Summary
The Abarth 595 is a performance model based on the Fiat 500 city car. It is available in either hatchback or cabriolet (Abarth 595C) body styles. The current model dates back to 2007, although it was given a substantial update in 2015.
The current Fiat 500 will cease production in 2021 as it is replaced by an all-new model. The next-generation version will only be available as an electric vehicle, which means that the current Abarth 595 (and 695) will be the last of their kind. There has been no announcement of an Abarth version of the next Fiat 500.
There are various versions of the Abarth 595, as well as several limited-edition models over its lifetime. These include the Abarth 595 Turismo, 595 Pista, 595 Competizione and 595 Esseesse. The higher-performance Abarth 695 is the next step up in the Abarth range, but that is covered on its own page.
The Abarth 595 is very much a car that you would buy with your heart rather than your head, and its relatively poor overall Expert Rating of 56% reflects its obvious shortcomings as a practical vehicle and relatively high price tag. Despite that, the 595 has received much praise for being great fun to drive.
595 highlights
- Alluring sporty looks
- Plenty of driver appeal
- Punchy performance
595 lowlights
- Three-star safety rating
- Alternatives are more practical
- Rigid ride comfort
Key specifications
Body style: Small three-door hatch
Engines: petrol
Price: From £21,325 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2015
Last updated: Spring 2022
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 595 esseesse
“As something to simply give you a bit of a laugh behind the wheel of, the Abarth 595 Esseesse is a compelling option. Its raucous exhaust note and brutal engine are particular highlights, and it has the head-turning looks that makes it so popular with Instagram influencers if that’s your thing.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview (595 and 695)
Score: 6 / 10
“The Abarth 595 is a racy hot hatchback with the sweet looks of the iconic city car – but a firm ride lets it down”
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Model reviewed: Hatchback
Score: 5.5 / 10
“Great little car!”
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Model reviewed: Esseesse
Score: 6 / 10
“Climb aboard the 595 Esseesse and the first thing you’ll notice are those new leather trimmed Sabelt bucket seats.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Abarth 595 is definitely not without its flaws – pricey, short on safety kit, hard ride – but it delivers a raucously fun driving experience. While most city cars opt for comfort and economy, the Abarth 595 is a very nippy car which keeps its retro, stylish looks, but adds a big dose of aggression.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“This raucous little Fiat adheres to the golden rule of warm hatches: put a broad smile on the driver’s face.”
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Model reviewed: Esseesse
Score: 7 / 10
“For starters, it really does look good, its white wheels and Abarth graphics giving it real pugnacious kerb appeal.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 595C Competizione Cabriolet
Score: 8 / 10
“The Abarth 595C Competizione is one of those cars that makes little logical sense, but nevertheless brightens the automotive landscape – the kind of car that inspires a nod of respect whenever you pass someone enamoured enough to have put down the funds.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 595 esseesse
Score: 8 / 10
“If you want a characterful and fun hot hatch, the Abarth brand more than delivers.”
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Model reviewed: 595C Turismo Cabriolet
Score: 8 / 10
“While it mightn’t be the fastest or the best-driving small hot hatch out there, the Abarth 595 Turismo more than makes up for it with its big personality, the fact that it makes a big noise and the fact that it feels like a genuine sports car in a dinky Matchbox-style package.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Abarth 595 is a sporty hatchback based on the Fiat 500 that is characterful and fun to drive”
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Model reviewed: 595C Cabriolet
Score: 6.4 / 10
“The Abarth 595C isn’t the best car in its class, but it can claim to be the one with the most character”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: 595C Cabriolet
Score: 6 / 10
“The Abarth 595C is one of the only small hot hatches on sale which comes with a folding fabric roof. It’s great fun to drive, but its cramped cabin means it isn’t all that easy to live with.”
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Model reviewed: 595 Hatchback
Score: 6 / 10
“There’s nothing shy or retiring about the way the Abarth 595 looks and drives, but other small hot hatches are roomier inside and easier to live with.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 595 Competizione
“This is a baby car with a menacing growl. The very head-turning bark on start-up is completely out of kilter with the cute Fiat 500 on which it’s based. In this spec you have a small car with a 180hp 1.4-litre engine, which is plenty. Especially when it sounds like a touring car.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Esseesse
Score: 7 / 10
“Objectively compromised, but subjectively a hugely likeable hot hatchback.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Low on sophistication, high on fun – Abarth’s hatch isn’t for everyone, but some will love it.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Abarth 595 is a raw little car that delivers a big hit of fun and driving thrills. You only need to hear the noise it makes when you turn the key to start the engine to know it’s a little bit special. After all, why have a pint-sized hot hatch if it’s not going to make you smile every time you get in it?”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: 595 hatchback range
Score: 6 / 10
“The Abarth 595, created by Fiat’s in house tuning arm, turned the cute and fashionable Fiat 500 into a storming little hot hatch with the requisite sporty looks as well as more power.”
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Model reviewed: 595C Cabriolet
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s certainly quick enough on the move and has a real buzzy feel about it. Thanks to the sports exhaust pipes, there’s also suitably raspy exhaust note when you accelerate, something which can be even more appreciated with the roof down.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: 595 and 695
Score: 6 / 10
“In isolation, there’s much to like about the Abarth 595. It looks great and is fun to chuck about… but is also pricey and old.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6.4 / 10
“Stylish and exciting, but not for everyone”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 595 Turismo
Score: 6 / 10
“Huge fun, tiny package”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“An addictive little begger that is much better than its list of failings would have you believe.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 4 / 10
“The Abarth 595 is startlingly quick and wonderfully stylish, but there are rivals that are both cheaper and better to drive.”
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Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: March 2017
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 66%
Child protection: 49%
Vulnerable road users: 53%
Safety assist: 27%
Note on safety rating
This three-star rating is assessed on the regular Fiat 500 model range, upon which the Abarth 595 is based.
No eco rating
The Abarth 595 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. It’s unlikely to happen, but if the 595 is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we’ll publish the results here.
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