FIVE TRIALS

We enjoy the Fiat Strada Abarth 130TC and put it fully to the test

1 DAILY DRIVING

Visibility is mostly excellent, especially through those big side windows, though the unhelpful positioning of the nearside door mirror (obscured behind a thin quarterlight pillar) is one of the car’s little quirks that you’ll need to get used to. You’ll want to be a bit precious about the interior too – trim is hard to replace and plastic items such as the indicator stalks feel fragile. As a driving machine, it’s more than up to the job, with tightly-spaced gears and mid-range power making overtaking manoeuvres something to savour. Given its propensity for corrosion, though, keeping it off the road in winter is advisable.

2 IN THE SERVICE BAY

The engine breathes through two twin-choke carburettors, so maintaining a good state of tune takes a slightly more hands-on approach than it does with its fuel-injected rivals. That said, it’s all good old-fashioned mechanicals so there’s nothing dramatically difficult about looking after a Strada. The main difficulties will concern the endless business of keeping on top of rust, which is likely to be extensive, so if you’re handy with a MIG welder you’ll have a head start. Replacement panels are increasingly difficult to come by, so expect a fair amount of fabrication to be required during any restoration work.

3 ON THE SHOW CIRCUIT

This isn’t a very well-known hot hatch, and those boxy looks aren’t to everyone’s tastes, so don’t expect an endless stream of admiration. Do, however, expect to be buttonholed by the occasional gobsmacked enthusiast who hasn’t seen a Strada Abarth for decades and wants to know everything about it. Fiat fans are a sociable bunch, often with a soft spot for an underdog, some modifying experience and a crazy plan up their sleeves. They’ll know the 130TC’s reputation as a GTI-worrier, though relatively few people have actually been behind the wheel of one. You certainly won’t be short of events to attend, and friends to make.

4 THE LONG WEEKEND

This is no GT car, nor does it pretend to be. Nevertheless, rear passengers prepared to squeeze behind those bonkers Recaro front seats (a task which shouldn’t be undertaken lightly if you’re in any way generously proportioned) will enjoy a comfy rear bench big enough for two. It’s pretty sensible up front, too, with two glove compartments and a dinky little storage tray in front of the gear lever… not that you can actually reach it when you’re strapped in and on the move. The boot is big enough for a few big bags, thanks in no small part to the fact that the spare wheel is slung underneath the car.

5 THE B-ROAD BLAST

There’s a fair amount of body roll once you start kicking it about, despite the stiffer springs and anti-roll bar, so you soon appreciate those bucket seats. Torque steer is reportedly quite considerable without the under-bonnet strut brace (a common aftermarket option, which is added to the car you see here), but the steering has an eager turn-in. It may lack the 205’s precise flick ability or the Golf’s ride refinement, but there’s a huge sense of enjoyment as you lurch between the bends. Its raucous engine note drums through the body, coupled with an immediate rush of impetus. It’s simply massive fun.