News Source: topspeed.com

It’s only been a few short months since Abarth  released the Abarth 124 Spider,  and now Abarth is releasing its next, entry-level model – the 595. Much like how the 124 Spider  is essentially a cooler Mazda MX-5 Miata,  the 595  is basically a Fiat 500  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  or convertible  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  – 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.

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?

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.