ABARTH 595 TROFEO
Abarth expands its line-up of Fiat 500-based pocket rockets
You might think that five models in the 500-based Abarth range would be enough. But no, Fiat’s successful performance brand has just introduced another limitededition version along with a new permanent model, badged Trofeo.
The pricey limited-edition model is the 695 Yamaha XSR, inspired by the brand’s Motogp sponsorship, while the £17,360 595 Trofeo slots between the £15,260 base 595 and the £18,360 595 Turismo.
The Trofeo, meanwhile, uses a version of the 1.4 T-jet engine with 158bhp and 169lb ft. That peak power figure is 15bhp more than the standard 595 and only 5bhp less than the Turismo’s 163bhp. It’s a trivial difference, the two powertrains delivering identical torque and the same 7.3sec 0-62mph time. You’ll go just over one mile per hour faster with the full 163bhp, but the base 595 you’ll beat to 62mph by 0.5 sec. The Trofeo package also provides more performance hardware.
Over the standard 595 you get bigger 17in alloys, a dual-mode, quad-pipe exhaust, perforated brake discs and Koni rear shock absorbers featuring the suspension brand’s Frequency Selective Damping (FSD). The non-koni front struts also feature an extra oil-way to improve their handling of high frequency bumps that affect ride, without compromising the suspension’s ability to deal with the low-frequency wheel inputs required for good roadholding.
Inside, the seat fabric is perforated and the U-connect infotainment includes some basic telemetry.
You enjoy these toys perched high in the 500’s cramped, narrow cabin, but unless you’re tall the feeling of confinement soon evaporates because you’ll be concentrating on some lightly riotous entertainment – or at least you will if the roads are smooth, as per our Sardinian test drive. This is a car with the front-end bite of a terrier and the same smallscale determination.
Decently precise steering (but don’t expect much feel), grippy seats and a robust aura encourage bold driving, especially when you discover that you can bung this Abarth at tight corners and, with the ESP dormant, enjoy exits that border on four-wheel drifts. It’s a frenetic thing, then, but not madly so.
We know, though, that the 595 can turn undesirably lively on wellbeaten B-roads, and that’s how you’ll probably feel if your journey is long. But if you can live with that, this more affordable route to extra Abarth power and kit will tempt.