LIKE the scorpion, a creature emblematic of Abarth and the person behind it, the tiny 2022 595 Competizione packs some venom. Pint-sized efficiency has at all times been the essence of the Abarth 500, however this 12 months’s rendition doubles down on its racing pedigree.
Within the 1960’s, the time period ‘Turismo Competizione’ was connected to the 850 TC, referencing the categorical goal of Abarth’s relationship with Fiat to take unassuming street automobiles and provides them racing credentials, and the truth that’s precisely what the 850 was – a souped-up Fiat 600D.
The motif lived on when Abarth resurfaced 18 years in the past, then with a tuned Fiat 500. When the Turismo Competizione terminology returned in 2016, the labels had been used individually, referring to particular person 595 variants.
The Turismo was for model, and the Competizione introduced racing to the general public street. For 2022, two issues have occurred. Firstly, the latter is the one variant obtainable in Australia (as a tough high or retractable delicate high).
The automotive Abarth have despatched additionally leans that bit additional in direction of weekend monitor automotive, retaining the roads hottest hatchette crude and easy, but markedly extra efficiency oriented, whereas actively flaunting the model’s motorsport legacy.
It’s a automotive as compact as they arrive, simply 1,045kg on the scales. With a Garrett GT 1446 turbo strapped to the 1.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, it produces 132kW and 250Nm. These figures yield an influence to weight ratio of 123.6kW/tonne.
For these questioning, that’s firmly in Golf GTI and WRX territory. Sweetening the deal is a correct 5-speed guide gearbox.
To harness the Competizione’s engine efficiency, Abarth have used their very own mechanical restricted slip differential, frequency selective damping shock absorbers from Koni, and massive Brembo callipers with perforated and ventilated rotors.
Calling upon Abarth’s racing historical past is the attractive ‘Rally Blue’ matte paintwork, which pays tribute to the outdated Abarth 131 Rally.
The Report Monza exhaust, a twin mode system, is designed to sing an ode to Carlo Abarth and his pioneering Monoposto da Report endurance racer from the 1960’s.
New design Monte Carlo wheels additionally give a nod to the Lancia Delta Integrale, an eight time WRC champion. Together with the physique package and flared guards, the rally-inspired theme makes the Competizione look as menacing as one thing so small might.
Unleashing this hungry and historical past laden little automotive on the street is preposterously enjoyable, with theatrics starting the second you activate the ignition.
At idle and low revs, notably with the valves large open in ‘Scorpion’ mode, the gruff burble of a automotive with three-times the presence rolls out of the quad pipes.
As you wind it up, the timeless mix of deep exhaust growl and turbo whine units in, cueing you to hit it. Flat out, the burble turns to a better pitched, gravelly wail, usually climaxing with a burp or backfire as you let off the throttle.
You can’t develop bored of the number of sounds spit from the exhaust system. The Competizione needs to be left in Scorpion mode, not only for the higher sound, however as a result of there’s no level to having lighter steering, much less throttle response and fewer enhance on this automotive.
On a public street, the Competizione feels extra like a tuner automotive harbouring unlawful modifications, and it needs to be loved as such. This automotive then, if not bought for weekend monitor days, is made for midnight runs via the hills.
Alternatively, it’s good for a day thrash alongside nation backroads. In these environments many issues occur. And shortly. The Competizione may be very vigorous. Within the guide 0-100km/h is sorted in 6.7 seconds.
That’s fairly achievable with the user-friendly gearbox. Modifications really feel cushioned sufficient to methodically slot every one in, however one way or the other clunky sufficient, with brief throws, to make snapping gears really feel straightforward and acceptable.
Punching down a straight, you’re not precisely thrust again into your seat like a supercar, however you’re on enhance so early that the keen acceleration at all times comes as a shock and a thrill.
It’s tremendous torquey and with minimal lag, it’s the twists, bends and crests that make for probably the most enjoyable driving.
The Competizione has the standard of permitting you to hit corners at really reckless speeds, however nonetheless ensures your survival with an amazing quantity of grip and a very flat stance.
Be warned, nonetheless, as a result of if proceed on this daredevil trend and you’ll encounter some landmines. You see, there isn’t any variation in suspension damping, or if there may be, it’s inconceivable to note. It’s completely rock exhausting.
Whereas this retains you flat and in management at excessive pace via a sweeping nook, it’ll reply to any bumps and bobs by skipping fairly erratically, particularly within the again finish. Pushing the 595 is lots like driving a mouse lure in consequence.
All is nicely if undisturbed, till the slightest contact sends it snapping into the air. Linking adjoining bends in a chicane may be tough at first due to a sure laziness concerning the steering, as nicely.
The delay can wreck the road you might need taken in your thoughts. Blasting out of a hairpin may also end in a lot of torque steer, and solely you may wrestle out of it. For those who want to keep away from all the effort you may again out on the eleventh hour by stamping on the Brembo brakes.
However you’d be extra silly in doing so. The truth that the Competizione goes from predictable to skittish right away isn’t a nasty factor. Excellent capacity combined with wild behaviour in a automotive makes for probably the most thrilling driving expertise attainable.
It’d be extra of a fear if the Competizione didn’t have cement shocks or make you’re employed exhausting for good execution. With this in thoughts, you don’t go in search of practicality contained in the 595 both.
It’s a automotive with racing seats, a lift gauge sufficiently big to be a radio telescope, and Alcantara unfold throughout the sprint and race wheel. There’s additionally a brushed silver dome gear nob, and a 7.0-inch round instrument cluster that glows a deep purple in Scorpion mode.
Oh, and there’s no console. It’s clear the emphasis is on driving reasonably than transporting. For those who completely insist on practicality, the boot is sufficiently big to suit a journey bag or two.
Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto characteristic, as does the 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen seen in earlier fashions. The air con is superb, and the sound system is cheap.
Past that, the Competizione is sensible in the way in which the unique Fiat 500 was designed to be – so small that a number of blokes might choose it as much as change a wheel, and a single arm span is sufficient to attain issues within the again.
Present drive away pricing for the 595 Competizione is $39,812. That’s fairly honest actually, particularly when you think about that some individuals spend greater than $30,000 on a brand new jet ski. The 595 is just the land-based different.
You would possibly sum up the Competizione like this; it’s a seditious little factor, continuously encouraging you to knock it again a gear, and assuring you it’s clear up forward. You may be lured right into a exercise, however an exhilarating one.
It’s impractical as might be, as pleasant to have a look at as gemstone, and delivers one of many purest drives cash should buy. You could find out extra on the Abarth (Fiat) web site. We suggest procuring round for an excellent deal, or you may go to PriceMyCar for the very best worth.
Our check automobile was provided by Fiat Abarth Australia. To search out out extra concerning the 2022 Abarth 595 Competizione, contact your native Abarth supplier.
