STATION MANAGER GETS NEW CAR

FIAT ABARTH 124 SPIDER

The Mrs fancied a new car (she's never had one before) so we looked for something that would compliment the vehicles we've already got. For a start, there's my truck which is great fun and it will lug virtually anything around. While holding the title of "commercial vehicle", it's still very car-like inside and it's extremely comfortable and also easy to drive with the big V6 engine and 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Then there's the bike for out and out risque riding and exhilaration. It's also quite good for weekends away, with its large top-box and optional tank-bag. So what would be the right "second" car? We wanted something small to replace the Mazda MX5, something sporty, a convertible and ideally, something that little bit special!

The first thing that sprang to mind was a new MX5. Very nice that new model, but it was doomed as soon as I realised that its bigger brother, the Fiat 124 Spider was available! The 124 is infinitely more stylish and attractive. Well, that's if you prefer the retro-look. And I do. It's more expensive than the MX5 but its worth every penny in the looks department.

But hold on a minute, don't Fiat do an "ABARTH" version? A hot, tuned up, racy model with a styling nod to the the 60's rally car? Yes they do. Again, more expensive, but just go and listen to one! The Abarth turbo-engine produces an extra 30BHP and it has modified suspension, better brakes (with shiny red calipers) and the AMAZING MONZA EXHAUST that is to die for!

Ordered. THE END