Sometimes, things that look cute aren’t what they seem. Like the scorpion that adorns its badge, the Abarth 595 Competizion is more lethal than its cutesy looks would have you believe.

While its roots date back to the 1950s, Abarth is arguably made famous by angry little versions of the little Fiat 500, such as the one we have on test here.

With an all-new electric model already on sale in Europe and about to be introduced in Australia, our MY22 595 Competizion is based on the fourth-generation Fiat 500 first introduced in 2008, and then facelifted in 2016.

Further, the 595 has now been rebadged the 695 Competizion for 2023. However, under the bonnet of the rebadged model beats the same 1.4L turbocharged T-Jet heart churning out 132kW and 250Nm of torque.

Priced from $36,250 when new, the 595 isn’t cheap for what is essentially a 3-door city hatch. But you do get a healthy amount of kit.

Standard equipment includes:

• 17-inch alloys Monte Carlo alloy wheels,
• Single-zone climate control
• A cutesy (small!) 7.0-inch touchscreen
• USB Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Digital radio
• Voice control
• USB-A
• Digital instrument cluster
• Suede upholstered sports seats
• Leather steering wheel with carbon fibre trim inserts

And while the Abarth 595 Competizione has a decent amount of standard kit inside, the same can’t be said about its safety features, which could be a deal breaker for some.

As it’s based on a model that was first introduced in 2008, active driver assist systems like AEB (autonomous emergency braking), blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, driver attention detection and even reversing camera are all missing.

The only safety kit you get are seven airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring, rear parking sensors and a set of Brembo brakes. You also get a tyre repair kit in lieu of a spare tyre.

Our test car is also equipped with nearly $10,000 worth of extras bringing the price to a dizzying $45,700 before on road costs.

Options installed include:

• $2,500 Premium Pack with
  • Bi-xenon headlights with headlight washers
  • Panoramic glass sunroof
• $2,500 Sport Pack with
  • Suede/leather Sparco bucket seats
  • Black finished 17-inch Supersport Matte black alloy wheels
• $2,500 Competizione Body Kit with extended side skirts and wheel arches
• $350 Yellow brake callipers
• $1,600 ‘Rally Blue’ matte exterior paint

Rivals include the talented Hyundai i20 N and VW Polo GTi, both of which are more powerful at around 150kW, while the i20 N also undercuts the 595 by a small margin.

Importantly, they feature up-to-date safety equipment including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, cruise control, reversing camera, and LED headlights.

So, does the Abarth 595 Competizione justify its price tag or does emotion comes into play more here. Let’s find out.

The first thing that tickles your emotions with the 595 is its engaging engine that always entices you to push it to the max. The noise coming out of the other end is equally as addictive, and arguably, the most appealing feature of the 595. It sounds especially menacing in an enclosed carpark, as though a Mercedes AMG is approaching.

There’s a reason enthusiasts spend up big on exhausts system as they not only bring improved performance, but crucially aural pleasure synonymous with sports cars. The 595 nails this in big spades, thanks to its standard active exhaust system. Its dramatic and deep growl is loud, much louder than what you’d expect from an average hot hatch. There are no pops or crackles but we hardly missed it.

So awesome is the 595’s exhaust!

While the 1.4L T-jet turbocharged four-cylinder may produce ‘just’ 132kW of power at 5,500rpm and 250Nm of torque at 3,000rpm, the 595 weighs just 1,045kg. The Hyundai i20 N in comparison tips the scale at 1,213kg, giving the Abarth 595 a power-to-weight ratio of 126.3kW per tonne against the i20 N’s 123.7.

There’s minor turbo lag but it’s generally not noticeable and only adds to the old school charm of the little Italian hot hatch.

Its aluminium pedals are closed enough for easy toe-and-heel driving, even for someone who isn’t at all good at it like me. However, the downside is they are so close you could sometimes brush against the brake pedal when engaging the clutch, causing the car to bunny hop embarrassingly.

The close ratio and short-geared five-speed manual is a delight to row through, with a linear and light clutch and good take up point.

Hitting the Abarth scorpion button enlists the Sport mode which opens up the exhaust even more, unleashing an even more angry exhaust note. It also firms up the adaptive suspension a little, although the difference is almost negligible in practice because the 595’s default suspension setup is quite firm to start with.

