It’s only been a few short months since Abarth->ke2904 released the Abarth 124 Spider, and now Abarth is releasing its next, entry-level model – the 595. Much like how the 124 Spider->ke5028 is essentially a cooler Mazda MX-5 Miata, the 595 is basically a Fiat 500->ke1708 on steroids. As Abarth put it, the new Abarth 595 is the “natural heir of the model launched in 2008 and present worldwide.” It is available as a hatchback->ke304 or convertible->ke144 and will be available in three different trim levels. The entry level model is, of course, the base 595, which is followed by the 595 Turismo, and the range-topping 595 Competizione. Each trim level has its own power specification, and is influenced by the knowledge Abarth gained with the development of the 695 Biposto, AKA “The Smallest Supercar.”

Abarth models typically take a little bit of criticism – I don’t know how many times I saw people talk bad about the 124 spider because it’s so similar to the MX-5 Miata->ke1185 – but Abarth models are typically more than badge-engineered replicas. So, as you read the review that follows, keep that in mind, because there is a real difference. So, let’s take a look at the 595 and what each trim level brings to the table. It’s not a model you want to pass up if you’re looking for a small car with some performance DNA.

2017 Abarth 595

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Abarth 595
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 140
  • Torque: 151
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Abarth is a performance-based brand, so it’s only natural that the body got some significant aerodynamic and performance-oriented upgrades. Up front, the air intake has been redesigned and is larger to improve cooling in the engine compartment. According to Abarth, the cooling capacity of the engine bay has increased by 18 percent, which increases performance and regularity of the engine – even when tuned to extreme levels by the best in the business. Furthermore, the front end has new headlight clusters that support polyelliptical headlights and LED running lights, which are standard equipment across the 595 range.

Moving over to the sides, there isn’t a whole lot to talk about, but the base model comes equipped with 17-inch Granturismo wheels that offer better ventilation and are seven percent lighter. The 595 and 595 Turismo trim levels get satin chrome trim. The 595 gets body-colored mirror caps, while the 595 Turismo gets satin chrome mirror caps and the 595 Competizione gets tar cold grey mirror caps. The 595 Competizione also comes standard with side stripes that are now wider and longer compared to previous models.

Around back, the big news is the new, more pronounced diffuser that gives the rear end even more character than before. There is a small mesh insert in the middle, with a large opening on each side. The twin, dual exhaust exits sit flush in each corner of the diffuser, creating a sporty look. Bumper inserts on the base-model are matte black, body colored on the 595 Turismo, and tar cold grey on the 595 Competizione.

Aside from the goodies we’ve spoken of so far, the 595 also comes with a rather extended color pallet that includes 15 different colors. The standard color is Pista Grey or the exclusive Modena Yellow (pictured above.) Two colors that were originally only available on the 695 Biposto Record, Abarth Red Pastel and Iridato White, are now available on the 595. Furthermore, three new two-color combos are available: Scorpione Black and Podio Blue, Scorpione Black and Record Grey, and Pista Grey and Abarth Red. There are also side stickers available in white, black, or red that can be applied to the mirror caps and bumper inserts. It’s a lot better than the Fiat 500, don’t you think?

Interior

On the inside, the 595 is characterized by a given trim level. For instance, the base model gets Abarth fabric seats, while the 595 Turismo comes with leather seats that are black, tan, or red. The 595 Competizione comes complete with Corsa by Sabelt seats, which Abarth claims are among the “best-supporting seats on the market.” Furthermore, there are healthy doses of carbon fiber and Alcantara, as well as a new, flat-bottom steering wheel. On the Competizione, the steering wheel is composed of carbon fiber and Alcantara.

The dashboard is also trim-level specific. On the 595, the dashboard is finished in the same color as the body. On the 595 Turismo it comes in matte grey, and on the 595 Competizione, it comes in tar cold grey. In addition, a carbon dashboard – similar to that in the 695 Biposto – is an available option on the Competizione trim. The instrument cluster is also new, feature new graphics that are used in “Sport” mode. Light is also white to help make viewing the cluster much easier.

