The new Abarth range is represented at the Paris stand by two customisations, the Abarth 595 “turismo” and the “Abarth 595 “competizione”, two authentic Abarths with tuning as standard.

The new Abarth 595 confirms the return to the concept of “variations” on basic models, on which Karl Abarth built the myth of the Scorpion more than 60 years ago. The two customisation options, “turismo” and “competizione”, on the Abarth stand address two different audiences – the first more concerned with individuality and comfort, the second comprising racing purists – but with an essential unifying element: the passion for sport which characterises all Abarth models. In the first version, the tuning concerns the engine and geometry, in addition to a high level of interior and exterior details for those customers who identify with values such as the more exclusive elegance, refinement, comfort and sportiness oriented toward the world of “Gran Turismo”. In addition to the engine and geometry, in the Abarth 595 “competizione” the tuning also affects the exhaust system, with the “Record Monza” exhaust fitted as standard, and the “Abarth Corse by Sabelt” sports seats for those who see themselves as downright “race lovers”, inspired by the full-blooded world of racing.

In both customisation options, the car is fitted with a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet engine whose power has been increased to a good 160 HP (118 kW) thanks to the standard engine tuning kit. The engine is a 1368 cm3 4 cylinder 16 valve unit (turbocharged with a fixed-geometry IHI turbocharger) that delivers exhilarating performance. Torque is 230 Nm at 3000 rpm in Sport mode. Top speed is 211 km/h while acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes place in just 7.4 seconds. Yet this typically Abarth performance comes with very frugal fuel consumption: 6.5 l/100 km in the combined cycle.

In terms of safety, the Abarth 595 follows the superior standards that the Abarth 500 guarantees. As on all the other Abarths, it offers as standard the TTC (Torque Transfer Control) device that, by improving the transfer of drive torque to the wheels, enhances the car’s road holding without compromising the fun when driving it. The car is equipped as standard with Xenon headlights with dipped and driving light functions for improved light emission and excellent performance in all weather conditions. These devices deliver three times the light intensity and duration of standard halogen-lamp headlights.

With the “turismo” option, the Abarth 595 is aimed at all those who seek elegance and distinctiveness, in addition to loving sport and performance. With this customisation option, Abarth is restoring some trend-setting elements: characterisation of the exteriors, to name one, which allows customers to have two-tone livery on a saloon for the first time. The car is available in three two-tone combinations: the new metallic Pista Grey and Officina Red, Scorpione Black and Gara White, and Pista Grey and Campovolo Grey, together with a range of metallic shades and the pearlescent Iridato White. An updated version of the historic 595 logo in aluminium on the side and tailgate also enhances the exteriors. The one on the tailgate is further customised with Turismo graphics, again in aluminium.

A wealth of rims to choose from, all 17″ alloy, contribute to the car’s elegance. In addition to the standard 5-speed manual gearbox, the Abarth 595 “turismo” is available with the electrically operated manual Abarth Competizione gearbox with controls on the steering wheel as standard. This enhances engine performance with reduced gearshift times. The gearshift paddles are located on the sporty black leather steering wheel with perforated “ears” the same colour as the seats, available only in leather in the four shades of Natural, Black, Red and Grey. The Abarth Corse by Sabelt versions are also available. Pedal unit, sill plate and gearbox trim in the high-quality Alutex aluminium glass fibre material complete the standard equipment.

The second customisation option, “competizione”, is dedicated to more extreme sports enthusiasts, to the true “racing purists”. Compared to the previous version, a few features of which have been kept (such as choice of exterior colours, including two-tone, metallic and pearlescent, and a wide selection of 17″ alloy rims), it is marked by elements that exalt its performance and sporty characteristics even more. The first element offered by the Abarth 595 “competizione” is the 5-speed manual gearbox that enhances personal driving style through a more direct relationship with the car. But even more, its sporty personality is exalted by the four-way “Record Monza” exhaust. Thanks to “dual mode” technology, it optimises the torque and power delivery curves, resulting in increased engine responsiveness from medium engine speeds (1.5 kg/m starting from 2,000 rpm).

The interiors also have a sporty and aggressive personality thanks to the “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” seats. They come as standard in fabric, but are also available in Natural, Red, Black and Grey leather and Alcantara bearing the 595 logo embroidered on the integrated headrest. Special materials have been used to enhance the dashboard. Their appearance and finish evoke metal, to further accentuate the technical and sporty personality of this customisation option. The same treatment is adopted for the backrests of the seats. Lastly, the gear lever knob made of Ergal, sill plate, pedal unit and aluminium kick plate – all decorated with the Abarth motifs – draw on the equipment found on race cars. Completing the characterisation are side bands in the shade of matt titanium, also applied on the door mirror fairings.

To enhance the performance of the new Abarth 500 range even more, tuning kits for engine, ride and brakes are available for both customisation options. They guarantee a unique driving experience in terms of performance, handling and safety. Safety is always at the heart of Abarth tuning; in addition to tuning kits for increasing power, there are kits for the braking system and ride.

The first adopts self-ventilating perforated front disc brakes (diameter 284 mm × 22 mm), perforated rear disc brakes (diameter 240 mm × 11 mm) and high-performance front brake pads, while the second offers front and rear Koni shock absorbers with FSD valve and special red springs, lowered with respect to those adopted on the original car.

As further confirmation of the pursuit of the highest level of customisation on the Abarth 595, the exclusive Tramontano “Tribute to Abarth” leather bags are available. They too come in “turismo” and “competizione” versions, to match the interior colour of the two customisation options. The Tramontano “Tribute to Abarth” bags are available as the “Travel Pack”, which can be requested together with the car or individually in the Abarth merchandising line, in all the colours of leather to match the interiors of the Abarth 500.