On rutted and corrugated freeways, the ride can be uncomfortable for some. Road noise can also be a little loud at high speeds, although it’s less of an issue around town.

However, the firm suspension does mean better corner tackling ability and the 595 excels in this regard. Combined with a short wheel, the little Abarth chews up corners like a go-cart with high entry and exit speeds and hardly any body roll whatsoever.

The large diameter steering wheel also provides great feedback, telling you in minute detail where the nose is pointed, while the Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres offers excellent grip.

It’s great fun!

Be warned however, the 595 has one of the largest turning circles we’ve encountered, making it more challenging than you might think to do a U-turn.

Most people get a hot hatch for its duality of personality – fun, yet practical. Not the Abarth 595, unfortunately.

There isn’t much storage in the 595 except for the glovebox – which is quite deep and useful – and a tiny storage cubby under the driver’s side air vent. Other than that, the door pockets are small and there is no centre console storage bin.

It doesn’t get much better in the boot either, with just 185L of space. You’ll struggle to get a shopping trolley in there without folding the rear seats, which expands coverage to 550L.

There is a pair of rear seats but they are quite small and only really suitable for small children with limited head- and legroom. There are small armrests built into the side of the car for the rear passengers and they each get a cupholder.

In terms of infotainment, the 595 comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen running Stellantis Group’s ‘U-Connect’ OS. It’s a relatively straight forward and intuitive system with a bunch of shortcut menus at the bottom of the screen to make navigating between menu easier.

The system also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto albeit via USB connection. Due to its small size, it’s almost as if you’re using your own phone with small icons and map (there is no embedded sat-nav).

Abarth claims the 595 Competizione will return a combined average fuel consumption of 5.8L/100km, and after a week of fun with the Abarth, we averaged 8.2L/100km of premium unleaded juice.

Unlike most of its peers, Abarth offers only a three-year or 150,000km warranty as opposed to 5-year unlimited kilometre, which is the industry norm these days. Service intervals are on par at every 12 months or 15,000km.

However, you’ll have to be prepared to dig deep as the 595 Competizione’s average service cost is nearly $660 over five years.

Verdict

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Fiat Chrysler has confirmed the Abarth 695 Rivale will make its way Down Under in 2019, with prices starting from $44,990 plus on-road costs for the limited-edition hot hatch.

Drawing inspiration from the luxurious Riva Yachts, just 35 examples will hit our shores in both hatch and convertible form with a number of unique trim and equipment upgrades.

On the outside, the Rivale is differentiated by its grey 17-inch Super Sport alloy wheels, satin chrome exterior highlights, xenon headlights, and Rivale badging, while a distinct wood-trimmed dashboard, blue leather upholstery, and a unique infotainment interface highlight the interior upgrades.

Additionally, those who opt for the convertible will also get a blue soft-top to complement the rest of the package.

Mechanically, the 695 Rivale is unchanged from the 595 Competizione it’s based upon, meaning it sports the same 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 132kW/250Nm and is backed by either a five-speed manual or a robotised version of the same transmission.

While deliveries aren’t expected until late in Q1 2019, you’ll want to get in quick to secure one of the strictly limited units as the order books are now open.

Pricing

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Abarth Australia has introduced a fitting tribute to founder Carlo Abarth’s history of endurance and speed record success at Italy’s Autodromo Nazionale Monza in the form of a limited edition 124 Spider – dubbed the Monza Special Edition.

Based on the 2018 Abarth 124 Spider, the Monza Edition will be limited to just 30 units. Each individual example will be identified by its own unique numbered plaque installed in the cockpit. The plaque is crafted of brushed aluminium with a laser etched finish, and features the Monza circuit map.

Exclusively presented in only three colours, the 124 Spider Monza Edition paintwork options pay homage to 124 Spider victories in the European Rally Championships; Turini 1975 White, Costa Brava 1972 Red and San Marino 1972 Black.

Additional panache is reflected in the 124 Spider Monza Edition’s exterior with the fitment of gloss red exterior mirror covers.

The style extends to the interior with each 124 Spider Monza Edition featuring stylish leather trimmed seats in two-tone black and red, with red stitching and Abarth logos stitched into the upper backrests.

