It's a contender for sure. So a short background. I have been driving very sporty cars for many years. From a Morris Cooper, to DeTomaso Pantera L, to Lancia, to Mercedes, then a long courtship with Porsche ( Carrera, 996, Metzger Turbo) a bunch of Diesels of course and some that I really have forgotten or want to forget. Currently a BMW 3Diesel wagon and a Mercedes people mover and well a fun weekend car that gets a lot of driving.
I have been lucky.
Recently though, the constant threat of tickets and fines have put a damper on high speed cars that only come alive at 100 miles plus or so. So it was time for a reassessment and the idea that a sports car is something you can drive, want to drive, will drive all the time and is just fun and more fun at or below the speed limit(s) plus or minus. LOL. Our weather is warm, some would call it really hot for a few months, very little rain caus' it's a desert so an open top / cab is not as interesting as one would think. Our roads are HEAVEN, wide, swooping, multi lane, open and awesome sights and dotted with cops.
The search started, I am not going to talk about the ones I rejected but a bunch of cars did not make the cut because of the horrendous cost ( maintenance and repairs) to keep them on the road. Nothing is actually repair. It's all replacement. The dealership and shops love you. Actually; Me LOVES YOU LOOONG TIME" for those that know the joke. The criteria were simple:
1/ economical to own and maintain without do-it-yourself "upgrades"
2/ sexy and cute or both
3/ an astute engine
4/ manual box
5/ rare or maybe going rare
6/ a good following, forums, YTube activities
7/ spare parts, optional parts, option parts available
8/ willing to bring the car back with all maintenance up to date as a cost of the purchase.
9/some different, quirky, extravagantly, inviting "bring it on".
10/ a little show-off thing , anything others' cars don't have...

It took me a year PLUS do finally zoom in on this car./ year (2015 or later) and model. And I found it browsing YTube and forums of these cars that are HUGELY popular in Europe. They are still in production there so spare parts will be readily available...even if you have to buy them in Europe and import them which you won't have to do because some specialist shops are doing that already.

The number ONE STAND OUT feature is the amazing engine sound. The BEST of ANY 4-cilinder car around. BY FAR. Check some of the YT video's. The REASON is simple. The Abarth does NOT have MUFFLERS. Yes, you heard it. There are NO mufflers. It is the only STRAIGHT PIPE CAR approved in the USA that I know off. It blows your mind and car guys everywhere in ear-shot will lift their throttle to find out which Italian super car is approaching. Well... that's maybe a little exaggerated...but not by much.

The number TWO standing out is the RAW power and its competent delivery across the power band,

So here is a picture, its a 2500 lbs car, it's a 4 seater, yep 4 seats, 160 horses (no ponies), 5 speed manual with perfect spaced pedals for yes...your imperfect heel-and-toe attempts (remember those ?).

I might post some more ramblings..

2015 Abarth getting a bath.

2015 Abarth ready for some action
Complete with a little dent in the drivers door which will be taken care off.