Abarth 595

Model Overview

The Abarth 595 is a high-performance microcar crafted by Italian performance specialist Abarth, based on the iconic Fiat 500. Founded by Carlo Abarth in 1949, the marque originally built its reputation on motorsport-derived conversions for Fiat models, with its famed "Scorpion" emblem becoming an enduring icon of Italian performance. The lineage of the 595 dates back to the 1960s with the legendary Abarth 595 SS, where Abarth bored out the Fiat 500’s engine and upgraded its chassis to build a formidable pocket rocket. In the 2010s, Abarth revived the 595 nameplate on the third-generation Fiat 500 platform, rolling out a comprehensive range spanning from entry-level sports variants to track-honed specials. Positioned alongside supercar stables like Ferrari and Maserati under the Stellantis umbrella, the Abarth 595 built its reputation on delivering "small size, massive punch", directly locking horns with the likes of the MINI Cooper S and Volkswagen Polo GTI. In 2024, in the face of increasingly stringent EU emissions regulations, the petrol-powered Abarth 595 was phased out across several European markets as the brand shifted towards a fully electric lineup.

Design Language

Visually, the Abarth 595 retains the classic retro circular design cues of the Fiat 500, but amps up the aggression with an extensive aerodynamic bodykit. The front bumper has been completely re-sculpted with enlarged air intakes and a prominent front splitter. The Abarth scorpion crest takes pride of place on the front grille in lieu of the standard Fiat badge, complemented by subtle "595" badging on the right. Down the sides, it sports bespoke side skirts, gloss black side mirror caps, and subtly flared wheel arches. Around the back, the signature quad-exit exhaust system takes centre stage, framed by a pronounced rear diffuser and an integrated roof spoiler.

The Abarth 595 is available in a striking palette of dedicated paint finishes, including heritage shades such as "Record Grey", "Rally Blue", and "Monza Red". For rollers, 17-inch alloy wheels come standard, with 18-inch options on the checklist. Higher-spec variants gain Brembo high-performance brakes featuring eye-catching red or yellow calipers. Step inside, and you are greeted by a driver-focused cockpit. The sports bucket seats are upholstered in a mix of Alcantara and leather, complete with embroidered Abarth scorpion emblems on the headrests. Drivers grip a flat-bottom sports steering wheel equipped with paddle shifters (on automatic variants) and a dedicated Sport mode selector. The instrument binnacle adopts an exclusive white-on-black display, alongside a 7-inch central infotainment touchscreen. The cabin is trimmed predominantly in black, accentuated with contrasting red or yellow stitching. Enthusiasts can also option the iconic Record Monza dual-mode active exhaust system, which opens up a raspy, full-bodied exhaust growl in Sport mode.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the bonnet, the Abarth 595 is driven by Fiat Group's proven 1.4-litre T-Jet turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, offered across several state-of-tune options:

• 595 (Standard) : 145 hp and 206 Nm of peak torque.

• 595 Pista: 160 hp and 230 Nm of peak torque.

• 595 Competizione: 165 hp and 230 Nm of peak torque.

• 595 Esseesse (SS) : 180 hp and 250 Nm of peak torque, sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 225 km/h.

• 695 Biposto (Ultimate Track Edition): 190 hp and 250 Nm of peak torque, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 5.9 seconds.

Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels via either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed Dualogic automated manual transmission (MTA, with manual paddle-shift mode). The engine incorporates the MultiAir electro-hydraulic variable valve timing system to optimise throttle response and combustion efficiency across the rev range. In terms of fuel efficiency, the car returns a WLTP combined fuel consumption rating of around 7.2 to 7.5 L/100 km.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the front-wheel-drive Abarth 595 rides on front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear torsion beam setup. Compared to the standard Fiat 500, the Abarth chassis has undergone comprehensive tuning: the shock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bars are significantly stiffened, while the overall ride height is dropped by 15 to 20 mm. The electric power steering (EPS) has also been recalibrated to deliver sharper feedback and direct turn-in precision.

Stopping power on higher-tier variants is managed by a Brembo high-performance brake setup featuring four-piston front calipers clamped onto enlarged ventilated discs. Rubber comes in the form of 205/40 R17 (standard) or optional 215/35 R18 high-performance tyres. Drivers can toggle between Normal and Sport drive modes. Engaging Sport mode sharpens throttle response, opens up the exhaust valves for a throatier note, adds weight to the steering, and speeds up gear shifts on automatic-equipped models.

Cabin and Features

The Abarth 595 adopts a 2+2 seating configuration, where the rear seats are best suited for quick trips or extra cargo given the compact dimensions. Up front, the deeply bolstered sports seats provide excellent lateral support during spirited cornering while maintaining decent everyday comfort. Boot space stands at 185 litres, expanding to 550 litres with the rear seatbacks folded flat.

On the convenience front, standard kit includes manual climate control (automatic climate control optional), keyless entry, and push-button start. Infotainment duties are handled by a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A 6-speaker sound system comes standard, with a premium BeatsAudio system available on the options list. In addition, buyers can specify the signature Record Monza dual-mode exhaust system—a hallmark Abarth feature that deploys dynamic exhaust valves in Sport mode for a properly aggressive acoustic signature.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

In terms of safety, the Abarth 595 shares its core structural baseline with the standard Fiat 500. Passive safety is covered by 7 airbags, comprising dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag. On the active safety front, it comes equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Reflecting its purist enthusiast positioning and legacy platform architecture, the 595 foregoes advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane keep assist, prioritising lightweight dynamics and unadulterated driving engagement instead.

Market Performance and Reception

Since its modern revival in the 2010s, the Abarth 595 has developed a dedicated global cult following. Its unmistakable Italian flair, crackling exhaust note, and agile, go-kart-like handling carved out a unique niche in the competitive hot hatch segment. The model enjoyed solid and consistent sales across Europe, striking a chord particularly with younger enthusiasts and weekend track-day drivers. Automotive media widely lauded the 595 for its infectious driving character and punchy personality, though it was regularly critiqued for its firm ride quality and cramped rear quarters.

In 2024, Stellantis officially embarked on Abarth's full electrification journey. The internal combustion Abarth 595 was retired from showrooms, making way for the Abarth 500e—an all-electric hot hatch developed on the Fiat 500e platform. The zero-emission Abarth 500e features an electric motor pushing 155 hp paired with a 42 kWh battery pack, completing the century sprint in around 7 seconds. While the sunset of the 595 closes an iconic chapter of raucous, small-capacity turbocharged Italian pocket rockets, its decade-plus run successfully preserved Carlo Abarth’s timeless "small size, massive punch" philosophy. Today, the legendary Scorpion DNA carries forward into the electric era in a bold new guise.