Few hot hatchbacks are as raucous as the Abarth 595. The super-agile pocket rocket is a fine purchase on the nearly new market
Since when was it stylish to be sensible? It seems that people no longer dread the day they have to settle down and buy something cushy and practical, but rather look forward to it. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this, but it does make the500, the 595 is nonsensical and slightly mad. You get a raucous turbo engine in a car that’s the size and weight of a thimble.
Let’s dive into that engine first. Looking solely at the 595 after it was facelifted in 2016, we have a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol with power outputs ranging from 144bhp to 178bhp. Even the lower figure is enough to challenge aIts 695 sibling gets at least 165bhp, but you’ll find most have 178bhp, like the top-spec 595s, which means 0-62mph in 6.7sec –Also somewhat eye-catching, or rather ear-catching, are the exhaust options.
The driving experience as a whole is more divisive. Those who despise upright driving positions and rough, jiggly rides might want to look elsewhere, but if that doesn’t bother you, you’re in luck. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this hot hatch is super-agile and darty. Threading it down narrow urban streets or tight country roads with enthusiasm is incredibly entertaining. Plus, it only weighs a smidge more than a tonne as well, helping it feel lively and eager.
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