New Fiat Abarth 595 revealed

Fiat updates the Abarth 595 range with uprated powertrain and a lot more performance goodies.

Fiat’s pint-sized hot hatchback, Abarth 595, has gone under the knife for the model year 2017. The refreshed car gets slight boost in power and can now be fitted with an optional limited slip differential. Other than that the Abarth version gets minor design tweaks on the inside out, which are similar to that offered in the recently launched facelifted Fiat 500.

The 2017 Abarth 595 continues to feature the 1.4 T-Jet turbo petrol engine as the current car. However, power output is now up by 5bhp to 143bhp in the entry-level version while the 595 Turismo receives a 4bhp bump to 162bhp. The hottest of the lot, 595 Competizione, develops the same amount of firepower as before at 178bhp. All the versions get a five-speed gearbox as standard but can be fitted with a sequential gearbox (AMT) with shift paddles.

The Competizione can be specified with a limited-slip differential and is fitted with a high-performance Record Monza exhaust with dual mode system. The latter is optional on the other two versions, while a ‘less aggressive’ Record Modena is also available. The Competizione also gets KONI FSD shocks as standard on all four wheels. Apart from that, it also gets 17-inch Supersport rims and Brembo brakes.

Changes on the outside include a slightly revised front end with new headlight clusters and LED daytime running lamps. The front end also features an oversized air-take so as to improve heat management and increase cooling capacity. Around the back, there’s a new rear bumper and redesigned tail-lamps along with a more pronounced diffuser.

The interior has been updated as well. Among some of the highlights, it now gets a new flat-bottomed steering wheel and matching dashboard theme as per the spec. A 5-inch display screen is standard across the range and can be upgraded to a 7-inch unit. There's also a Sport button to alter different parameters of the car including controls for maximum torque output delivery and power steering calibration.

The updated Abarth 595 range will go on sale in the European markets in June 2016. Considering that India also gets the Abarth 595 in Competizione trim (although slightly detuned) as a CBU, it’s likely that our market will get these updates as well. We just hope Fiat adds a manual transmission as option this time!

Also read - Abarth 595 Competizione Review: First Drive