Topic: 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth To Go Automatic

[Autos_Editor]

Top flight microcar will get a slushbox option for 2015

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[Noto]

Finally a smart move.  I still hate the blind spots on the car, but at least this makes business sense and they're understanding it.

[Weels]

Unless it was a really good dual-clutch, i wouldn't be interested, but I get why they're doing it

[Fobroader]

Would anyone interested in the Abarth version really take a slushbox.....kind of ruins the point of the Abarth....

[blotter]

Would anyone interested in the Abarth version really take a slushbox.....kind of ruins the point of the Abarth....

I agree, but when my wife bought her 500, maybe, just maybe if this was available, I would have been able to convince her to upgrade to it!

I think this is about UPSELLING.   I don't see how someone would walk into the dealership and say, oh I wanted the Abarth but is only available in a manual.   Most people that walk in and WANT the Abarth, want the stick.  Most people who want just a 500, will get upsold and having an available auto will open up the upselling. 

Finally a smart move.  I still hate the blind spots on the car, but at least this makes business sense and they're understanding it.

agree on the blind spots.     

[Noto]

Would anyone interested in the Abarth version really take a slushbox.....kind of ruins the point of the Abarth....

The manual Abarth is still available, so it's not ruined - it expands the reach of who 'will' buy it.  Fiat anticipates up to 50%!  That number isn't pulled out of one's as$.  I hate the blindspots, as I've said, so I wouldn't buy the Abarth anyway...but if I was interested, the automatic would make it a possibility as I would not buy a car with a manual.

I am very excited to see the sales #s for the 2015 WRX - this will be the epitome of whether an automatic belongs in a 'supposed-to-be-manual-only' car.  I wager it'll exceed Subaru's sales expectations by a long-shot.

[pcsp]

Great move by Fiat. Nobody benefits if the take on the 5 speed Abarth is so low that it ends up discontinued. I can certainly see scenarios where the previous choice would have been no Abarth (5 speed) now becoming Abarth (auto) or something else. For me, that would be a no-brainer if I could have the Abarth (providing it's the "C"). Choice is good.

[Noto]

Choice is good.

Yes, yes it is.  Now if only the morons hired by auto manufacturers to determine sales predictions would get their heads out of their as$es and check back to reality...

...looks like SOME are!