Abarth 595 2017 Review

The Abarth 595 pocket rocket has been updated for a new model year with a handful of engineering changes and cosmetic updates. While the changes are minimal, there’s still a lot to like about this little powerhouse which is now available as a streamlined two-up model offering. The hero 595 Competizione is a stand-out driver’s car but is its $8010 price drop enough for us to oversee a distinct lack of driver assistance technology?

The Abarth 595 has received a mid-life update. Now available in just two models, the Abarth 595 and Abarth 595 Competizione, each front-wheel drive 595 model continues to be powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

In the standard 595 it generates 107kW (up marginally from last year’s model) and 206Nm while the repriced Abarth 595 Competizione is boosted with a Garrett turbocharger, performance air filter and dual mode Monza exhaust to put out 132kW and 250Nm.

The 2017 Abarth 595 has been moderately updated from last year’s car which we reviewed last year.

Each model still comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission or can be optioned with a five-speed robotised sequential transmission. Both are available as a two-door hatch and a 595 convertible is offered at a premium of $3000.

The standard 595 is priced from $26,990 plus on-road costs while the Dualogic transmission adds $2000 to the price.

There’s a slight power increase of 4kW on last year’s model as aerodynamic performance has been improved, boosting cooling efficiency for the engine.

The 595 Competizione features front and rear adaptive suspension with KONI frequency selective damping, red painted Brembo calipers, and carbon fibre/Alcantara steering wheel.

Its biggest news is undoubtedly the price drop of $5010 which brings its pricetag down to $31,990 plus on-road costs.

Personalisation options abound with each vehicle offering a number of options including wheel and colour choices.

All models include a black interior; the 595 is equipped as standard with cloth seats while the 595 Competizione has leather seats as standard and seat options including leather and Alcantara Sabelt sports front seats ($2000).

Paint colour choices abound while sticker packs add to the opportunity for drivers to make their Abarth unique.

Abarth 595 models finally receive the updated UConnect infotainment system from the Fiat 500 which includes DAB+ digital radio and navigation but its 5.0-inch screen is one of the smallest on the market and seems a bit miserly given that most new cars on the market now come with at least a 7.0-inch screen as standard.

For $900 both models can now be optioned with a 440-Watt BeatsAudio system with seven speakers and digital amplifier.

Disappointingly, the light refresh hasn’t added much in the way of safety technologies which impact significantly on its review score here.

There’s still no reverse camera, no front parking sensors, no cruise control and no driver assistance tools such as autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring or lane departure warning.

You could argue that a small car like the 595 which measures just 3,657mm in length shouldn’t need front parking sensors or a reverse camera but the tough fact of the Australian market is that most cars are now specified with a reverse camera and the absence of these technologies sticks out like a sore thumb.

Driver’s car cred
Thankfully, the 595’s driveability helps you to see through the bits that it is missing.

Engine performance in both vehicles is impressive however even though the 107kW motor is engaging, it leaves you wanting more. Enter the extra horses under the 595 Competizione’s bonnet.

It is perhaps no surprise that the 132kW Competizione is the hot seller for Abarth. Initial allocations are sold out and there’s not much availability on the higher powered model to the end of the year.

Thanks to that $5000 price reduction, the high-po Abarth has become a more attractive proposition.

Abarth says 60 per cent of 595 models sold include the manual transmission. The five-speed self- shifter in the Abarth is a great match for the potent little engine, and through the twists and turns of the Reefton Spur and Black Spur the Abarth delivers an exhilarating experience for the driver.

I drove the 595 Competizione with manual box and the standard 595 with the robotised sequential automatic.

Unfortunately, the performance of the two gearbox options are chalk and cheese. Where the manual shines with a short shift and easy-to-use gate, the robotised box is jerky and creates a drive experience which is frankly frustrating and casts a cloud over the sporty promise of the 595.

Gear changes up the ratios are accompanied by an unnerving ‘rowing’ sensation and when driving through bends, this serves to deliver a helping of nausea.

Switching to 595’s sports mode and gear ratios are lengthened but still feature that strange shifting sensation. Even changing to manual mode and shifting through the steering wheel paddles fails to address the box’s shortcomings.

A schmick dual-clutch transmission or sports automatic would be vastly preferable to the Dualogic option but with neither available, it’s no surprise buyers are choosing to stick with the manual gearbox.

Chassis and ride
As a compact sports model that weighs just over 1000kgs, the Abarth 595 is well balanced and easy to place on the road.

Steering feel is solid and responsive and turn in is accurate and predictable. Stability control is not obtrusive, leading to a fun driving experience that isn’t overly assisted.

Even in heavy rain, with delicate steering inputs the Pirelli rubber offers decent grip and delivers reassuring handling however we noted it is very easy to elicit some tyre squeal from the 17-inch wheels on take-off in the 595 Competizione.

The standard 595 is equipped with adaptive front suspension to improve front end feel in sports mode while the 595 Competizione steps up to front and rear adaptive suspension with mechanical limited-slip differential.

The LSD contributes to keeping the 595 travelling in a straight line but torque steer is still noticeable under heavy acceleration.

Braking is solid too, with Brembos on the 595 Competizione pulling it up with confidence and its standard bi-modal Monza exhaust adds extra theatre proving spot on for a day’s touring in the hills.

A car for drivers
In a sea of homogenised passenger cars, the Abarth 595 still retains all of its stand out character but it simply hasn’t kept up with pack in terms of key features.

Its lack of driver assistance technology sees it lose some appeal for daily commuting and as such, it isn’t convincing as an everyday car.

Despite its shortcomings, however, the Abarth 595 still makes a compelling case as a driver’s car as it delivers on the all-important ‘feel behind the wheel’ factor.

Weekend warriors should specify the 132kW 595 Competizione with manual transmission as it’s simply the best configuration on offer and its discounted price gives it much greater appeal.

2017 Abarth 595 automatic pricing and specifications:
Price: From $26,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 107kW/206Nm
Transmission: Five-speed manual or automatic
Fuel: 5.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 134g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: N/A

2017 Abarth 595 Competizione pricing and specifications:
Price: $31,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 132kW/250Nm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel: 6.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 139g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: N/A