Revised 2016 Abarth 595 gains more power and new features

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.