The 124 Spider Monza Edition also comes standard with Abarth’s Visibility Pack, which adds comfort and safety features such as Auto Levelling LED headlamps, LED Daytime Running Lamps, Adaptive Front Light System, ParkSense Rear Park Assist System, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The Record Monza exhaust system is the quintessential nod to Carlo Abarth. Its powerful and hard-hitting sound is the result of Dual Mode technology, with quad tips and an aggressive design that delivers the unique sound of the Abarth 124’s 125kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine.

The Dual Mode Exhaust System technology involves the use of a two-way valve, mechanically actuated, fitted upstream of the exhaust tailpipes and adapted to create a sportier exhaust note.

Range & Pricing

Abarth 124 Spider Monza Edition Driveaway Pricing for the June selling period will be as follows:

$46,950 – manual transmission, (white paint)

$48,950 – auto transmission, (white paint)

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Abarth has announced it will be bringing a special edition version of its 124 Spider, dubbed the Abarth 124 GT, to the Geneva Motor Show.

The model will come dressed in an exclusive Alpi Orientali Grey paintwork complimented by a set of 17-inch OZ alloy wheels that are 3kg lighter than the standard items.

What’s unique about the 124 GT is its dual personalities of coupe and roadster in one. The manual soft top is combined with a lightweight hard top made of carbon fibre, making it the only roadster in the market with this feature. The hard top weighs just 16kg and features a lined ceiling and a rear window with defroster.

Other highlights include gun metal mirror caps that matches the front spoiler and a matte black bonnet that harks back to the classic Abarth 124 Rally where it is employed to prevent the driver from being dazzled by the sun. A carbon fibre rear spoiler and mirror caps are also offered.

Underneath the bonnet, the 124 GT retains the regular model’s turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 125kW and 250Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a mechanical limited-slip differential that enables the car to hit 100km/h in 6.8 seconds. The dual-mode Record Monza exhaust system comes as standard to ensure a soundtrack to match.

The 124 GT will be offered with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic when it hits the market.

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Meet the Giannini 350 GP4, a steroid feasting Fiat 500 that’s ditched its cutesy looks and spent the winter pumping iron at the gym.

Prepared by Giannini in collaboration with GRAM (Gram Torino Engineering), the 350 GP4 is an evolution of the Alfa Romeo 4C-powered 350 GP (white car below) which made its debut a few months ago at the Turin Motor Show.

While the 350 GP featured a rear-engine (yes, it lives where the rear seats used to be), rear-wheel drive layout, the 350 GP4 gets a more conventional front-engine layout, but gains a grippy all-wheel drive system.

Giannini hasn’t released details of the car’s powerplant except that it produces the same 257kW as its RWD counterpart.

On the styling front, the car features a menacing wide body kit made of carbon fibre with numerous vents, along with a massive rear diffuser with red vertical fins to match the twin exhaust tips. The car’s windows have also been replaced with Plexiglas to reduce weight.

According to Giannini, the 350 GP4 is currently undergoing testing and more details, including its pricing, will be released at the end of the testing phase. For reference, the rear-wheel drive 350 GP costs an eye watering €150,000 ($A228,014).

The post Giannini 350 GP4 is a Fiat 500 supercar on steroids appeared first on ForceGT.com.

Abarth has introduced its updated Abarth 595 in Australia. Available in both hatch and convertible variants, the pocket rocket is offered in 595 and 595 Competizione trims.

Originally launched in 2008, the updated Abarth 595 is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine delivering 107kW in the 595, and 132kW in the Competizione. The engine is paired with either manual or sequential robotised transmission.

Significant upgrades includes improved aerodynamics – offering an 18 percent improvement in cooling efficiency, improved sport oriented ergonomic steering wheel position and new polyelliptical headlights.

Standard equipment includes the new Uconnect 5-Inch colour touchscreen radio, Bluetooth navigation and audio streaming, integrated voice control, UConnect Live services and an included AM/FM/DAB.

The Abarth 595 offers customers the opportunity to upgrade to the powerful and sophisticated BeatsAudio system with seven speakers. Developed in collaboration with Beats by Dr. Dre, the BeatsAudio system boasts an impressive total output of 440 watts and features a digital eight-channel amplifier integrating an advanced equalisation algorithm claimed to be capable of recreating the entire sound spectrum that an artist experiences during studio recording.

