The updated 2018 Abarth 595 range has landed in
Australia, bringing a fresh look, a much-needed infotainment upgrade, and lower
pricing. Now kicking off at AUD 26,990 plus on-road costs (down AUD 510) for the
entry-level 595 ‘Series 4’ manual, the updated model brings an additional 5,4 Hp in base trim, now sitting at 145 Hp from its 1.4-litre turbo four, along with a
new 5.0-inch Uconnect colour touchscreen infotainment system with DAB digital
radio.
Other changes for the base car include new LED daytime-running
lights, improved aerodynamics, an “improved sport-oriented” steering wheel
position, and new poly-elliptical headlights. Standard equipment includes
16-inch right-spoke alloy wheels, body-coloured side mirrors with power
adjustment, satin chrome trim for the door handles and badge highlights, and
dual-chrome exhaust outlets.
Next in the two-strong line-up is the 595
Competizione, which is pitched as the more “radical” offering. Starting at AUD 31,990 plus on-roads (down AUD 5010), the flagship Italian hot hatch gets a power
bump to 179 Hp, four-piston front Brembo brakes with red calipers, along with a
bi-modal ‘Record Monza’ exhaust system with quad tips.
There’s also Koni shock absorbers front and rear, a
carbon-fibre/Alcantara multifunction steering wheel, 17-inch ‘Corsa’ alloy
wheels, ‘Tar Cold Grey’ exterior highlights, leather sports seats and
additional exterior colours – including a number of two-tone combinations.
Both versions are offered with a 440W Beats Audio
sound system, while the 595 Competizione is exclusively available with Sabelt
sports seats in either cloth or leather/Alcantara trims. Additionally, both the
595 and 595 Competizione are available in both regular hatchback and
convertible body styles.
