Abarth 595 Competizione 2017 first drive

With the Abarth 124 Spider doing most of the headline-grabbing lately, it’s all too easy to forget that it’s the car that we’re testing here which put the Italian tuning company back on the map. First released in 2008, the 500 Abarth, with its cutesy looks, characterful engine and classless image showed that Abarth could stand on its own as a separate marque from Fiat. That's no easy feat - just ask Citroën about DS.

However, in recent years, the car has struggled somewhat, with its premium price putting it directly in the firing line of some exceptionally talented hot hatches. Abarth’s response? To release a run of even more expensive special editions, such as the 695 Tributo Ferrari, Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing and 695 Biposto – the latter coming equipped with a spectacularly expensive £8,500 race-bred five-speed dog ring gearbox.

However, the car has been treated to a refresh that isn’t absurdly expensive or limited run; the latest 595 being launched in a three-trim line-up with three different engine outputs. All are equipped with the familiar turbocharged 1.4-litre T-Jet motor, but it’s the top-spec 178bhp Competizione model that we’re particularly interested in. Chiefly, because it comes with an all-new mechanical limited-slip differential.

Buyers of the manual Abarth 595 Competizione can also specify 17in Supersport alloys on their car, as part of a new Performance Pack, which adds Sabelt leather and Alcantara seats with carbonfibre shells, 595 badging in the interior and a red, white or gloss black finish for exterior and interior trim. As standard, the Competizione also gets uprated Koni FSD dampers all-round and a more potent Brembo braking system with 305mm perforated discs.

We tested the Competizione in Italy late last year, and were impressed with its revised chassis, but now it’s time to subject it to bumpy British B roads, the ultimate lie-detector test. 

Energetic. Turn the key and the turbocharged 1.4-litre bursts into life with an intensity that is entirely unbefitting of a car this size. Below 30mph, small throttle inputs have the Abarth gurgling, popping and crackling, eliciting scornful looks from confused onlookers. Even without leaving town, it’s clear that this is not a hot hatch for those who crave anonymity.

Thankfully, once we were out onto the desolate North Yorkshire moors, it was possible to exploit all 178bhp away from prying eyes. Stretch your right foot and there is inevitably some turbo lag before you get into the meat of the power, but once past 3000rpm the Competizione pulls with a fervour that is lacking from the more powerful yet portlier Mini Cooper S. In fact, with a 0-62mph time of 6.7sec and 143mph top speed, straight line performance is on a par with our favourite hot hatch; the brilliantly effervescent Ford Fiesta ST200.