Abarth axes all bar Competizione
Abarth has shaken up its Australian 595 portfolio by axing all variants besides the Competizione and its convertible twin, both of which have been subtly updated for the 2022 model year.
Still respectively priced from $32,950 and $36,950 plus on-road costs, the Competizione twins are the only ones left in the shrunken line-up, meaning the 595-range’s entry price has risen a steep $5960 compared with the outgoing base 595.
Bearing the Competizione branding, however, means the remaining duo offers up more power and torque than their fallen brethren with each still rated at 132kw-250nm, courtesy of the familiar turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine.
A standard, the little mill is paired to a five-speed manual transmission, though a five-speed ‘Dualogic’ automatic is optionally available for an extra $2000.
New for 2022 are a series of subtle cosmetic changes including redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels inspired by those of the Lancia Delta Integrale rally hero and some new colour schemes, two of which come with an optional body kit to up the visual ante even further.
A few extra trinkets have been added to the standard kit list too, comprising dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, an updated splash screen and a tweaked sport button design for the real fashionistas.
The rest of the gear has been carried over from the 2021 version with highlights including leather upholstery, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring DAB+ digital radio and Apple Carplay-android Auto, leather wrapped steering wheel with carbon-fibre inserts, a 7.0-inch TFT instrument cluster, sports pedals, red Brembo front brake callipers, dual mode Record Monza exhaust and adaptive dampers.
Abarth’s Australian marketing and communications director Tom Noble said the updated 595 range celebrated the luxury features of the Competizione being blended with the ‘quintessential rally car traits Abarth is known for’.
“The race-ready power of this hot hatch has also seen style updates that speak to rally racing history, including a modern take on the iconic Montecarlo wheels and the new matte Rally Blue exterior paint colour paying homage to the Fiat 131 Abarth Rally,” he said.
Stellantis has sold 377 Fiat 500sAbarth 595s in Australia so far this year ending August 31, accounting for 6.8 percent of the micro segment behind the Kia Picanto, 4585 units or 82.2 percent share and Mitsubishi Mirage with 617 unit sales or 11.1 percent share.