Well I'll get some pics up (of the standard one), but I drove it

Got to drive one with the SS kit. The guy told me that exact car only just had the kit put on the day before. He said compared to a standard Abarth it's a totally different car. Much stiffer but noticably better to drive overall.

Got around 25 minutes (on mixed roads) in it but didn't totally thrash it or find out true potential (as it was soaking wet). What I did find was:

- Handling/Steering: I heard it was quite light but far from it. It was very meaty, and heavy in a good way. It honestly was like a little go kart. Even in the wet it felt condident going round roundabouts. The steering in my GTI feels heavy and gives lots of feedback compared to say a new Mk7 Polo, yet the 500 made the GTI's steering feel limp and a little slack, it was so precise. Turn off the Sport button and it feels like a newer Polo. Actually great for just doing town driving, and apparently it saves fuel too. The ride is quite hard but not any worse than my Polo on coilovers.

- Engine: Although I never red lined it (it was wet plus I wasn't going to drive like a idiot in front of the salesman), put your foot down and it just goes. There is no delay when you put the pedal down, it is like a tap. The GTI there is a slight delay but because of it being an N/A engine with VVT. This being a 1.4 Turbo is a totally different kettle of fish so the power delivery is instant. Makes a nice little roar too.

- Interior: Build quality is easy as good as any Polo. A lot of kit as standard, such as the upgraded stereo/speakers with I-Pod Connection. Disappointed with lack of Xenons and I would definately see if I could get some sort of HID kit. Boot space is tiny but room in the back is ok for a small car. Driving position is good too and the dashboard layout/design never gets old. The seats are a little disappointing as in they don't hold you in enough. It has black headlining like a Mk5 Golf GTI, which is something I like very much!

- Brakes: Very good. Instant response when you hit the pedal and good bite without being excessive.

- Gearbox: It's weird getting used to the high position of the gearstick but I got used to it pretty quick. Car magazine found the gear change slightly disappointing and I have to agree. It's a little slack and wish it felt a little sportier. It's only a minor niggle though.

Overall I love it to bits. I'll be back in Glasgow in June so gonna take more time out to have another test drive (hopefully in the dry). I want to try the Punto Abarth too. The salesman actually prefers it and says the SS version is a mental thing. He also said they are two totally different cars so it's a little unfair to say one is better than the other, it's more down to preference. I've pretty much decided to buy one, although not until March next year until I get more money and get my Polo in sellable condition (it's looking a bit sorry for itself as I've been so busy recently). Looking at a red one with the SS kit, climate, red leather seats, white checkered roof and Scorpion badge on bonnet. Can't wait

p.s. Feck your Mini, they are ghey!

Edited 30 March, 200917 yr by Mouse_GTI

Hi mate, I own a 6n2 polo gti and my bro owns the newer 1.8t polo gti which is infact currently in the for sale section on club polo. This is because he has just bought an Abarth 500 with ss kit. Its amazing! he test drove the new ibiza cupra, scirocco, mk5/6 gti golf and the abarth. Fell in love with the 500 and I'm sure as u know it drives and looks amazing.

If you haven't already I would defo get the abarth, and certainly stay clear of the clio 200 might be fast but its a terribly tacky package.