While Fiat has been enjoying plenty of success with its cute 500 city car, sister brand Abarth has been hugely appealing to hot hatch buyers wanting a sportier version.
Known as the 595 (a more expensive and rarer 695 is also offered), this Abarth is a tuned version of the Fiat 500, though it’s a rather different character indeed.
It’s a model that’s seen various limited editions, some of which continue today. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
What engines are available?
Since the Abarth 595 was conceived more than a decade ago, the model has always used the fantastic turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine, which is known as the ‘T-Jet’.
It’s available in various outputs, with the range beginning with a 143bhp version that serves as a good entry point to the range. You’ll see 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 131mph with this version.
Up next there is a 163bhp version, which cuts the 0-60mph time down to 7.1 seconds, while the most powerful variant is the 177bhp version, which is available exclusively on the two top-spec versions. This helps to cut the 0-60mph time down to 6.5 seconds.
A six-speed manual transmission, though an automatic gearbox is also available.
What trim levels are offered?
Rather than having trim levels, as such, the 595 instead is available in various editions. Prices and equipment highlights are as follows.
595 70th Anniversary – from £16,685
Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, matt black bumper inserts and electric door mirrors. Elsewhere it also features LED daytime running lights, sports seats, and a five-inch touchscreen with DAB radio, Bluetooth and various Uconnect services.
595 Pista – from £19,135
Separating it from the regular 595 is the Pista’s 17-inch matte black alloy wheels, aluminium sports pedals and green colour kit. It also features air-conditioning and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. In terms of performance upgrades, it features a raucous Monza sports exhaust, as well as Koni rear suspension and a Garett turbo.
595 Turismo – from £19,685
This plusher version does away with the Pista’s performance upgrades, and instead a more discreet satin chrome styling pack, as well as automatic climate control, automatic lights and wipers, rear parking sensors and leather sports seats. A larger seven-inch touchscreen also features.
595 Competitzione – from £21,985
Moving back to performance, the Competitzione adds 17-inch alloy wheels, Alcanatra-trimmed interior and hard-backed sports seats. An Alcantara and leather sports steering wheel is another highlight, along with the aforementioned sports exhaust.
See Available 595 Deals595 Esseesse – from £25,485
At the top of the range, the Essesse adds a mechanic limited slip differential, four piston brake callipers and an Akrapovic sports exhaust. White styling elements also feature to give the model an even sportier feel.
What about personalisation?
Abarth prides itself on the various customisation options available, which means there’s a whole host of ways to make your Abarth stand out. There’s a whole host of colours in both matte, satin and metallic finishes, with highlights including Modena Yellow and the newly-introduced Adrenaline Green. You can also pair it with other coloured accents, too, to contrast.
There are then a whole host of performance-themed options available – including Brembo brakes and a mechanical slip differential. Various, more conventional, options can be had too – a panoramic sunroof, carbon dashboard and natural leather seats being just a few available.