ABARTH 595 RANGE GETS 2021 UPDATE

Abarth has announced a series of updates to its Fiat 500-based 595 hot hach range, writes Jim Mcgill.

Available to order from next month, prices start at just £17,760, and the updates bring ahostofnewpersonalisationoptionsandtechnology upgrades.

Buyers can choose from hatchback or cabrio, and fourvariants—595,turismo, Competizione and Esseesse — all powered by an uprated versionoffiat’sturbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine. Power ranges from 143bhp to 178bhp, depending on the variant.

Standard-fit on the 595 is a six-speed manual gearbox, but buyers can also opt for an automaticoptionwithpaddle shifters. The seven-inch infotainment screen has been updatedtoshownewstart-up and shut-down displays, and significantly, Sport mode has been renamed Scorpion. The latter is a reference to the Italian brand’s emblem.

Across the range,

a flat-bottomed steering wheel and LED daytime running lights are now standard but the mechanical differences are minimal. That said, the more focused Competizione (from £23,060) and Esseesse (£26,560)arefittedwithalarger turbocharger. They also benefit from Brembo brakes with lightweight aluminium callipers, uprated Koni shock absorbers and a mechanical self-locking differential.

At £20,960, the mid-range Turismo gives buyers a choice of new colour for its bespoke leather seats, while the Competizione gets an Alcantara-upholstered dashboard. It can also be painted in a new matte blue colour inspired by the 1970s Fiat 131 Abarth rally car.