The Fiat 500-based Abarth 595 hot hatch has been updated for 2021 with new personalisation options and technology upgrades, and will be available to order in February from £17,760.
The four available variants - 595, Turismo, Competizione and Esseesse - are all powered by an uprated version of Fiat's turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing between 143bhp and 178bhp.
Mechanical differences between each version are minimal, but the more focused Competizione (from £23,060) and Esseesse (£26,560) are fitted with a larger turbocharger, a mechanical self-locking differential, uprated Koni shock absorbers and Brembo brakes with lightweight aluminium callipers.
As standard, the 595 is equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox, but an automatic option with paddle shifters is available.
Sport mode has been renamed Scorpion, in reference to the Italian brand's emblem, and the 7.0in infotainment screen has been updated to show new start-up and shut-down displays.
The mid-range Turismo, at £20,960, offers new colour choices for its bespoke leather seats, while the Competizione features an Alcantara-upholstered dashboard and can be painted in a new matte blue colour inspired by the 1970s Fiat 131 Abarth rally car.
A new optional set of 17in alloy wheels are modelled on those worn by the 1990s Lancia Delta Integrale.
Elsewhere, the top-rung Esseesse gains revised innards for its Akrapovič exhaust system for an enhanced sound, LED daytime running lights are now standard across the range and a flat-bottomed steering wheel is fitted to all cars.
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I have a 2012 model with the dualogic gearbox (auto-robotised manual) the car has done 198 000 klms now, no problems whatsoever with the gearbox, still going like a train, no reliabilty issues at all. I drive in auto and use paddles when I want to shift a gear myself, awesome. This has got to be the best gearbox ever, the absolute best of both worlds. I am currently awaiting my new Abath order 2021, and yes, it too will be dualogic. Stuff the manual!
I test drove one when they were launched, loved it! Ended up getting a Mini, only because the finance deal was better.
I would like to try the "automatic" version which I presume is still a robotised manual, using it as a semi-automatic with the paddle shifts and relieving myself from pumping the clutch pedal. I suspect though that there may be reliability issues - has anyone had any experience of these?
There are some great videos on youtube, die hard manuel lovers rattle on about how it isn't as good but there are some great reviews. I'd love to give one a go myself.