Fiat has announced the expansion of its 500 Abarth range with the introduction of two new models. The 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione are offered as more powerful and better-equipped alternatives to the standard 500 Abarth.
Both 595 models feature 160bhp versions of the 500 Abarth’s 1.4-litre T-Jet engine, which offers performance identical to that of the 500 Essesse.
The original 500 Abarth will remain as an entry-level model, which has received a £500 price cut. That model will continue to be offered with the dealer-fit Essesse tuning pack.
Fiat argues that would-be Essesse buyers are likely to choose the new 595 models due to a comparable price tag and improved equipment levels.
A choice of manual or robotised manual gearboxes is available with all three models. Both the 500 and 595 are offered in hatchback or Fiat 500C convertible bodystyles.
Fiat 595 Abarth Turismo models cost from £17,775 and feature uprated dampers, leather trim and climate control, while the £18,795 Competizione model counts fabric Sabelt seats and a sports exhaust among standard-fit kit. Automatic models are priced at a £1300 premium.
