What is the Abarth 595?

Abarth's Japanese models have further enhanced their appeal. Let's start with a brief overview.

The biggest highlight is the newly introduced "Abarth 595" series. The lineup consists of two types: "Turismo" and "Competizione." For the Turismo, in addition to the coupe, a convertible body type can be selected. The difference from the Competizione, which is only available as a coupe, lies in the equipment. While both feature 17-inch wheels, the Turismo uses a specially designed set, and the front seats are upgraded to lightweight Alcantara and leather. The Competizione offers significant value for the 200,000 yen price difference over the Turismo, including features like chrome-finished heated electric door mirrors, the "Record Monza" high-performance exhaust system, twin dual exhaust pipes, and Abarth stripes on the body sides.

The Abarth 500 Also Becomes More Appealing

With the birth of the 595 series, the "Abarth 500" series has also become more attractive. By switching the seats from leather to fabric and the air conditioning from automatic to manual, the price has been reduced by 300,000 yen compared to the previous model, to 2.69 million yen. However, one cannot underestimate the significance of the 500, even if it's simply Abarth's entry-level model.

This is because, in my personal opinion, its driving performance might even be more captivating than that of the 595 series.

The Abarth 500 is Wonderful

The engines in both the 500 and 595 are 1,368cc inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve + turbo. The maximum output and torque are 135ps & 180Nm (206Nm with SPORT switch) and 160ps & 206Nm (230Nm with SPORT switch), respectively. The key to choosing between these models will be how you consider this difference of 25ps and 26Nm.

However, when actually driving the 500, it becomes clear that its performance is more exhilarating than imagined, partly due to it being the only model available with a 5-speed manual transmission. The engine revs surprisingly smoothly, and the throttle response becomes even sharper at higher speeds.



As you continue to accelerate, shifting through the well-defined 5-speed manual, the car reaches speeds of over 180 km/h in fourth gear. At the same time, you'll be surprised by its stability, which belies its styling and short 2,300mm wheelbase.

The joy of cornering is also overwhelming. While the 135ps maximum output might seem modest compared to modern sports cars, the pleasure of skillfully navigating corners by utilizing the 5-speed manual to find the optimal engine speed, combined with precise steering and well-tuned suspension, is unparalleled. Incidentally, the 500 comes with 16-inch wheels and tires, but there's no need to consider upgrading to 17-inch. It's a car with truly superb overall balance.

Which 595 is Right for You?

After enjoying the driving experience of the base model (though even the Abarth is special within the entire Fiat Group lineup), I next took the wheel of the 595 Turismo. As mentioned earlier, the 595 Turismo is also available as a convertible, but I wanted to experience its performance in the more hardcore coupe version.

Inside the 595 Turismo's cabin, the first impression was the sense of luxury. Abarth describes this model as "emphasizing comfort and refinement," and indeed, the ambiance that envelops you is impeccable. Considering this, the convertible, with sunlight streaming in from above, might be the best choice for the 595 Turismo.

The Single-Clutch Semi-Automatic Has Come This Far

Amidst such contemplation, I started the engine and pushed the "1" button for the 5-speed sequential transmission with automatic mode. Then, selecting AT mode and pressing the accelerator, the semi-automatic transmission demonstrated remarkably skillful clutch control, smoothly accelerating the 595 Touring. Upshifts occur at surprisingly early intervals during street-level acceleration, but the clutch disengagement time is relatively short, making me realize anew how far single-clutch semi-automatic transmissions have evolved.

The advantage of 25ps more maximum output compared to the 500 is hardly noticeable on the street. However, when the stage shifts to winding roads and then to the circuit, the benefit of this 25ps becomes more apparent. The semi-automatic transmission also allows for manual operation via paddles, which offers the significant advantage of allowing the driver to concentrate on braking and steering during cornering. The suspension uses KONI dampers, further distinguishing the 595 series from the 500, and indeed, the body roll in corners, both in amount and rate of change, was refined to a sportier and more natural feel.

Furthermore, with the Competizione version of the 595, the exhaust system creates an even more spartan driving sensation. This is truly the world of traditional Italian sports cars, and the world of Abarth.

The Ultimate Abarth: 100 Units Arrive in Japan

And there was another major topic for the Japanese Abarth models.

ABARTH 500 | ABARTH 500
ABARTH 595 Turismo & Competizione | ABARTH 595 Turismo & Competizione
ABARTH 595C Turismo | ABARTH 595C Turismo

Body Size |
(500 & 595) Length 3,655 x Width 1,625 x Height 1,515 mm
(595C) Length 3,655 x Width 1,625 x Height 1,505 mm
Wheelbase | 2,300 mm
Tread Front/Rear |
(500) 1,415 / 1,410 mm
(595) 1,410 / 1,405 mm
Trunk Capacity |
(500) 185-550 Liters
(595) 182-547 Liters
Weight |
(500) 1,110 kg
(595) 1,120 kg
(595C) 1,160 kg
Engine | 1,368cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Maximum Output |
(500) 99kW (135ps) / 5,500 rpm
(595) 118kW (160ps) / 5,500 rpm
Maximum Torque |
(500) 180Nm (18.4kgm) / 4,500 rpm (206Nm (21.0kgm) / 3,000rpm with SPORT switch)
(595) 206Nm (21.0kgm) / 2,000 rpm (230Nm (23.5kgm) / 3,000rpm with SPORT switch)
Transmission |
(500) 5-speed Manual
(595) 5-speed Sequential with Automatic Mode
Drivetrain | FF
Tires |
(500) 195/45R16
(595) 205/40R17
Fuel Economy (10-15 Mode) |
(500) 13.9 km/ℓ
(595) 13.7 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions |
(500) 167 g/km
(595) 169 g/km
Price |
(500) 2,690,000 yen
(595 Turismo) 3,190,000 yen
(595 Competizione) 3,390,000 yen
(595C Turismo) 3,490,000 yen