New Abarth 595 and 595C convertible complete guide
May 13, 2016 by carwow staff
Car changing is a big deal
Abarth has announced details of the facelifted 595 that, although based on the Fiat 500, promises hot-hatch performance in a compact package
Fiat’s in-house tuning firm, Abarth, has released details of its latest hot hatch – the 595, in both hard-top and 595C convertible forms. Using the facelifted 500 as a platform, this aggressively-styled supermini packs numerous mechanical upgrades to boost both handling, outright speed and occupant comfort. Read on to find out exactly what’s new. When a new car is announced, there’ll often be sizeable discounts to be had on the current model. Find out exactly how much you could save by using our Abarth 595 configurator or, if you’re after wind-in-the-hair motoring, use our Abarth 595C configurator.
New Abarth 595 styling
The new Abarth 595 boasts the new 500’s revised headlight and brake light designs but adds striking new bumpers with gaping air intakes and bold black detailing. The nostril-like intake beneath the badge are larger than ever and the rounded vents ahead of the front wheels feature a more angular and aggressive design than the outgoing model. The 17-inch alloy wheels not only come with a two-tone finish but they’re seven per cent lighter than those fitted to the outgoing car. Three new paint colours will join the 595 palette – Modena Yellow (shown), Abarth Red and Iridato White, while new two-tone paint schemes will be available in a selection of blue, black, grey and red colour combinations.
New Abarth 595 interior The new 595’s interior will come as standard with a flat-bottomed steering wheel and an instrument layout inspired by Abarth racing cars. Leather upholstery and Alcantara seats using carbon fibre frames will be available as optional extras. A five-inch touchscreen infotainment system is fitted as standard but customers can upgrade to a seven-inch system with sat nav functions and a 480W Beats Audio stereo system with seven speakers. The dashboard fascia comes in a selection of four finishes – body-coloured as standard, matte grey on Turismo models, gloss grey in Competizione trim and an optional carbon-fibre finish inspired by the 695 Biposto.
New Abarth 595 engine and driving
The 595 will be available with a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with three different power outputs. Entry level and Turismo spec cars produce 145hp and 160hp respectively, the latter thanks to an upgraded Garrett turbocharger, while top of the range Competizione models develop 180hp. A limited-slip differential that offers greater grip when exiting corners at speed is available on Competizione cars. This device, when paired with upgraded shock absorbers, aims to reduces the understeering effect that can plague fast front-wheel drive cars. All cars feature a five-speed manual gearbox as standard but customers looking for a more extreme driving experience can upgrade to a racing-derived sequential gearbox, operated by paddles on the steering wheel.
New Abarth 595 price and release date
Entry-level 595 models cost £15,090, mid-range Turismo cars a slightly headier £18,290, while top-spec Competizione cars will set you back £20,290. Convertible 595C models carry a £2,000 premium over their hard-top cousins across the range. Cars will be available to order in the UK from May 13.
Save money on your new Abarth 595
If you can’t wait for the launch of the new 595, check out our Abarth 595 configurator to get a great deal on the current car. If you’re not sure what to buy, read out list of the 10 best hot hatches currently on sale or take a look at our deals page and car chooser tool.