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Carlo Abarth introduced the first 595 in 1963. It was based on the Fiat 500, the engine of which had been extended to 594cm3, hence its name - the 595. Using other tuning measures the ‘Master’ was immediately able to push the rather modest Fiat 500 to 27hp, still reaching a speed of over 120km/h.
It is interesting to see that Abarth is still using the same recipe today, producing tiny little cars with powerful engines! A 1.4-litre engine with a Garett turbo, for example, provides 165hp for unquestionable driving pleasure: 230Nm at 3,000rpm will put one blissful smile on the driver’s face! In terms of figures, it can reach 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 218 km/h with a wheelbase of just 230cm !
The various scorpions (the symbol of both the brand and of founder Carlo Abarth’s zodiac sign) etched inside the passenger compartment, along with the flattened steering wheel and aluminium pedals, are immediately reminiscent of the history of motorsport. There is also a TFT screen providing the driver with various type of information, as well as a digital speedometer. The cabriolet version comes with a folding roof that opens as far as the lower edge of the rear window. The leather seats may look the part, but they really should be positioned lower for such a sporty model. The exterior design is not to be overlooked, either, with its deep front combined with large air vents, reinforced wheel housings and a rear diffuser setting an aggressive tone for this two-tone little city car.
On-road behaviour
As was to be expected, the 595C Turismo is very agile on bends, although not as responsive as it might be when it comes to steering. When braking in the buffer zone going into a bend you feel a slight oversteer, which is undoubtedly explained by the combination of the short wheelbase and the low weight on the rear axle. Thanks to the vehicle’s electronic driving aids, the rear is nevertheless consistently stabilised and the driver always feels safe. The choice between a manual and an automatic gearbox is purely a matter of taste. Our test model with an automatic gearbox was priced at €24,019. For those wishing to take part in a spot of track racing, however, we would recommend the Abarth 595 Competizione from the same range, or even the 695 Biposto.