Abarth 595C Reviews

We turn the spotlight on the Abarth 500 Esseesse and ask the big questions, including the most important -- would you buy one?

This may look like a Fiat 500 but actually isn't at all. It's an Abarth 500 and as you can see from the Abarth badge has a sting in its tail.

Audi has launched a new 1.4-litre TFSI petrol four-cylinder version for its Q3 range, which will become the new entry point to the model. The new Q3 has been announced for the UK market, and is likely to reach other right-hand drive markets after mid-year, slotting in under the current cheapest variants, the $47.500 103kW/320Nm 2.0 TDI quattro diesel and the $49.450 125kW/280Nm 2.0 TFSI quattro petrol.Against their level, the new car offers only front-wheel drive -- with overseas transmission choices of six- and seven-speed dual clutch box -- and just 110kW (from 5000rpm) and 250Nm (from 1750-3000rpm).But it will be the most efficient petrol in the line-up with an official fuel economy figure of 6.2L/100km on a combined driving cycle, compared to the 7.7L/100km of the 2.0-litre TFSI and not far behind the 5.8L/100km of the diesel -- and for some buyers, the cheaper price of petrol may be enough of a trade-off to move them away from the oilburner.Audi is touting a 0-100km/h time of 8.9 seconds, which would make it a full second faster than the diesel and just 0.7 behind the TFSI in acceleration, so if true, it'll lose little to them.Prices and arrival of the new Q3 have not yet been confirmed by Audi Australia, but if you have around $45,000 in the bank by mid-year, you'll be looking prepared.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Fiat 500C TwinAir Lounge vs Abarth 500 | video

Just 499 examples of the Fiat 500 based Edizione Maserati are being produced for global markets, with Fiat Australia securing just 40 units for local customers. The Abarth 695 Edizione Maserati features exclusive style details and special technical features developed especially for the Abarth/Maserati collaboration, based on a host of shared values, including attention to detail, elegance and a passion for performance and sport. It follows the hugely successful Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari collaboration project of four years ago and confirms the authoritative presence of Abarth in the luxury sports segment, this time flanked by a brand with a long history of sporting achievements and great road cars. Heading the list of customised specifications for the Abarth 695 Edizione Maserati is the uprated 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, which produces 132kW of power and 250Nm peak torque. It is teamed with an electrically-operated manual Abarth Competizione gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddle shift controls, which enhances the performance of the engine via quicker gearshifts, while ensuring an experience of superior comfort at the wheel. A variable back-pressure 'dual mode' exhaust also improves engine performance, delivering an inspiring exhaust note above 3000 revs and featuring tailpipes modified to assume the hexagonal shape that is a hallmark of Maserati models. Other mechanical highlights include 17-inch Maserati-inspired Neptune alloy wheels with performance 205/40 R17 tyres, Brembo disc brakes front and rear, and special Koni shock absorbers. The Abarth 695 Edizione Maserati is priced from $60,000.  

