2016 Abarth 595 range gets more power and new tech

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has launched a new, expanded Abarth 595 hot hatch range. The line-up absorbs the old Abarth 500 models and brings 5bhp increases in power, a new mechanical limited-slip differential and a raft of visual updates.

On sale now for £15,090, the entry-level 595 uses a turbocharged 1.4-litre T-Jet engine that produces 143bhp and 152lb ft of torque. Above this sits the 595 Turismo, which starts at £18,290 and produces 163bhp and 170lb ft, while at the top of the range is the 595 Competizione, which features the most potent, 178bhp 1.4 T-Jet engine and costs £20,290.

Read our Abarth 595 Competizione review here

This range-topper uses a freer-flowing Record Monza exhaust to put out an impressive 130bhp per litre. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.7sec, making it two-tenths quicker off the line than the rival Ford Fiesta ST.

All 595 models come as standard with a five-speed manual gearbox, with a robotised sequential gearbox with shift paddles optional. All are also available in convertible guise for a £2000 premium over the figures for the hatchback models.

Buyers of the manual Abarth 595 Competizione can specify a mechanical limited-slip differential on their car, as part of a new Performance Pack, which adds 17in Supersport alloys, 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.

Also standard on the 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione are Koni frequency-selective dampers, which adjust to driving conditions to offer a softer ride at low speeds and a firmer one at pace. They’re fitted to the rear end only on the Turismo and to all four corners on the Competizione.

The Competizione also features the beefiest brakes, in the form of four-pot Brembo calipers with 305mm perforated discs.

All 595s come with a Sport button that adjusts the engine’s mapping to offer maximum torque and tweaks throttle pedal and steering wheel calibration for sharper responses.

Standard across the 595 range is a Uconnect 5.0in touchscreen infotainment system with DAB and optional satellite navigation. Buyers can specify a high-definition 7.0in version of the system, which gets standard sat-nav and Abarth Telemetry, displaying a live readout of driving data that can be collected and shared directly onto social media.

Additionally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be offered as optional equipment with 7.0in Uconnect systems from September, allowing passengers to mirror their smartphones onto the infotainment screen.