Hot hatch, cool reception
Abarth has revived the Esseesse package for its 595, but can the hot hatch contend with the best?
Another day, another Abarth 595 variant. It only takes a quick glance through the firm’s site to see there’s many of them, and now this - the Esseesse. Those with some Abarth knowledge will know this trim level is far from new. Roll back to 1964 and you’ll find the nameplate was first use on the original Fiat 500, while more recently in 2009, it saw usage on a special variant of the Abarth 500 which brought some additional performance goodies. Now it’s back for another run out, in a similar fashion to the car that came just over a decade before.
WHAT’S NEW?
Think of Esseesse (pronounced more ‘essay essay’ than ‘SS’) like an option pack and you’re on the right path. Setting it apart is a set of white 17-inch ‘Supersport’ alloy wheels, an Akrapovic exhaust, a new Brembo braking system and a mechanical limited-slip differential to help manage power at the front axle.
UNDER THE BONNET?
Powering the 595 Esseesse is the most potent version of Abarth’s 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine it currently offers. It sends 178bhp and 250Nm of torque to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox, with the 0-60mph sprint covered in 6.5 seconds and a 140mph top speed possible. In a word, the unit can only be described as peaky.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
Little has ultimately changed about the Abarth 595’s appearance with the Esseesse package, with the model still retaining a look akin to a sports trainer. It’s one we’re big fans of ultimately, and it perfectly suits the yobbish nature of the hatch. Throw in the red calipers, 17-inch white alloy wheels and various exterior badging that comes with the Essesse (pronounced more ‘essay essay’ than ‘SS’) and you have a car that properly looks the part.
The addition of Akrapovic carbon-effect exhaust tips is a nice touch, too.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
We’re going to start this with the price - a whopping £25,760. That’s already almost £2,000 more than a rangetopping Fiesta ST-3, and that’s before we come to the lack of kit. Though you do get the go-faster Esseesse bits, there’s not really enough equipment to justify the cost. To its credit, there is a seveninch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay linked up to a Beats audio system, a pretty slick digital instrument cluster and automatic air conditioning, but that’s about all.
THE VERDICT
As something to drive for fun, the Abarth 595 Esseesse may be a compelling option. Its raucous exhaust note and brutal engine are highlights, and it has the head-turning looks. If we’re honest though, it’s a bit rubbish as a serious hot hatch. We mention the Ford Fiesta ST a lot because that’s the benchmark, and this falls a long way from that despite costing more.