Twenty years from now, the carscape will be vastly different. Electric cars will be commonplace, hybrids will be universal and the Aussie V8 muscle car will be a page in history.But a handful of 2013 cars will have survived the turmoil to attain classic status just as the Ford Falcon GTHO from the 1960s is considered even more desirable today than it was when it first hit the road. Classic cars are not necessarily about horsepower or price.We know a collector who loves the humble, bumbling Morris 1100 in his multi-car garage. The first Toyota Prius is a car to keep because of its place in history. The original Mazda MX-5 from 1989 is just as “classic'' as certain Porsche 911s. The key to classic status is simple: Emotion.A car does a job in the same way as a fridge but it's much more than a machine, from the shape of its bodywork to the touch-and-feel pieces in the cabin and the way it makes you feel when you're driving. The attachment could take the form of the love you feel for a first car, even a humble '50s Beetle, or the satisfaction of finally parking a dream machine -- even a Leyland P76 -- in the garage.Classic cars don't have to be affordable on day one, because depreciation hits everything. Not enough, perhaps, to make the LaFerrari more than a dream but it could help with a Porsche 911 or an Audi R8 that's definitely desirable despite the showroom sticker.Which current cars will achieve classic status? If we really knew, the Carsguide crew would be putting them up on blocks today as investments for the future. But here are some likely suspects:Abarth 695 TributoPrice: from $69,990Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder, 132kW/230NmTransmission: 5-speed sequential auto, FWDThirst: 6.5L/100Km, CO2 151g/kmThe Italian baby is outrageously expensive but this humble Fiat 500 has been touched with the Ferrari wand, which makes it special. It looks wicked and is a hoot to drive. Just plain fun.Holden Commodore SS-VPrice: about $50,000Engine: 6.0-litre 8-cylinder, 270kW/ 530NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or auto, RWDThirst: 12.2L/100Km, CO2 288g/kmThe last in the long line of truly home grown Holdens will soon be one to enjoy, thanks to improved efficiency and an Audi-style luxury cabin. The SS-V and HSV's coming F Series cars will be historic and performance icons.Range Rover EvoquePrice: from $51,495Engine: 2.2-litre 4-cylinder, 110kW/380NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or auto, FWD or 4WDThirst: 4.9L/100Km, CO2 129g/kmThis one is a fashion item, not an SUV. The Evoque is all about the looks, a lot like a Mini, but it is also a great drive and we know the all-paw drive examples will go almost anywhere.Nissan GT-RPrice: from $172,000Engine: 3.8-litre 6-cylinder, 404kW/628NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, 4WDThirst: 11.7L/100Km, CO2 278g/kmGodzilla is already a collector's car, thanks to earlier models tied to the GT-R that won the Bathurst 1000. The new model is a better car, and still great value, but collectors will need to find one that hasn't been battered and abused.Volkswagen Golf GTIPrice: from $40,490Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 155kW/280NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or auto, FWDThirst: 7.7L/100Km, CO2 180g/kmThe German pocket rocket is a top drive and the coming model, using the Golf Mk7 body, promises to be even better. The GTI has been a cult car since the '70s and truly great since the 2005 Mark 5.Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86Price: from $37,150/$29,990Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 147kW/205NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or auto, RWDThirst: 7.8L/100Km, CO2 181g/kmPeople who love cars have fallen for the Twins, the sports cars that won Carsguide's 2012 Car of the Year. There is a waiting list for both and the keen are paying more than the showroom sticker, because they deliver exactly what they promise at a great price. Pushed, we'd go for the BRZ in Subaru's signature blue.

The Abarth 500 is a tiny car with a big heart. This baby (or should that be bambino?) Italian sports machine is guaranteed to bring pleasure to anyone who loves sitting behind a steering wheel.In Australia we like our cars hot so the decision was made to import only the topline Abarth 500 Esseesse (trying saying ‘SS’ with an Italian accent and suddenly ‘Esseesse ‘ makes sense!).VALUEThe Australian line-up includes the standard Abarth 500 Esseesse and the Abarth 500C Esseesse convertible, our review vehicle was the closed coupe.The Abarth 500 comes as standard with powered door mirrors, climate control air conditioning, electric windows, an Interscope sound system with radio, CD and MP3. Much of the control of the audio system can be done through Fiat’s Blue&Me hands-free communication to minimise driver inattention.This model is not just about looks, the Abarth 500 has uprated suspension, cross drilled brake discs and stylish 17x7 alloy wheels (huge for such a small car) in a style unique to the model. TECHNOLOGYThe Abarth 500 Esseesse has a turbocharged four-cylinder 1.4-litre powerplant sitting under the front bonnet and driving the front wheels. It produces 118 kW of power and torque of 230 Nm. So it’s completely different to the original Abarth of 1957 that was rear-engined.DESIGNIt’s not just about the way it drives, but also in the retro styling that on our glittering white test car was further enhanced by stylish red side stripes carrying ‘Abarth’ lettering. The Abarth ‘scorpion’ badge sitting proudly in the centre of the grille and the wheel hubs leave no doubt this diminutive machine is something out of the ordinary when it comes to providing sting in the tail.Talking of the tail, have a look at that big spoiler and the huge exhaust outlets. The brake callipers and door mirrors also receive the full red treatment.Lowered suspension is emphasised by a body kit that neatly fills the area between front and rear wheels and continues to air extractors in the rear bumper. A deeper front spoiler aids aerodynamics and also feeds extra air to the cooling system and engine.SAFETYCrash prevention or minimisation features include ABS braking with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance) to ensure maximum stopping power. There’s also an ESP (Electronic Stability Program) to ensure control is maximised at all times. A Hill Holder provides stress-free starts on a slope for drivers who prefer not to use the handbrake.Should you still manage to get it all wrong there are seven airbags. Abarth 500 has secured a five star EuroNCAP rating - something that’s not easy to achieve in a diminutive body like this.DRIVINGAcceleration is hard, but not in the fashion of a full-blown sports machine such as the Subaru WRX to which the Abarth is likely to be compared. Rather the Italian bambino is about ample power that demands the driver keep the car in the right gear to get the best from it.To maximise driver input there’s a dash-mounted turbo boost gauge when the Sport button is pressed. We loved to buzz the little engine to its redline and listen to the purposeful sound it produced when it was working to the max. Abarth has also included a Normal mode for those who feel that way inclined - I can’t say we tried it for long.We loved the way the Abarth’s cheeky personality showed up in torque steer tugging at the steering wheel when the throttle pedal was floored at low speeds. Abarth’s engineers have installed a system called Torque Transfer Control (TTC) that acts like a kind of limited slip differential to limit understeer and counteract the hassles when driving hard on rough roads.Feedback through the steering wheel is excellent, as is the way the hot little Italian can be steering on the throttle. This makes for lots of driving pleasure and everyone who drove the Abarth came back with smiles on their faces.Unless they had been driving on rough and ready Aussie back roads that is, where the smile on the face may have been turned into a grimace produced by the firm suspension. This is exacerbated by the short wheelbase of the baby car.VERDICTLike to own a Ferrari or Maserati but are about half a million short of the asking price? Then why not take your own test drive in a far more affordable machine from the same Italian sporting stable? Or perhaps you already have a Ferrari or two in the garage and now want to buy a toy or two to spoil your kids?Fiat Abarth 500 EsseessePrice: from $34,990 (manual), 500C from $38,990 (auto)Engine: 1.4 litre turbo 118 kW/230 NmTransmission: five-speed manual or five-speed automaticAcceleration: 7.4 secondsThirst: 6.5 L/100km

