Abarth 595 2019 revealed

Andrew Chesterton

Contributing Journalist

2 min read

The Abarth 595 range has been updated for 2019, with the Fiat 500-based pocket-rocket borrowing from sister brand Ferrari in its newly named model line-up.

Internationally, the 595 range will be offered in four distinct trim levels - the base 595, the Pista, the Turismo and the Competizione - with different power levels across the board.

The Pista model name, which is Italian for racetrack, has most recently been used on the monstrous Ferrari 488 Pista - home to the most powerful V8 engine ever used in a Prancing Horse model.

Unsurprisingly, there is no V8 engine offered anywhere in the tiny 595 family, with Abarth instead making use of a turbocharged 1.4-litre "T-Jet" engine in various states of tune, with an upgrade to meet Euro 6D-TEMP standards the key focus of this update.

The range kicks off with the entry-level 595, which will produce 106kW, with the Pista upping the output to 117kW. The Turismo then gets 121kW, while the Competition rules the lot, with its engine tuned for a solid 132kW. All can be paired with a five-speed manual gearbox of Fiat's robotised automatic.

The Abarth family is then topped by a fifth model, the 695 Rivale - a collaboration with luxury Italian boat maker Riva which pairs the most powerful engine tune with a yachting-inspired mahogany dash element and upgraded leather trim.

Abarth's booming Record Monza Attivo exhaust is now standard fit on both the Competizione and the Pista, with the Sport button opening an exhaust valve that ups the sonic volume to a "traditionally Abarth" roar. The Pista also introduces extra performance kit, including Abarth Telemetry and Koni rear suspension, while the Competizione is available with a mechanical self-locking differential, as well as Sabelt sport seats.

Predictably, the Competizione is also the quickest, knocking off the dash to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds, while stopping is handled by Brembo brakes. The Turismo, on the other hand, swaps outright performance for plush, with its slightly slower 7.3 second sprint to 100km/h offset by its more comfortable leather seats and chrome trim and mirror caps.

In Australia, the diminutive Abarth hot hatch is currently offered in just three trim levels; the 595, the 595c convertible and the Competitizione.

Is the Abarth 595 range your cup of Italian tea? Tell us in the comments below.

Andrew Chesterton

Contributing Journalist

CarsGuide contributing journalist Andrew Chesterton is an award-winning Australian automotive reporter with more than 20 years of experience across newspapers, magazines, digital publishing and automotive corporate communications. Andrew began his journalism career at Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph, reporting across business, courts, crime, property and state politics before moving into automotive journalism. He joined Top Gear Australia as its online editor in 2008, later being appointed editor of Top Gear New Zealand. He subsequently worked as an assistant editor during the Australian launch of the Daily Mail Australia, and as communications manager at FCA Australia, now Stellantis. His experience on both sides of the media industry gives him an unrivalled understanding of the automotive industry, and the relationship between car manufacturers, the media, and Australian consumers. Andrew’s work has appeared across leading automotive, news, business, luxury, travel and lifestyle publications, including CarsGuide, EV Central, DMARGE, The Sydney Morning Herald, Marie Claire, Top Gear, GQ Australia, The Australian, WISH Magazine, Boss Hunting, The West Australian, The Nightly, Women’s Day Australia, Carsales, NRMA, Men’s Health, CEO Magazine, Australian Financial Review and more.   Andrew specialises in industry news, vehicle reviews, policy,  performance and luxury cars, electric vehicles, automotive technology, EVs hybrid and plug-in hybrids, and the broader Australian new-car marketplace. In 2025, Andrew was named Newspress Australia News Journalist of the Year and was a finalist for the overall Journalist of the Year award. Earlier honours include Website of the Year wins at the Australian Magazine Awards and ACP Awards, the ACP Rising Star Award and recognition in the Bauer Media and News Ltd journalism awards. Expertise Electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles Performance, luxury and supercars New-car reviews and road testing Australian automotive industry and new-car sales Chinese automotive brands and emerging manufacturers Utes, SUVs and family vehicles Automotive technology Policy Awards 2025 Newspress Australia News Journalist of the Year Featured Publications CarsGuide EV Central DMARGE The Sydney Morning Herald Marie Claire Top Gear GQ Australia The Australian WISH Magazine Boss Hunting The West Australian The Nightly Women’s Day Australia Carsales NRMA Men’s Health CEO Magazine Australian Financial Review The Daily Telegraph The Sunday Telegraph Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
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