2019 Abarth 595 Competizione Packs 180 PS

The 1.4-liter T-Jet four-cylinder turbo is joined by a mechanical limited-slip differential in the 595 Competizione, albeit as an optional extra. Lower down the range, the 595 Turismo develops 165 PS (163 horsepower). Then there’s the 595 Pista, which goes lower still with 160 PS (158 horsepower). As for the entry-level model, Abarth has 145 PS (143 horsepower) to offer.

But wait, there’s more! Higher up the spectrum, the 695 Rivale comes with two-tone Riva Evening Blue and Shark Grey paintwork, mahogany trim, and leather upholstery. The mahogany comes courtesy of Riva, the yachtbuilder responsible for instant classics such as the Aquarama wooden runabout.

“Behind the wheel of an Abarth car, reality is a fantastic game,” says the Italian manufacturer. The thing is, these pocket rockets don’t come cheap at all. On the upside, Fiat is much obliged to offer the Uconnect 5” Radio touchscreen infotainment system as standard, along with Uconnect Live.

For some reason or other, the 7.0-inch system is standard only on the Pista. The Adrenalina Green exterior color in the main photo is exclusive to the Competizione and Pista, which also feature the Record Monza Attivo exhaust system as standard. The Turismo, meanwhile, can be painted in Asfalto Grey.

Even though it now complies with the Euro 6D-TEMP emissions standard, the 595 didn’t have to lose any of the suck-squeeze-bang-blow thanks to some clever redesigning. The larger air scoop, for example, increased the cooling capacity by 18 percent compared to the previous model. And as opposed to BMW and other automakers, Fiat didn’t add an Otto Particulate Filter to the exhaust system.

At the end of the day, however, the Abarth is getting a bit long in the tooth. Introduced in 2008 and based on the Fiat 500 from 2007, the Abarth lineup makes use of the Fiat Mini platform. You know, the vehicle architecture that wen official in 2003 with the Panda Mk2. In other words, the backbone is 15 years old.