The new Abarth 595 may look like a small city car, but make no mistake, this little car packs a punch. To make the new model Abarth drew experience from 695 Biposto - described as the "smallest supercar" - and have set out to create a car that is as powerful as it is small. Three trim levels are available, all of which come with three different power outputs, the top being a generous 180 bhp. The new 595 is available as a hatchback or a convertible and prices start from £15,090 and £17,090 respectively.
City car dimensions, hot hatch performance
As mentioned previously, three trim levels are available and each provides a different amount of power from the same 1.4 TJet engine. The base model 595 will offer a 145 bhp, the 595 Truism steps it up to 165 bhp, whilst the range-topping Competizione offers 180 bhp. The latter gives this pocket rocket a 0-62 mph time of 6.7 seconds. That is faster - albeit not much - then the Ford Fiesta ST which is one of the best hot hatches money can buy at the moment. Having said that, the top 595 does cost a bit more and has a lower speed so that is something to consider.
It's not just the engine that has been beefed up though, the Turismo and Competizione models receive Koni FSD rear shock absorbers that optimise road-hold, handling and stability, but the Competizione also receives the same shocks on the front. The prices for these two models - in hatchback form- start from £18,920 for the Turismo and £20,920, so in this case it's probably worth paying the extra £2,000 to get the top model if you can.
The Competizione features a limited slip differential when chosen with a manual gearbox which means the car should have optimal grip when coming out of the corners and will greatly reduce understeer. Bigger brakes will also be on this car and will be provided by Brembo. And of course, there is a sport button which once pressed will give a faster throttle response, steering that is more direct and an instrument panel that changes to a racing configuration.
Not all about the performance, there are some toys too
Inside the cabin you will find a Uconnect 5" HD screen that has your usual smartphone connectivity, but it can also give you telemetry of your driving and it has pre-loaded circuits on it which could come in very handy on a track day. Not something you would use everyday though but it's something you can brag about at the pub as least. One thing you are likely to use each day however, is the Beats audio system which features seven speakers.
Could this car ruffle a few feathers in the hot hatch world? Well on paper it looks like it has the goods but how will it fare in the real world?