Unique design features:

• 16-inch eight spoke alloy wheels
• Body colour mirrors with power adjustment
• Satin chrome finishing (front door handle, back door handle, front and back badge support)
• Matte black front dam and rear bumper insert
• Polyelliptical front headlamps
• LED Day running lights
• Dual tip chrome exhaust

Colour palette includes Abarth Red, Gara White, Campovolo Grey, Pista Grey, Modena Yellow, as well as, further optional metallic/tri-coat paint colours.

The Abarth 595 starts from $26,990 plus on-road costs and is available to order now.

Meanwhile, the Abarth 595 Competizione comes standard with front & rear Koni Shock Absorbers and a carbon fiber/Alcantara steering wheel with viewfinder and new controls.

Zero to 100km/h takes a claimed 6.7 seconds. Other additional upgrades include four-piston front Brembo brakes, with BMC Panel Air Filter, red painted calipers (front and rear) and a dual mode ‘Record Monza’ exhaust.

It also comes with five two-tone body colours including Scorpione Black/Gara White with red liner, Scorpione Black/Podio Blue with white liner, Scorpione Black/Record Grey with white liner, Pista Grey/Abarth Red with white liner and Pista Grey/Campovolo Grey with white liner.

Unique design features:

• 17-Inch “Corsa” alloy wheels
• Tar Cold Grey external mirrors with power adjustment
• Tar Cold Grey finishing (front door handle, back door handle, front and back badge support)
• Tar Cold Grey front dam and reader bumper insert
• Tar Cold Grey “Abarth” side stickers
• Red painted brake calipers (front Brembo)
• Dual Mode Quad tip “Record Monza” exhaust
• Leather sport seating
• Available Sabelt seat in cloth or leather/Alacantra

The Abarth 595 Competizione is priced from $31,990 plus on-road costs and is also available for order now.

The post Updated Abarth 595 lands in Australia – small car with a big sting appeared first on ForceGT.com.

Fiat Chrysler Australia has announced the pricing for the Abarth 124 Spider, which is hitting local showrooms in October.

The drop-top will kick-off from $41,990 plus-on roads for the six-speed manual, with the six-speed automatic commanding an additional $2,000.

However, to sweeten the deal even further, the Abarth 124 Spider will be offered at a drive-away price of $43,500 for the six-speed manual, and $45,500 drive-away for the 6-speed auto.

To celebrate the return of the iconic nameplate, Fiat has also introduced 100 commemorative Launch Editions at no extra costs. They get special contrasting bumper inserts, mirror caps and tow-hook covers, while each will be stamped with a special “1 of 100” metal plague.

The Abarth 124 Spider is powered by a Fiat 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol producing 125kW @ 5,500rpm and 250Nm @ 2,500rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a mechanical limited-slip differential.

It arrives with sports suspension, a Sport Mode selector, Brembo brakes and Bilstein shock absorbers, along with leather and Alcantara sports seats. The 124 Spider is also equipped with a chrome quad-tip sports exhaust as standard.

“The Abarth 124 Spider is not just an amazing performance vehicle, but the return of one of the world’s most iconic nameplates to Australian roads,” says FCA Australia President and CEO, Steve Zanlunghi.

“And we’re thrilled to reveal today that the most powerful vehicle in its class will offer incredible value in Australia, regardless of whether it’s in the performance-packed Abarth 124 Spider or the commemorative Launch Editions.”

The Abarth 124 Spider will be on sale in all Australian dealerships from Friday the 7th of October.

Pricing:

Abarth 124 Spider – Six-Speed Manual
MSRP: $41,990
Drive Away: $43,500

Abarth 124 Spider – Six-Speed Automatic
MSRP: $43,990
Drive Away: $45,500

The post Abarth 124 Spider pricing announced. First 100 to be Launch Edition appeared first on ForceGT.com.

Fiat Chrysler Automobile has confirmed further performance specifications for the Abarth 124 Spider, ahead of its Australian debut in October.