On the entertainment front, all three trim levels come standard with a Uconnect five-inch system with a touchscreen display and Uconnect Live services. An optional seven-inch Uconnect system is available as an option and includes a high-definition touchscreen display, navigation system, and DAB digital radio. Furthermore, it has Abarth’s Telemeyryun for gauging driving performance on preloaded racing circuits. The Uconnect seven-inch system can also be requested with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A third infotainment option is the BeatsAudio system that has an output of 480 Watts along with a digital eight-channel amplifier. The system was developed in collaboration with Beats by Dr. Dre and offers two dome tweeters in the front pillars, two 165 mm midwoofers in the front doors, two full-range speakers in the rear side panels, and a 200 mm subwoofer in the spare wheel compartment.

Drivetrain

The 595 comes equipped with a 1.4-liter T-jet engine that has varied output depending on the trim level in question. The base 595 puts out 145 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The 595 Turismo comes with 165 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. The range-topping Competizione delivers 180 horsepower from the highly-tuned 1.4-liter. All three trim levels come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, but they can all be fitted with an Abarth robotized sequential transmission with shift paddles. Abarth has yet to release full performance specs for any of the models, but the 595 Competizione can hit the 62 mph benchmark 6.7 seconds.

As part of an optional Performance Pack, the 595 Competizione can be equipped with a mechanical limited-slip differential (known as Abarth D.A.M.) when it is equipped with a manual transmission. The differential allows for adequate torque distribution between the front wheels when either has less grip, effectively eliminating understeer. That option package also includes 17-inch Supersport rims, as well as Sabelt leather and Alcantara seats, and a carved aluminum 595 badge.

Prices

Abarth has yet to announce prices for the 595, but all three trim levels are slated to go on sale across the EMEA region in June, at which point pricing information should become available. We do know that the current 595 starts out at €18,850 or $21,537 at current conversion rates, with the 595 Turismo coming in at €22,850 and the Competizione commanding €25,350. Expect pricing to increase by maybe $500 or $1,000 at most.

Competition

Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop

If there is any competitor out there for the 595 Abarth Competizione, we can look to the Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop. Based on the Mini Cooper, the car has been redefined – just like the Abarth 595 – with large air intakes up front and a reasonably aggressive rear end. When it comes to power, however, the Mini JCW Hardtop takes the cake. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivers 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. With that kind of power, it can hit the 60-mph sprint in 5.9 seconds – a second faster than the 595 Competizione. Top speed sits at 153 mph. At the time of this writing, the Mini JCW Hardtop will set you back a bit more than the 595 Competizione with an invoice of $30,600. Unlike the 595, however, the JCW hardtop is available in the U.S.

Read our full review on the Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop here.

Mini Cooper

When looking at competitors for the base-model 595, it’s best to take a look at the base model Mini Cooper. It shares its look with all of the other Mini models and comes equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers 136 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. For the 595 Turismo, the best option is the Mini Cooper S, which is equipped with a 2.0-liter that delivers 192 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. The entry-level Mini Cooper can hit 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 130 mph. In S form, the Cooper makes the same sprint in 6.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 146 mph. At the time of this writing, the Mini Cooper retails for $19,950 while the Cooper S goes for $24,100.

Read our full review on the Mini Cooper here.

Conclusion

Normally I hate badge engineered cars, but the Abarth 595 is more than a Fiat 500 with a Scorpion badge on it. The exterior and interior are way nicer that what the 500 has to offer, and for a little car, it’s pretty quick too. It does seem like Abarth gets off a little cheap with the infotainment system, though. For the price of the 595, it should probably come standard with the seven-inch Uconnect system as opposed to the basic five-inch system. Even if it offered the navigation and phone connectivity as standard on the five-inch system, I would be a little more impressed, but those are just more items on a long list of options. Either way, the Abarth 595 isn’t coming to the U.S., so I’ll leave it to our European counterparts to complain more about that.