It's often stated the MINI is the gokart of the little auto fraternity, but we'd want to provide a fresh nomination for this title: the Abarth 500 Esseesse.

The famed Abarth name is now found on Fiat's operation-oriented vehicles, and also in the event of the Abarth 500 Esseesse the scorpion badge is proudly dominant both indoors and outside.

Obviously, the 500 Esseesse is founded in the humbler Fiat 500, itself a nod to the renowned Italian micro-car of the '50s.

Under the bonnet (unlike the first back-engine 500, the present car has its motor mounted within the front) lies a breathedon version of the 1.4litre fourcylinder unit found within the Fiat 500 and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Turbocharged, the gas - fuelled power-plant cranks out 201Nm and 118kW torque, with if the activity button is pressed 230Nm accessible. Combined with a fivespeed manual-transmission plus a kerb weight of just 1035kg, the 500 Esseesse can reach 100km/h in 7.4 seconds while having 6.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres in the mixed cycle. Pleasingly, the vehicle can operate easily on fuel, unlike a lot of modern cars which demand a minimum.

There's a softtop cabriolet version called the 500C Esseesse, too as the coupe. This swaps the manual gearbox for a difficult fivespeed automatic increases and manual Koni shock-absorbers as standard (they are discretionary within the coupe).

Finally, there's the coupe-based Abarth 695 'Tributo Ferrari' that includes a 132kW edition of exactly the exact same motor, is full of additional, higherquality gear, the automated manual gearbox, carbon-fibre trim, leather/alcantara seats and also the allimportant Tributo Ferrari badge.

With this evaluation, Private Fleet recently tried the Abarth 500 Esseesse in coupe form. Optioned with the exhausts in the Tributo Ferrari edition, it creates a raucous, engaging driving experience.

In 2013 this remains a vehicle, yet still the layout is eyecatching. An immediate contrast is provided by the inside, for the front-seat place is quite large and makes you feel like you're sitting on the peak of the automobile, instead of in it. The seats themselves are comfy enough, and there's a surprising number of room within the rear for those children.

The chunky steering-wheel is flexible for tiltonly, but the method by which the hand falls to the highmounted gear shifter comprises for that. All controls are simple to modulate, the clutch with a bite - point, the brake pedal with a lovely progression to it and tow downchanges for all those racy kinds - and - a pedal put perfectly to enable heel.

There's a noticeable lag in gear in comparison to competitors, with just a fivespeed manual, no parking lights, no satellitenavigation, onespeed intermittent wipers and also the non-reach adjustable wheel, although Bluetooth connectivity and also the normal suite of security functions are present.

Underway the Abarth 500 Esseesse is instantly business in its trip; in fact, it's amongst the companyest road cars I've actually driven- the 'go kart' phrase hasn't been more suitable for a road vehicle. Greater deflections are a jolting experience yet the damping keeps great body control, returning one to a state-of equilibrium fast. On smooth surfaces the tradeoff for this occasionally uneasy firmness is quite flat cornering, with lots of grip available.

Another button to the center console will even be crucial in case you appreciate sporty driving. Labelled 'TTC', the torque transport control system acts to be an electronic differential lock for the front wheels, feeling any traction loss as well as braking the spinning wheel to supply outstanding traction from tight corners.

Braking, in the interim,, is special.