New Abarth 595 priced from £17,760 22 | 01 | 2021
THERE’S ALWAYS BEEN something hugely appealing about the Fiat 500-based Abarth 595, but now there’s even more to be excited about. It’s just been updated for 2021 with a host of new personalisation options and technology upgrades. Available to order from next month, prices start at just £17,760. (Related: Renault 5 reborn as electric supermini)
Buyers can choose from hatchback or cabrio, and four variants — 595, Turismo, Competizione and Esseesse — all powered by an uprated version of Fiat's turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine. Power ranges from between 143bhp and 178bhp, depending on the variant you choose.
Standard-fit on the 595 is a five-speed manual gearbox, but buyers can also opt for an automatic option with paddle shifters. The 7.0in infotainment screen has been updated to show new start-up and shut-down displays, and significantly, Sport mode has been renamed Scorpion. The latter is a reference to the Italian brand's emblem.
Across the four version of the Abarth, the mechanical differences are minimal. That said, the more focused Competizione (from £23,060) and Esseesse (£26,560) are fitted with a larger turbocharger. They also benefit from Brembo brakes with lightweight aluminium callipers, uprated Koni shock absorbers and a mechanical self-locking differential.
At £20,960, the mid-range Turismo gives buyers a choice of new colour for its bespoke leather seats, while the Competizione gets an Alcantara-upholstered dashboard. It can also be painted in a new matte blue colour inspired by the 1970s Fiat 131 Abarth rally car.
Buyers can also opt for a set of eye-catching 17in alloys modelled on those from the 1990s Lancia Delta Integrale.
The range-topping Esseesse announces its arrival more audibly thanks to revised innards for its Akrapovič exhaust system. Elsewhere, across the range a flat-bottomed steering wheel and LED daytime running lights are now standard.
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Jim McGill