Sub-$28k Abarth 595 offered as new range opener

Alvin Lee May 7, 2016 New Car Price, News 2,924 Views

Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA), the maker of Fiat and Abarth vehicles has today unveiled a new-look Abarth line-up in Australia, with a new entry level model joining the range.

The new 103kW (140hp) Abarth 595 is now offered for the first time, bridging the gap between the vanilla Fiat 500 range and the high performance Abarth 595 Competizione, 595 Turismo, 595 50th Anniversary and 695 Biposto models.

Boasting the same aggressive styling and “small but wicked” attitude as other Abarth variants, the Abarth 595 is powered a 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine generating 103kW and 206Nm. Matched with a five-speed manual gearbox, the Italian hot hatch will sprint from zero to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds, before maxing out at a top speed of 205km/h.

With a focus on performance and functionality, the Abarth 595 comes equipped with ventilated disc brakes with red calipers, air conditioning, a 7-inch TFT display, fog lights, reverse parking sensors, 16-inch alloys, Abarth side stripe and mirror cover, steel pedals, turbo-boost gauge, Abarth fabric seats and tinted windows.

Also standard is the Abarth-tuned Torque Transfer Control (TTC) system, which is essentially a mechanical limited slip differential for the front axle, ensuring optimum traction.

Available as a hatchback or convertible and priced from $27,500 or $31,500 (plus on-roads) respectively, the new Abarth 595 completes what will be the most comprehensive Abarth line-up ever offered locally.