2016 Abarth 595 REVIEW – Proof Positive That “Less Can be More”
THE NEW 2016 ABARTH 595 ADDS A 'WARM-HATCH' OPTION TO THE MICRO HOT-HATCH MARKET. De-tuned "a bit", and softened "a bit", it is also a bit cheaper than the Abarth 595 Tourismo that it joins in Fiat showrooms.
The addition of this new entry-level 595, priced from $27,500 plus on-road costs, wipes $6500 off the previous ticket to Abarth ownership.
It's cheaper because it loses some performance and the suspension has lost some hard-core sheen.
But Fiat says 595 buyers place sports design ahead of outright performance as their primary reason to buy, so retaining the bodykit while making it a smoother, friendlier proposition should increase sales.
Vehicle Style: Micro hatch
Price: $27,500 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 103kW/206Nm 1.4 litre 4cyl turbo petrol | 5sp manual
Fuel Economy claimed: 6.0 l/100km | tested: 8.5 l/100km
OVERVIEW
Previously you had to spend $34,000 plus on-road costs to get into the 595 Turismo, which remains in the range with a 118kW/230Nm 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, five-speed manual, 17-inch alloy wheels and stiff suspension.
The new 595 gets 106kW/206Nm from essentially the same engine, but it gets smaller 16-inch wheels and a softer suspension tune. The only real equipment items missing are leather seats and an alloy gearknob.