Pint-size Abarth 695 hot hatch updated, for a price

Just as Fiat isn’t quite done with internal combustion, nor it seems is its sister performance brand Abarth, which has just announced an updated and more expensive MY23 Abarth 695 Competizione hot hatch ahead of its entry into local showrooms next month.

Still available with the familiar choice of manual or automatic transmissions, the 2023 Abarth 695 Competizione now starts from $37,900 plus on-road costs, which marks a $1500 price premium over the MY22 version it replaces – despite there being no major equipment or mechanical changes.

So what is new besides the price? Well, the 2023 versions flaunt new vertically-stacked exhaust exits trimmed in ‘Monza Red’, a new ‘Racing Orange’ exterior colour and a new matte-black dashboard finish – and that’s it.

The rest of the package carries over from the previous model year, meaning the 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine still pumps out 132kW/250Nm, is counteracted by a Brembo braking package and drives the front wheels via a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

Likewise, equipment highlights continue to include 17-inch alloy wheels, yellow brake callipers, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, 7.0-inch infotainment system with DAB+, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Abarth fabric seat trim, Alcantara-clad steering wheel and carbonfibre-look trim.

“Abarth embodies passion and performance, and the Italian design is truly a piece of art,” said Abarth Australia in a press release today.

“The all-new Racing Orange exterior colour will debut with MY23 Abarth 695, representing the colours that have made the beloved Abarth Scorpion the legend it is today.”

Said paint finish takes the total palette out to five, however, there are in fact nine colour combinations on offer when you factor in the optional black roof ($1600).

The only other option is a $1700 pack that adds a Beats premium sound system and sexier 17-inch Competizione alloy wheels.

Chances are 2024 will be the 695’s final year in the Australian market as Fiat, Abarth and their Stellantis parent company moves toward full electrification, with the 695 set to be effectively replaced by the upcoming Abarth 500e electric hatch priced from $58,900 plus on-roads and packing 114kW/235Nm.

* Prices exclude on-road costs

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