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First Sit Impressions

1804 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  Robtec
I managed to get over to the FIAT dealer today to look at a 124 in the flesh. First time I've seen one in person. Pictures don't really do it justice. It's a good looking car.

I really like the interior.

I sat in a Classica first. I fit, just. I'm 6'+, longer of leg. I think with a helmet my head will be touching the soft top when up. I'm not a fan of the seats. I seemed like I was sitting high in them. My normal driving position is all the way back, back as vertical as possible for good control access. Maybe the classic Miata "foamectomy" or similar could help.

I liked the interior touches in the Abarth and really liked the Recaro seats. Remind me a lot of the Recaros in my A4 S-Line with the Alcantara centres. The seats probably could use some more shoulder support though.

Is it just my imagination or do the Abarth Recaro seats drop you a touch lower? Maybe almost an inch?

I can heal-n-toe without issues - even with winter boots on. That was always a problem in my S2000 - just bad geometry for the pedals, footbox, leg splay, whatever no matter what shoes I was wearing. I don't look like a mutant, I swear!

Looking at the engine bay it seems like the brake lines between the vacuum booster and the ABS controller run along the firewall and pretty close to the turbo. That might be something to keep an eye on for track days. Hopefully it's not an issue that at worst case a bit of ATE super blue and some heat shielding can't fix. RHD wouldn't have this problem of course.

It's an ugly engine bay but functional I guess. Not a fan of plastic engine covers but yikes, I'll leave it on!

I didn't drive the cars. It's winter here and no point ruining them in the street brine.

The sales person didn't have any new info on a coupe but suggested wait for the Geneva show.

I like it.
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Anybody know if the Recaros do, in fact, drop the seating position? I'm 5' 7", liked the setup of the standard Lusso and Abarth seats. Was hoping for a car with the Recaros, but not so sure about that now if the seating position is lower.
Anybody know if the Recaros do, in fact, drop the seating position? I'm 5' 7", liked the setup of the standard Lusso and Abarth seats. Was hoping for a car with the Recaros, but not so sure about that now if the seating position is lower.
Gut feel was definitely yes. About an inch. I was going by my head clearance. I'm tall so was hoping for the drop but decided the standard leather was for me
I'm 5'7" as well and have the Recaro seats. I test drove an Abarth with the standard seats before buying the one we have and I can't honestly say there's much difference between the two.
Gents, thanks for the (prompt!) feedback. At this point, I'm just hoping to get my hands on ANY Abarth before the model year runs out. Apparently, Abarths with the Luxury package and the manual are rare. I'd like the Brembos, am pretty sure I want the Recaros, and am CONVINCED I don't want white or red. Hoping my dealer can come up with something, and also make a fair deal for it.
This is the Abarth we ended up getting. Automatic, Brembo brakes, Recaro seats and the Safety and Comfort collection.

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