Abarth 595 Competizione review finds a small hatch big on bravado

Logic and practicality were cast aside when producing the Abarth 595 Competizione which is a fire-breathing hatch that inspires smiles and driving enjoyment

The 2021 model Abarth 595 Competizione.

PASSION has disappeared from many manufacturer showrooms.

Pressure surrounding production delays, Covid and meeting stricter climate standards combine to making tough business decisions.

Abarth flies in the face of sensible. This pint-sized hatch is derived from a racing history, where Italian legend Carlo Abarth breathed new performance life into Fiats.

The 595 is the epitome of Abarth. Unique, emotional and fun.

The 2021 model Abarth 595 Competizione.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: Super cute. I got some looks and some laughs.

GRANT: The Abarth is personality-packed. Designed as an attention-grabber for inner-city dwellers, it looks and sounds fast.

KEL: It’s been a long time since we’ve been in a Fiat 500 and I really liked this go-fast version.

GRANT: Abarths are a rare breed so certainly appeal to a niche market. Prices for the 595 Competizione start from about $37,000 drive-away – depending on how many optional extra boxes you tick.

KEL: That’s expensive for a really small hatch.

GRANT: It comes equipped with some slick sporting additions, like Brembo brakes, dual mode exhaust and adaptive suspension.

KEL: Inside it has the athletic persona with the sports steering wheel with carbon fibre highlights, racing seats and pedals. Our test car also had an awesome matte blue paint finish.

GRANT: That was a new addition to this model and adds $1600. Also improving our experience was yellow brake calipers ($350) and the $2450 body kit costs. A $2500 premium pack adds xenon headlights and a sunroof, while the sport pack (also $2500) includes Sabelt race seats, 17-inch black wheels and suede highlights on the dash and saw the total price edge closer to $47k. Ouch.

The $2500 sport pack includes Sabelt race seats, 17-inch black wheels and suede highlights on the dash.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: There was no hiding in the 595. If people didn’t see you coming, they could certainly hear you.

GRANT: Rorty and raw, the brilliant rally-inspired exhaust soundtrack was especially loud once the engine was pushed high into the rev range.

KEL: While I accept those extras have a bottom line impact, they collectively combine to make this something special.

GRANT: Suede on the dash, part of one of the aforementioned packs, breaks up some of the use of hard plastics. Being an older offering, the 595 does lack a lot of modern functionality, although the seven-inch touchscreen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while the driver also has a digital display.

Inside the Abarth 595 Competizione.

WHAT DIDN’T YOU LIKE?

KEL: It desperately needs a reversing camera.

GRANT: Not much longer than a shopping trolley, you’d be hard-pressed to hit anything … but yes, the rear vision isn’t great although it does have rear parking sensors.

KEL: Safety kit also seemed to be overrated. Not even cruise control was included.

GRANT: The 595 is a driver’s car. Also absent is autonomous emergency braking and blind spot monitoring so the Abarth would have no chance of getting five stars in the safety rating realm.

KEL: I understand it’s not designed as a family option but rear legroom is limited.

GRANT: Essentially it’s a space for small adults or kids – even then only for shorter distances. And the boot is also miniature.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: All your senses are at work when behind the wheel.

GRANT: Turn the key, press the scorpion button on the dash and that soundtrack means the stereo is redundant. Quick off the mark, the 1.4-litre turbocharged engine was responsive in partnership with a five-speed manual.

KEL: I found the pedals a little too close together but changing gears was fun and it never felt breathless, even on steep hills.

GRANT: The 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.7 seconds is nothing spectacular although the noise and being close to the road enhances the feeling. Firm and bone-jarring on some bumps and corrugations, the suspension setup is certainly designed with performance in mind. There is an automatic transmission available, but the slick-shifting five-speed box is a gem.

KEL: Heavy steering made parking challenging on occasions and the turning circle was large given the 595’s size.

GRANT: That’s part of the driving appeal to deliver better handling and it navigates bends beautifully.

Pint-sized but full of bravado, the Abarth 595 Competizione.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: If I was living in the inner city and wanted to be atypical, I think the Abarth 595 would be a great option for those who enjoy driving. My current family life ensures three doors are too painful for daily activities, and the boot size means I’d need a trailer for the groceries.

GRANT: SUVs are the new focus for so many brands and it was refreshing to drive something raw and engaging. There are some flaws, like a high seat position, lack of safety kit and hefty sticker price, yet the 595 somehow manages to sweet talk you with that awesome exhaust soundtrack and driving excitement. There are still a handful left in showrooms.