Abarth Grande Punto Hatchback (2008 - 2010) 1.4 Turbo (09) 3d Owner Review

If you like performance and Italian passion but you can put up with Italian quirks and can't stretch to a supercar, or even an Alfa Romeo, the Abarth brand offers characteristic, engaging, thrilling drives at everyday prices. The EsseEsse kit adds another depth of exclusivity (as well as an extra dose of testosterone, pushing the power output from 155 to 180bhp) to a car that is already pretty rare. It's not a huge learning curve to get the best out of it's engine and turbo system, but lookout for models where the gearbox is starting to show signs of it's design flaw. Electrical gremlins and condensation-plagued windscreens (as well as a boot leak) take the shine off what is otherwise an incredible piece of engineering for it's price range. Sure, you could have an ST, or a Type R, but so can everyone else, and this car really comes closer than any other to recapturing the spirit of the hallowed Peugeot 205 GTi, more so than any of the French marque's stable. Considering all the modern legal requirements Abarth have to contend with, that's quite a feat