New Abarth 595
Fiat’s performance arm has launched
their new 595 range today, bringing the Italian pocket rocket up to date with
the rest of the range and making it slightly more powerful. The range consists
of three versions: 595, 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione which offer 143 hp,
163 hp and 177 hp respectively from their turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engines.
Abarth has added 5hp to the engine
outputs of the first two versions while the range-topping Competizione model
can now be equipped with a proper (and optional) limited-slip differential.
Entry-level models can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds with the Turismo completing the same
procedure in 7.3 seconds. As for the 177 hp Competizione, Abarth reckons it’ll
require 6.7 seconds for the 0-100 km/h and will top out at 225 km/h.
As standard, all models come fitted with
a manual five-speed gearbox with Abarth offering a robotized manual version of
it as an option, featuring shift paddles behind the steering wheel.
Turismo models come with rear Koni
shocks as standard while the 595 Competizione is fitted with them on all four
corners. Braking of the fastest 595 is provided by Brembo, with 305 mm discs at
the front and four-piston calipers.
Building on the general refresh the Fiat
500 received last summer, the new Abarth 595 features a redesigned front end
with design cues taken from the Abarth 124 Spider and bigger air intakes that
increase cooling capacity by 18 per cent.
The color palette now includes no less
than 15 paint finishes, including pastel, metallic and three-layer paints and
five two-tone liveries. There is also a new set of 17in Granturismo alloys
(standard on Turismo) that are 7 per cent lighter and have over 50 per cent
more ventilating surface.
The cabin can now be specified with
Alcantara and carbon trim strips with Abarth creating a new range of upholstery
options. Entry-level models come with specific fabric seats while Turismo
models get leather ones in three different colors while Competizione models
come fitted with the hardcore Corsa by Sabelt bucket seats.
The new Uconnect infotainment system is
offered with a five-inch display as standard and a higher-resolution seven-inch
one as an option. The latter also features a special telemetry application
fitted with preloaded circuits to give you relevant information. Sales of the
new Abarth 595 will begin this month across Europe.