Abarth Vehicles Review
First founded in 1949 with a heritage that lies in the Italian racing scene, Abarth today operates as part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group. While not a household name, Abarth does offer a number of vehicles for Aussie motorists to choose from, although they are suited to those who prefer sportier models. If you enjoy the roar of the engine, or are simply after an Italian car without the price tag of other sports cars, read on to find out just what Abarth have on offer.
Abarth Vehicles
In Australia, Abarth currently only offers the 595 small car, although there are multiple models and varieties to choose from to help you find the best fit for your needs and budget. Abarth also offered the 124 Spider sports car, but the model was axed in Australia in late 2020.
Abarth 595
Holding down the fort, the 595 makes up Abarth’s range in Australia, but is available in a variety of models, including:
- 595
- 595C
- 595 Competizione
- 595C Competizione
The 595 comes with 16inch alloy wheels, a 7inch touchscreen display, Integrated Voice Control, sports pedals as well as the Sports Button, which alters the maximum torque output, steering calibration and adjusts the accelerator pedal to help give you that racing feeling. The base 595 model includes a 1.4L turbo petrol engine, capable of a 107kW output, and is powered by a manual transmission and front wheel drivetrain. If you enjoy feeling the wind in your hair, you can opt for the 595C convertible model, which comes with a retractable soft-top roof.
If you want something with a bit more ‘oomf’ to it, the 595 Competizione may be more your speed, with the 1.4L turbo petrol engine upping the output to 132kW, and has a max speed of 225km/h. It also features 17inch alloy wheels, Dual Monza Exhaust system, adaptive front and rear suspension and a leather-wrapped steering wheel to help you feel comfortable while eating up the road. As with the base model, you can also choose the convertible option – the 595C Competizione – which includes all the same features but swaps out the hardtop roof for a retractable soft-top one.
The 595 is available in a range of colours, with the Competizione offering two-tone options to help personalise your ride.
Is Abarth worth buying?
Priced between $28,000 and $38,000 driveaway, Abarth may be one of the more expensive small car options, but considering it comes from racing stock, you may well get your money’s worth if you’re looking for big excitement in small packages. However, as with any new car purchase, you’ll have to ensure you do your research before driving off the lot, as you’ll want something that fits into your budget as well as your lifestyle, and doesn’t turn into a lemon before you get it home.
*Prices accurate as of February, 2021.
About the author of this page
This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Site Editor, Dean Heckscher. He’s our resident expert on all things automotive, health & fitness, streaming and more. Dean is also one of Canstar Blue’s customer research report producers, helping to turn complicated subjects into easily-digestible information for our readers. He’s passionate about helping consumers make better-informed purchase decisions on all manner of consumer goods and services.
Picture credit: Abarth