Abarth has unveiled its latest versions of the Fiat 500 at the Bologna motor show, including the Abarth 595 Turismo, Abarth 595 Competizione and the Abarth 695 Assetto Corse.
The 595 is available in both Turismo and Competizione guises – the former offering more style and comfort, the latter aimed more squarely at performance enthusiasts. Both are available with a turbocharged 1.4-litre motor with 158bhp and 170lb ft and can crack 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds.
The engine uses an over-boost function which modulates the amount of available turbo boost and is activated by a sport button on the steering wheel. Unchanged from the 500 model is Torque Transfer Control, which helps to improve the transfer of torque to the driven wheels.
Both 595s feature a leather steering wheel, and aluminium finished pedals, kick plate and gearbox trim surround. Turismo models come with an automated manual gearbox, while Competizione variants use a 5-speed manual transmission. These more focused models also feature 17in titanium-coloured alloy wheels with yellow Brembo brake callipers.
Two customisation kits are also available on both models. The first provides perforated self-ventilated front and rear disc brakes, while the second adds adjustable shock absorbers and shorter springs to give a lower ride height.
At Bologna, Abarth also unveiled the 695 Assetto Corse. With 202bhp, the hottest version of the baby Fiat - although road legal - has been developed for track use and features a sequential gearbox and FIA-spec safety kit, including a roll-bar.
Philip Shoulder
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