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2016 Abarth 595 Facelift Is Ready to Rumble

Nine years after Fiat reimagined the 500 for the 21st century, the Abarth division breathes new life into the 595 pocket rocket. The biggest news of the long-awaited facelift for the Abarth 595 is that it gets more power.
2016 Abarth 595 facelift 3 photos
Photo: Fiat
2016 Abarth 595 facelift2016 Abarth 595 facelift
In the case of the 2016 Abarth 595, the force-fed 1.4-liter four-cylinder churns out 145 horsepower, five more than before. The 595 Turismo, on the other hand, trumps that with 165 horsepower. As for the much more berserk Abarth 595 Competizione, the output stays put at 180 horsepower.

Drive is still sent to the front axle via a manual transmission or a single clutch automatic operated through buttons on the center console. If you want a mechanical limited-slip differential, go for the Competizione and don’t forget to tick the box that reads “Performance Pack.”

As standard, the 595 Turismo comes with Koni FSD shock absorbers at the rear. The 2016 Abarth 595 Competizione ups the ante with frequency selective damping all around. Because it is based on the Fiat 500 facelift, it shouldn’t surprise you to find one too many aesthetic details shared between the regular model and the Abarth 595.

LED daytime running lights are a no-cost option. Xenon headlights are not, nor are carbon dashboard fascia inspired by that of the 695 Biposto. Those 17-inch alloy wheels look spot on, though. Other goodies brought by the facelift are new body colors: Modena Yellow, Abarth Red, and Iridato White. Two-tone combos are available as well: Scorpione Black/Podio Blue, Scorpione Black/Record Grey, and Pista Grey/Abarth Red.

Once you step inside the Abarth 595, the little bruiser will greet you with a digital instrument panel, a 5-inch Uconnect infotainment system or an optional 7-inch unit, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 480-watt Beats Audio system with seven speakers, including a bass-conscious subwoofer mounted where the spare wheel should’ve been. You can find out more about Italy’s finest pocket rocket in the following release.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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