Abarth 595 line-up slashed

The Abarth 595 range has been cut to leave just the flagship Competizione as the sole permanent member of the sporty pint-size hatch and convertible line-up.

With the entry models gone and a price hike of almost $1000 applied to Competizione grade, the 2021 Abarth 595 now starts from $32,950 plus on-road costs for the hatch, or $36,950 plus ORCs for the cabrio.

The modest update for the ageing 595 range brings new body colour options, including a special Rally Blue that evokes the Fiat 131 Abarth Rally, as well as other heritage touches.

New Montecarlo 17-inch alloy wheels are make an appearance, with the design apparently inspired by the Lancia Delta Rally Integrale.

The same 132kW/250Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine continues to power the front-drive 595 Competizione, combining with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard or an optional ($2000) five-speed Dualogic auto.

There are now 10 exterior colour options, including the new matte Rally Blue and a pastel Adrenaline Green.

Gara White is the only no-cost colour option, while Modena Yellow, Campovolo Grey, Pista Grey, Abarth Red, Record Grey, Podium Blue and Scorpione Black cost between $650 and $1600 extra.

A gloss black roof option is also available for hatchback models with yellow, red, white or green body colours, adding an extra $1600 to the invoice. A black soft-top roof comes standard on convertible models.

An exclusive ‘Competizione’ body kit (extra $2450) is also now available for both the hatch and convertible, but only once you’ve ticked the box for either the Scorpione Black or Rally Blue colour options.

Carryover spec highlights include red front Brembo brake callipers, a Monza sports exhaust, adaptive suspension with KONI Frequency Selective Damping, leather sports seats, a leather-clad steering wheel with carbon-fibre inserts, 7.0-inch touch-screen with digital radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 7.0-inch instrument cluster and sports pedals.

The latest update also brings dusk and rain sensors, an updated splash screen and an updated sport button design.

Elsewhere, a range of option packs are available for buyers wanting a little extra.

For hatch models, a Premium Pack ($2500) brings Xenon headlights, a sunroof and aluminium antenna roof cap, while a Sport Pack ($2500) adds Sabelt GT black leather seats, 17-inch matte black wheels and an Alcantara dash.

Soft-top versions of the 595 Competizione can be optioned with a Visibility Pack ($1700) that adds Xenon headlights and 17-inch matte black wheels, or a Performance Pack ($4200) which includes an Alcantara dash and Sabelt GT black leather seats on top of the Visibility Pack’s black wheels and brighter headlights.

How much does the 2021 Abarth 595 cost?
Competizione hatch – $32,950
Competizione hatch (a) – $34,950
Competizione convertible – $36,950
Competizione convertible (a) – $38,95
*Prices exclude on-road costs