Powered by the brand’s 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine delivering 125kW and 250Nm of torque and driving the rear wheels with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox, the Abarth 124 Spider will dash from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.8 seconds, with a rated top speed of 230km/h.

The car’s performance is boosted even further by setting “Sport” mode on the driving mode selector, which adjusts throttle response and steering inputs.

To back its performance credentials, the Mazda MX-5-based Italian roadster will come equipped with a mechanical limited-slip differential, sport suspension, Brembo brakes and Bilstein shock absorbers. The iconic Abarth soundtrack accompanies every drive, thanks to a chrome quad-tip sports exhaust as standard. For even greater aural sensation, the optional dual-mode Monza exhaust can be fitted.

The Abarth 124 spider promises best-in-class agility and dynamics with much of the weight concentrated between the axles. Lightweight construction contributed to a kerb weight of just 1,060kg, which results in a weight-to-power ratio of 6.2 kg/horsepower, and perfect 50/50 weight distribution in running order.

Abarth customers can now visit www.abarth.com.au/124spider to register their interest, and to discover preliminary specification, safety and personalisation options. Pricing and full specification detail will be revealed closer to the vehicle’s local launch in October.

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Fiat has released more details on their Abarth 124 Spider, which is set to hit local showrooms later this year.

Powered by the brand’s 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine delivering 125kW and 250Nm of torque, the Abarth 124 Spider will dash from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.8 seconds, with a rated top speed of 230km/h.

To match the scintillating performance, the 124 is equipped with a sports exhaust as standard, with a dual-mode Record Monza exhaust offered as an option.

To ensure all driving styles are catered for, the Mazda MX-5 based Italian roadster will be available with a six-speed manual, or with a six-speed automatic transmission that is said to have been careful tuned to exploit all of the engine’s torque. A set of steering wheel mounted paddles also comes with automatic models.

According to Fiat, the car’s performance is boosted even further by setting “Sport” mode on the driving mode selector, which adjusts throttle response and steering inputs.

Pricing and full specification detail will be revealed closer to the vehicle’s local launch in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Abarth customers can now visit www.abarth.com.au/124spider to register their interest, and to discover preliminary specification, safety and personalisation options.

Fiat has also released the first clip of the Abarth 124 in action via the video below.

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The Abarth 595 has been given a boost in power output and equipment levels in a mid-life facelift aimed at reasserting its iconic status as a lightweight and agile Italian pocket rocket.

Available as a hatchback or convertible, the new Abarth 595 is offered with three trim levels – 595, 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione – and three power levels.

Updates to the exterior include a redesigned front fascia with new headlights, LED daytime running lights and restyled front bumper with larger air intakes which Abarth claims increase cooling capacity by 18%. Elsewhere, the taillights have been revised and the rear bumper gains a more pronounced diffuser.

Specific bumper inserts have also been created for each trim level. They are matte black for the 595, in matching body colour on the 595 Turismo and with the tar cold grey finish on the 595 Competizione.

The new 17” Granturismo rims (standard on 595 Turismo) are 7% lighter and have over 50% more ventilating surface to the benefit of heat dissipation, claims Abarth.

Available in 15 body colours – including pastel, metallic and three-layer paints and five two-tone liveries – the colour palette of the new Abarth 595 now sees the addition of Modena Yellow, which was previously only available on the 695 Biposto.

Inside, the 595 scores new Alcantara and carbon fibre trims, new flat-bottom steering wheel and revised instrumentation panel. There is also new graphics for the fabric seats. Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto will become available upon request on Uconnect 7 infotainment system.

The biggest news, however, is the uprated 1.4-litre T-jet turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In the entry-level 595 variant, the engine now outputs 108kW (145hp) and 206Nm of peak torque, while in the 595 Turismo it now produces 123kW (165hp) and 230 Nm thanks to a new Garrett turbocharger.

The same engine is also fitted to the top-spec 595 Competizione but tweaked to produce 134kW and 230Nm, enough to propel the hot hatch from rest to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.

As standard, all variants of the 1.4 T-jet engine are paired with a mechanical five-speed gearbox but can be fitted with an Abarth robotised sequential gearbox with shift paddles.

The updated 2016 Abarth 595 range is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms later this year, with pricing and specification announced closer to launch.

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