2011 Abarth 500 Esseesse

Add to that a firm ride, and it’s clear that the Esseesse is not designed for long journeys. All those noises and sensations add to the drama though, so we won’t knock any points off.

Suspension: The suspension is set up for grip at the expense of comfort, and although the Abarth pitches wildly on poor tarmac, it corners like a go-kart.

Mid-corner bumps can cause the tyres to skip and lose contact with the road though, so you’re best-off keeping spirited jaunts to well-groomed tarmac.

On the right kind of road, the Abarth 500 Esseesse is a delight to drive with plenty of grip, and decent feel and feedback (although torque steer can be an issue at times).