Abarth 595 range updated for 2019

Long-time Fiat fettler Abarth has unveiled updates for the 595 for 2019. Based on the Fiat 500, the Abarth 595 is available in three power outputs and a number of trims, which get more hardcore as you ascend the range. The standard car starts from £16,495 and is available now.

New for this year is the range-topping Essesse model, which features an uprated exhaust system, brakes and suspension, while all 595s wear special badging to celebrate the manufacturer’s 70th anniversary. There’s also a ‘70th Anniversary’ limited-edition model based on the Competizione spec.

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For £16,495, you’ll get the standard Abarth 595, which has 143bhp from a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The Turismo model has a 163bhp version of the same engine, while Competizione and Esseesse models get 178bhp. New for 2019, Turismo models and above have an upgraded seven-inch Uconnect HD touchscreen with Abarth telemetry, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, although the standard car makes do with a five-inch screen.

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The Turismo is billed as slightly more relaxed and comfortable than the models with 178bhp. The specification for this model now includes the Urban Pack, which includes parking sensors, and automatic headlights and wipers. Competizione, on the other hand, adds a sportier flavour with Brembo brakes, a Record Monza exhaust and Sabelt racing seats.

Range-topping Esseesse models are the most hardcore, featuring plenty of uprated parts for a 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds. The loud exhaust is made by Akrapovic, there’s a Koni rear suspension, BMC air filter, limited-slip differential and high-performance Brembo brakes, complete with red brake calipers. Esseesse also adds 17-inch Supersport wheels, painted white, with matching stripes and exterior details.

Abarth 595

Costing from £16,495, the Abarth 595 has 143bhp and comes with 16-inch alloy wheels. Like all Abarth models, a 595C version with a fabric roof can be chosen for £2,000 extra. Inside, there's a five-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Live services as standard, but you’ll have to choose Turismo spec or above if you want sat nav.

Abarth 595 Turismo

The Trofeo and Turismo models have the mid-range 163bhp power output. Turismo is better equipped than the standard 595, adding leather upholstery, satin chrome trim, 17-inch alloys, uprated suspension and the seven-inch Uconnect touchscreen with sat nav and smartphone mirroring. This year, Abarth has also included rear parking sensors and rain and dusk sensors. Turismo models cost from £19,695 and get from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, or a sequential automatic gearbox with shift paddles costs £2,000 extra.

Abarth 595 Competizione

Costing £21,795, the 178bhp Abarth 595 Competizione is one of the fastest versions, accelerating from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds. An optional limited-slip differential is offered to improve traction and provide "greater precision, improving the driving performance on the track".

Abarth Corsa by Sabelt seats are fitted, along with Brembo brakes and enhanced suspension. There's also a Sport button to adjust the engine delivery, steering, electronic safety net and the Record Monza exhaust. The TFT instruments also switch to a racing mode.

Abarth 595 Esseesse

The spec list for the 178bhp Esseesse model is a roll call of tuning brands, as a number of parts have been upgraded. An Akrapovic exhaust, Koni rear suspension, a BMC air filter, Sabelt carbon-fibre seats and high-performance Brembo brakes are all fitted to Abarth’s mini racing car, and the pedals are carbon-fibre. Outside, the Esseesse wears lightweight alloy wheels, stripes and exterior detailing - all in white. Esseesse models start at £25,295.

Read our reviews of the MINI and DS 3 hatchbacks to compare the Abarth 595 with its rivals.