We've been dying to have crack at this car since its launch last year.But the previous distributors of Fiat and Alfa Romeo in this country always laughed off our request. Not so Chrysler which recently resumed responsibility for distribution of the cars here.Chrysler by way of explanation is 60 per cent owned by Fiat which has gradually lifted its stake in the American company since rescuing it from bankruptcy three years ago. Chrysler bless them managed to scrounge two of the Ferrari tribute cars for a recent drive day in Albury. And what a car!VALUEBased on the Abarth version of the reborn Fiat 500, the 695 Tributo Ferrari is a sensational bit of kit. But, at close to $70,000, it's not likely to find many takers not unless they've already got a Ferrari in the garage.Abarth, is the performance arm of the company, a bit like HSV is to Holden, with historical links to Ferrari. And they share the same passion for performance, Italian style and attention to detail.In 1953, their association spawned a unique Ferrari-Abarth, the Ferrari 166/250 MM Abarth. The car raced in various international events including the legendary Mille Miglia. More recently the ties have been strengthened, with Abarth supplying the exhaust systems for Ferraris.Then there's the Tributo. Only 120 of the cars have been imported to Australia and only 20 of them remain, with a list price of $69,000 pipped only by the Mini Goodwood at $74,500.TECHNOLOGYPowered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre four cylinder engine, the Tributo can reach a speed of 225km/h and sprints from 0-100km/h in less than 7 seconds. The engine is a 1.4-litre Turbo T-Jet 16v, tuned to develop more than 132kW of power.In comparison the donor Abarth 500 Esseesse produces 118kW. The turbocharged four is combined with a 5-speed MTA robotised manual gearbox, with change paddles that reduce shift times. And, get this, they found room under the back for four tailpipes - count them.DESIGNThe Ferrari Tributo is an impressive package, with plenty of carbon fibre garnishes, combination cloth and suede leather trim, contrast stitching, high-sided Sabelt race seats and an instrument panel specially made by Jaeger that is inspired by typical Ferrari instrumentation. At the same time there's plenty of cheap, nasty black plastic in evidence too.DRIVINGWhat's it go like? It's a tight fit but not as bad as anticipated, nor is the ride as harsh as we were led to expect. As the engine climbs above 3000 revs the bi-modal Monza exhaust develops a much throatier, more satisfying sound with the occasional crackle just like a real Ferrari.The robotised, single-clutch manual is a pain the butt, especially in traffic but delivers rapid changes in a straight line, with a surprising amount of mid-range grunt. Changing to manual mode and lifting off the throttle helps to smooth things out.Following a regular Abarth Essesse up a winding hill, we were surprised how easily the Tributo kept pace. It's got plenty of grip in corners with a surprising amount of punch out of corners, and four-pot Brembos that wipe off speed quickly.VERDICTYes siree. It was worth the wait. The Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is a genuine pocket rocket, if an expensive one. It's so small, maybe they won't miss one?Abarth 695 Tributo FerrariPrice: $69,990Warranty: 3 years roadside assistWeight: 1077kgEngine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder, 132kW/230NmTransmission: 5-speed seq manual auto-single clutch, front wheel driveThirst: 6.5L/100Km, 151g/km C02

