Fiat Abarth 595 launched at Rs 29.85 lakh

Fiat has launched the first model under its Abarth performance brand, the Abarth 595 Competizione, at Rs 29.85 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The 595 is the high-performance version of the Abarth 500, which in turn is the high-performance version of the Fiat 500 hatchback.

The standard 500 is no stranger to India. The iconic Fiat was launched in 2008 and was powered by a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engine. However, the car did not perform well in the market and was eventually discontinued in 2013.

Compared to the 500, the 595 is a different machine. Under the bonnet is a 158bhp 1.4-litre T-Jet petrol engine capable of developing 23.45kgm of torque in Sport mode. The car also sits lower and uses a stiff suspension set-up for a racier feel. The engine is mated to a five-speed AMT gearbox with paddle shifters as standard.

The car also wears a unique body kit along with the iconic Abarth badge, and features twin exhausts, 17-inch alloy wheels along with sporting graphite-finish on the door handles, wing mirrors and grille.

Inside, the front seats seen on the standard 500 are now replaced by race seats. The steering is a different flat-bottomed unit bearing the badge, while the instrument cluster is an all-digital unit. Adding to the look of the cabin is a boost pressure gauge and shift indicator sitting high up on the dashboard.

The launch of the 595 Competizione also marks the introduction of the brand in India. Founded in 1949 by Carlo Abarth, the brand was created to build cars as well as modify and improve on existing cars. The scorpion badge was created using Abarth’s birth sign – Scorpio. The brand launched the original Abarth 500 way back in 1958 with a 26bhp 479cc engine. The Abarth 595 was born in 1963, by increasing the existing engine capacity of the Abarth 500 to 595cc.

The brand merged with Fiat in 1971 before shifting into obscurity with simple badge
re-engineered cars in the late 1980s. Fiat relaunched the iconic brand in 2007 as a performance brand with the first customer models being the Fiat Punto Abarth and the Abarth 500.

Three models have been lined up for the Indian market under Fiat's Abarth performance brand. The Abarth 595 being its first and halo model, the company is also preparing the Abarth Punto and Avventura 'Powered by Abarth' for the market. The Abarth Punto is expected to get a comprehensive Abarth-treatment with a 145bhp T-Jet engine, Abarth wheels, stiffer suspension, sportier bumpers and disc brakes on all four wheels. However, the Avventura 'Powered by Abarth' will not get substantial changes save for the 145bhp 1.4-litre T-Jet motor under the hood.

The Abarth 595 will rival the Mini Cooper S as a high-performance premium hatchback and will be imported as completely built-up units (CBUs). The Abarth Punto and Avventura 'Powered by Abarth' will have no direct rivals in the market with the closest competition for the two models being the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI and Ford EcoSport EcoBoost.

Fiat Abarth 595 Competizione review

India-spec Abarth Punto showcased