New Abarths go hi-per

The UK is now blessed with the arrival of two new high-performance Abarths, the Abarth 500 and 595 ranges. More fun than a bathtub full of M&Ms, these two little belters are now available.

The 500 stays put as the entry level Abarth for Britain with a new colour, more standard kit and, excellently, a lower OTR pricetag. A high performance upgrade option is also available on this model. It is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged T-Jet engine offering 135bhp with the manual and 140bhp with the automated manual box.

There are also 16-inch alloys, spruced-up pedals, footrests and kickplates, air conditioning, a Sport mode, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, leather around the gear lever and four pastel colours. The 500 is priced at £13,975 for the manual and £15,275 for the automated manual, while the 500C is £15,875 for the manual and £17,175 for the auto.

Meanwhile, the new incarnations of the 595, the 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione promise to be something pretty special too. Both are powered by a 160bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged T-Jet engine and, like the 500, will also be available in manual or automated manual.

Both also feature dark tinted rear windows, upgraded front and rear dampers, red brake callipers, a choice of 10 exterior colours, xenon headlights, Titanium Grey front and rear sports grilles, bespoke floor mats and machined aluminium fuel and oil filler caps.

The Turismo features sporty pedals, footrest and kickplates automatic climate control, leather upholstery and 17-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels. Prices range from £17,725 to £20,925.

Opt for the Competizione and you’ll get aluminium pedals, footrest and kickplates, cross-drilled front and rear disc brakes, fabric upholstery, Monza exhaust upgrade and 17-inch, five-spoke alloys in anthracite/diamond finish. It’s priced from £18,725 to £21,925.

They’re all available via Abarth’s UK network of 24 dealers.


By Georgia Lewis

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