The Fiat Abarth 595 Competizione is the performance enriched version of the retro Fiat 500 and will go on sale in the country early next year. It comes via the CBU route.
After playing hide and seek for months, Fiat India has finally debuted the Abarth 595 Competizione at the ongoing Autocar Performance Show in Mumbai ahead of its official launch in the coming weeks. Showcased at the Auto Expo in February this year, the Abarth 595 Competizione is the first Abarth to be launched in the country and is based on the iconic Fiat 500. While the Abarth tuned 595 retains the retro appeal of the Fiat 500, the model is completely different in dynamics and is built to satiate the driver in you.
In terms of aesthetics, the 595 Competizione gets a whole of Abarth decals and cladding all over replacing the Fiat badges. The performance hatchback is also lowered to 105 mm for improved aerodynamics and go-kart like driving experience. Further sprucing up the looks are the special 17-inch alloy wheels, while the twin-exhausts emit an enticing exhaust note. On the inside, the 595 Competezione comes loaded with all the necessary goodies including sports seats, flat bottom steering wheel, sunroof and turbo boost gauge with gear shift indicator.
Powering the Abarth 595 Competizione is a 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo-petrol engine producing 160 PS of power at 5500 RPM and 201 Nm of torque at 2750 RPM in Normal mode, which can be further increased to 230 Nm when switched to Sports mode. The car comes paired to an AMT unit with Manual Override system, while suspension duties are performed by up-rated springs with frequency selective damping. The 595 Competizione is also loaded with a plethora of safety features including 7 airbags, ABS, EBD, HBA along with torque transfer control (TTC) and electronic slip differential.
Gauging customer response and also building enthusiasm from fans alike at the performance show, the Fiat pavilion is sure to attract a lot of attention. The Italian automaker plans to bring the model as a CBU and will be competing against the 2015 MINI range, Mercedes A-Clas, BMW 1-Series and the upcoming Audi A3 hatchback in the segment. The Abarth 595 is expected to be priced at Rs. 26 lakhs (ex-showroom).