This stunning little Italian hotshot, with a name that’s almost as long as the car – Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari – is something right out of the ordinary. A brand new Ferrari-badged car for under $70,000 - amazing isn’t it?Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is a tribute to two of the great Italian marques. Ferrari needs no explanation, but Carlo Abarth’s name probably does. In today’s lingo Carlo Abarth was a ‘tuner’, taking standard cars and improving them with high-performance engines and suspensions.A reasonably successful racing car driver in the late 1940s and into the ‘50s Carlo Abarth worked chiefly on Fiats but also dabbled in Ferraris and Lancias. In time Abarth became the high-performance division of Fiat – in the manner of HSV for Holden, and AMG with Mercedes-Benz.Fiat has controlled Abarth since 1971 and the name faded for a number of years, until it was revived in 2007 as part of a plan to lift the Italian marque’s image on the sporting front. Abarth builds several hot models these days, the best known being the Abarth Esseesse (try saying SS with an Italian accent and it suddenly makes sense!).DESIGNNow engineers from Abarth, Ferrari and Fiat have teamed up to build the stunning little Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari. The complete car has received a well engineered makeover and the stylists have had a field day in lifting the appearance of a car that started off as a Fiat 500.The 17-inch alloy wheels look huge on a car of this size and the similarity in design to those on larger Ferraris add to the tough-as-big-brother look. Inside, is a pair of “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” racing seats, finished in black leather and Alcantara, that we found held us nicely against lateral and longitudinal forces. The black leather steering wheel has red stitching.The instrument panel is by Jaeger, and Abarth Australia tells us it’s inspired by typical Ferrari instrumentation. Carbon fibre is used across the dashboard and around the paddles for the MTA gearbox. On the floor are neat looking aluminium racing pedals with Abarth’s Scorpion logo. The special car even has a plate bearing the vehicle series number.TECHNOLOGYThe 1.4-litre turbocharged engine has been taken out to a whopping 180 horsepower (132 kilowatts) and can top 225 km/h where conditions permit. More realistically it can get from a standstill to 100 km/h in under seven seconds. OK, so the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari’s big brothers can accelerate almost twice as fast, but they cost six to ten times as much - and may not put the same sort of grin on your face as this miniature pocket rocket.DRIVINGThe sound of the engine is magnificent, perhaps not as good as a V12 on full noise, but there’s a sporting note that will please lovers of real performance cars. Taking all that power to the front wheels is a five-speed automated manual gearbox controlled by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.Like all of its type this gearbox can be a bit harsh at low speeds, but somehow that adds charm to this little semi-race beastie. Suspension changes see the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari with a firmer ride than the standard car, but we have felt worse - and read again the remarks about the charm provided. This car is hugely enjoyable to drive, with the sort of personality only a small, Italian sportscar can provide.VERDICTWould I buy one? Only if I had a lot of money to spare for my automotive toys. In which case I would be hard pressed to decide whether to have ‘my’ Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari in Modena Red or Modena Yellow.Abarth 695 Tributo FerrariPrice: $69,990Warranty: 3 years roadside assistWeight: 1077kgEngine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder, 132kW/230NmTransmission: 5-speed seq manual auto-single clutch, front wheel driveThirst: 6.5L/100Km, 151g/km C02

