Picture this: A tiny Italian car tears through winding roads, its exhaust note echoing off ancient stone walls. The sun glints off its compact convertible body as it darts between corners with the agility of a go-kart. This isn’t just any small car – it’s the Abarth 595, a firecracker of a machine that proves good things come in small packages.
The 595 represents everything that makes Italian performance cars special, just condensed into a more accessible package. Born from Fiat’s racing heritage and crafted by Abarth’s performance wizards, this pocket rocket takes the cute Fiat 500 and transforms it into something altogether more mischievous.
Raw Power in a Small Package
The heart of this little beast is its 1.4-liter T-Jet turbocharged engine, pushing out 140 to 160 horsepower depending on the specification. But raw numbers don’t tell the whole story – it’s how this power is delivered that makes the 595 special. The engine springs to life with an eagerness that belies its small displacement, with virtually no turbo lag and a linear power delivery that keeps pulling well into the rev range.
Each gear change through the manual transmission feels like cocking a hammer, ready to release another burst of acceleration. The Sport mode sharpens throttle response and opens up the exhaust valves, letting loose a surprisingly aggressive growl.
“I’ve owned many performance cars, but none have brought as many smiles per mile as my 595. It’s like having a pocket-sized supercar – it makes every grocery run feel like a qualifying lap.” – Mark Thompson, Abarth 595 owner
The braking system, with its perforated and ventilated discs, provides confidence-inspiring stopping power. Performance-tuned suspension components keep the car planted through corners, though you’ll certainly feel every bump in the road – a reminder of its focused nature.
Style That Turns Heads
The 595’s design is where Italian flair meets functional performance. Every scoop, vent, and curve serves a purpose while adding to the car’s aggressive character. The front fascia, with its enlarged air intakes and low splitter, hints at the car’s sporting intentions. The side skirts and rear diffuser aren’t just for show – they help manage airflow at speed.
The convertible top adds another dimension to the experience. With the roof down, you’re treated to an unfiltered soundtrack of the turbocharged engine and sports exhaust. Key exterior features that set the 595 apart include:
- forged 17-inch alloy wheels with performance tires;
- red brake calipers with Abarth branding;
- twin chrome exhaust tips;
- scorpion badges that remind you of Abarth’s racing heritage;
- available two-tone paint schemes that emphasize the car’s sporting lines.
These visual elements come together to create a car that looks fast even when standing still.
The Driver’s Seat Experience
Slide into the 595’s cockpit and you’re greeted by a focused, driver-centric environment. The sports seats hold you firmly in place, while the thick-rimmed steering wheel falls naturally to hand. Every control is positioned for quick access, emphasizing the car’s performance-first philosophy.
“The seating position is perfect – you feel connected to the car in a way that’s rare these days. It’s like wearing a perfectly fitted glove.” – Sarah Chen, Automotive Journalist
The turbo boost gauge, mounted on the dashboard pod, adds a touch of race car theater while providing useful information. Despite its performance focus, the 595 doesn’t forget about modern conveniences, offering climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, and a decent sound system – though the exhaust note provides the best soundtrack.
Performance Meets Practicality
While the 595 is undoubtedly a performance-focused machine, it hasn’t completely forgotten its city car roots. The compact dimensions make it perfect for urban environments, where its agility and small turning radius prove invaluable. Fuel efficiency remains reasonable when driven sensibly, though the temptation to hear that exhaust note might impact real-world numbers.
The convertible top mechanism operates smoothly and can be activated at speeds up to 60 mph, adding versatility to the driving experience. Storage space is limited but adequate for daily needs:
- 185 liters of trunk space with the roof up;
- split-folding rear seats for larger items;
- clever storage solutions throughout the cabin;
- roof operation doesn’t significantly impact cargo capacity.
The 595 proves that practicality and performance can coexist in a small package.
Beyond the Numbers
Numbers and specifications tell only part of the story. The Abarth 595 is one of those rare cars that transcends its on-paper statistics. It’s not about outright speed or lap times – it’s about the experience, the character, and the way it makes you feel behind the wheel.
This isn’t a car for everyone, and that’s exactly the point. It’s for those who appreciate the pure joy of driving, who value character over conformity, and who understand that sometimes the best things come in small packages.
Pros and Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Exceptional handling and agility | Firm ride might be too harsh for some |
| Characterful turbocharged engine | Limited rear passenger space |
| Distinctive Italian styling | Small fuel tank requires frequent fills |
| Excellent power-to-weight ratio | Wind noise with convertible top |
| Strong aftermarket support | Premium fuel recommended |
| Unique convertible option in segment | Some interior plastics feel cheap |
| Excellent resale value | Tight cargo space with roof down |
The Abarth 595 represents a unique proposition in the performance car world. It offers the soul of a much more expensive Italian sports car in a more accessible package. While it may not be perfect, its flaws add to its character rather than detract from it. For the right driver, this little Italian thoroughbred provides an unmatched combination of style, performance, and pure driving enjoyment.