is a hell of a lot nicer ride quality than the Fiesta
 
How about an AUDI A1, compact yet definitely comfortable on a longer run

Additionally, pre registered A class Mercs represent a good buy (I obtained a prereg C class with a 45% discount with 200 miles on clock)
 
Big big ST fan here, they are simply bonkers drivers cars, comfort isnt bad at all if your used to this type of car. However if your not.... it can be a shock to the system. This is probably one of the best all round if not the best ive ever owned. A stage 2 ST will leave most z4s for dead on a country road. Im just waiting for my replacement to arrive but i will truely miss this car.
 
allanhelen said:
My daughter just sold her Fiesta ST as it was just too uncomfortable for her on any journey longer than an hour I think the main thing is the suspension is stiff and jiggly and as standard they come in Zetec Spec which didn't include cruise control. She has now gone to a Focus ST that suits her much better and is a hell of a lot nicer ride quality than the Fiesta
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It sounds like you're talking about the st180 model Fiesta. The new Fiesta ST is much more refined in The ride quality department.
 
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