The barchetta was created at the height of manufacturers creating 2 seater softtops - a craze recycled by Mazda with it's MX5. An attempt at a modern Lotus Elan (the old RWD version). The fiat barchetta has pulled the rug from under the MX5 by providing a similar experience in a much more stylish package. The performance is brisk and certainly adequate for a "soft-sportscar", if you're expecting levels of acceleration more in common with a Caterham/Lotus/TVR then you'd better start saving. This class of sportscar offers more daily "usability", indeed the roots of the barchetta come from one of Fiat's popular hatchbacks ...  Read the complete review

Fiat decided to up the ante with little sports cars. No more 1.6 or 1.8 rubbish. They developed a 2 ltr 5 cylinder engine and stuck it in this neat little shell. This completely changes the character of the car and turns it in to a bit of a roadburner. Power is 150hp and it is good for 125 mph. Inside is a bit of a letdown. Although the dash is very swoopy it feels like the plastic is very light and flimsy. The seats are OK just check that you don’t drive around for the first few weeks with the heated seat on. Yes I know… My one complaint about the car is fairly terminal. The gearbox completely disintegrated after 6 months. It wasn’t abused it just ...  Read the complete review