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Abarth 595

Abarth

Abarth 595: Abarth 595: A Nod to Racing History
Photo: Yu Chu Chin / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0

Abarth 595: A Nod to Racing History

The Abarth 595 renamed and refined the brand's hot hatch, honoring the legendary 595cc Fiat 500 Abarth of the 1960s.

The Abarth 595 arrived as the successor to the Abarth 500, taking its name from the historic 595cc Fiat 500 Abarth that Carlo Abarth's own company built and raced decades earlier. The tribute name signaled Abarth's intent to lean harder into its motorsport roots, and the 595 delivered with sharper handling, more aggressive styling, and a wider spread of performance trims than its predecessor offered.

Buyers could choose between Turismo and Competizione trims, each stepping up power, chassis stiffness, and braking hardware over the base 595. The Competizione, in particular, became known for its Koni FSD dampers, Brembo brakes, and a genuinely raucous exhaust note that made the small turbocharged engine sound far larger than its displacement suggested.

The 595 stayed in production for years as Abarth's core model, receiving regular styling and equipment updates while keeping its formula intact: a lightweight body, a punchy turbo four-cylinder, and a exhaust note tuned to turn heads. It remains one of the most complete expressions of Carlo Abarth's original small-car-big-attitude philosophy.

Frequently asked questions about Abarth 595

Why is it called the Abarth 595?
The name honors the 595cc displacement of a historic Fiat 500 Abarth model that Carlo Abarth's company built and raced in the 1960s, tying the modern car to that racing heritage.
What is the difference between Abarth 595 Turismo and Competizione?
Turismo is the mid-level 595 trim focused on comfort with sport touches, while Competizione adds Koni FSD dampers, Brembo brakes, and more aggressive tuning for a track-ready feel.
Did the Abarth 595 replace the Abarth 500?
Yes. The 595 succeeded the original Abarth 500, carrying over the same platform and turbocharged engine while adding new trims, styling updates, and sharper dynamics.
What engine powers the Abarth 595?
The 595 uses a turbocharged 1.4 liter four-cylinder engine, tuned differently across the Turismo and Competizione trims for varying levels of power and exhaust character.
Is the Abarth 595 a good daily driver?
Its small size and stiff suspension make it a firm ride by hatchback standards, but its light weight and manageable dimensions still make it usable as a spirited daily commuter.

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