SEVENTY thousand dollars is a fearsome amount of money to pay for a car the size of a Hyundai Getz. Yet there are 40 Australians who have done just that, and as many as 100 could eventually put their money down for the fastest car in the Fiat 500 family.But don't call it a 500. Officially the $70,000 Fiat is called the Abarth 695 'Tributo Ferrari' and everyone involved in the project - from Ferrari and Abarth to Australia's Fiat importer -wants you to know that this is a serious speed machine.I get the picture the second I walk behind the little chrome yellow beastie and spot the four-pipe exhaust system. It looks like it should be hung from the back of a Ferrari, or on the wall in an art gallery, and is clearly designed to free plenty of turbocharged horsepower from somewhere in the front end of the tweaked-and-tizzied 500.The exact number is 132 kiloWatts and that translates into a 225km/h top speed and a 0-100km/h sprint in less than seven seconds. So this is not your average Fiat Bambino.VALUEThere is no logical reason to pay $69,990, plus the inevitable on-road costs that really put the 695 Tributo into the $75,000 range. This car is all about passion and pose value. It's a city toy for people who have a real Ferrari in the garage, but don't want to risk it in the bump-and-grind of weekday working traffic.Aston Martin is doing a similar thing with the Cygnet - a Toyota iQ minicar that's been through a Dr Doolittle-style transition into the upper classes - but at least the Fiat is more than just a show car.It's a serious go machine and that's where a lot of the money goes in transforming a car that could have started life as a 500 1.4 at $28,990 in Australia. The engine won't even fit in a regular 500. But there is also big spending on things like Sparco racing seats, real carbon fibre trim, big wheels and tyres, and nice leather.TECHNOLOGYThe key to the Abarth-Ferrari transformation is the 1.3-litre T-Jet turbo, which is tweaked in all sorts of ways, from extra boost to the exhaust. It is bolted to a single-clutch robotised manual gearbox, well behind the latest twin-clutch systems but still with five gears to shift with a touch on the paddles behind the wheel.There is a sport button that puts an extra 20 Newton-metres of torque into the mix, up from 230 basic, and there is a type of launch system built into the traction control. Inevitably there is sports suspension, upgraded Brembo brakes and 17 inch alloys.DESIGNThere is giant Abarth badge on the nose and a 695 Tributo Ferrari badge on the side, as well as that exhaust, to lift the visual impact  up and beyond any other Fiat 500. It's not as dramatic as you might expect - even though the headlamps are also changed and there are dozens of detail tweaks - unless you park it alongside a lesser Fiat.The other work went in the cabin, so people who have paid so much car see the leather, carbon trim, great seats, special pedals and even the lever-less shift system they bought. The 695 Tributo also comes with a special set of fitted leather luggage and a fitted car cover, all by design and not any sort of accident.SAFETYThe basic Fiat 500 is a five-star car and that should be the same rating for the 695 Tributo. In fact, it is better because the driving dynamics are better and that means more chance of avoiding a potential mishap. As you would expect, there are seven airbags, ABS brakes and ESP stability control.DRIVINGThe first few kilometres are in sombre Sydney traffic and I wonder about the thump-thump harshness of the ride, the slow robotised gearshifts, the exhaust drone and the contrast between the gorgeous carbon fibre add-ons and the basic black plastic trim on the doors.But then the road clears and goes twisty, I tickle the Sport button and go manual on the changes, and the Bambino goes ballistic. Suddenly I discover the first - whisper it - Fiat 500 that I genuinely enjoy driving, and enjoy even more than the RenaultSport models in the Megane lineup. It's a car that really goes, really feels wrapped around you, and really shows its Abarth heritage and links to Ferrari that amount to just a badge.It has plenty of punch, tenacious cornering grip, and great brakes. It's a balanced package and, despite a bit of turbo lag, it's a car that wants you to play. And the sound. There hasn't been this much pop, bang, crackle and fizz since the early-model Subaru STI, and that makes it even more fun. That's the point, I guess. If you own a Ferrari you'd be locked away for a long time if you used the car to play the way you can in the Bambino, because it would be going over-the-top fast. But this car is fun in a usable way, and the package is well   engineered, very well finished, and reflects the talents of the people who put it together. Now, if only it was $25,000 cheaper . . .VERDICTThis is definitely not just another Fiat 500. It's a genuine pocket rocket that delivers delicious driving enjoyment. Is it worth $70,000? Not to me. But I don't have a Ferrari 458 Italia in the garage.