Abarth 595 2018 Review
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Abarth 595 Competizione Review: Compact Power and Character
Introduction
Compact, speed, and character are the three words that come to mind when asked to describe the Abarth 595 Competizione. Out on the roads of Dubai, it’s arguably one of the smallest cars out there, and is dwarfed by higher-riding SUVs. However, the heads it turns and the character it oozes is second to none.
About the Manufacturer: Abarth
To get an in-depth understanding of this Italian pocket rocket, I decided to do some due diligence on the maker, Carlo Abarth, who is the founder and the man after which the Abarth brand gets its name.
History of Abarth
The first Abarth debuted in 1949, and the brand was later acquired by Fiat in 1971, forming a fantastic partnership that lasted a decade. Following a hiatus of 36 years, the two Italian marques came together to create the wonderful and exciting Abarth 595 Competizione.
Exterior Design
This beauty may be small and chunky but she’s funky, weighing a total of 1,100 kilograms. She rides on 17-inch alloy rims and features a mesh grille that sets the Abarth apart. At the back, there are LED tail lights that light up brightly, but the main attraction is undoubtedly the quad exhausts that emit a deep burble and roar.
Interior Features
Moving on to the interior, the Abarth 595 Competizione offers a balance of minimalist design and modern technology. One unique feature is that the buttons used to open the windows aren’t on the doors but on the center stack beside the gearbox.
In terms of storage, the Abarth doesn’t fare exceptionally well. If you’re expecting ample space for your phone, wallet, keys, and drinks, you’ll be disappointed with the limited amount of cup holders and cubby holes. However, despite this issue, you tend to forgive the Abarth once you drive it for the smiles it puts on your face.
The seats are black leather, very edgy and sporty, and are branded with the Abarth logo. The steering wheel is smaller than usual, featuring a perfect blend of Alcantara and carbon fiber. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer telescopic adjustment, meaning it only moves up and down, not inward or outward.
Performance
Powering this pocket rocket is a four-cylinder 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that produces 180 horsepower, propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds. The automated manual transmission is similar to what some high-end performance cars use, engaging the driver in a way that most modern cars are simply devoid of.
My favorite feature is that the Italians certainly made safety a priority. It comes with world-renowned Brembo brakes that provide maximum braking capacity, especially when going around corners. The car maintains a firm grip on the ground and is complemented by very stiff suspension that is ideal for speed. However, in slow-moving traffic, you can feel every bump on the road.
Conclusion
Would I recommend the Abarth 595 Competizione? Absolutely! She may lack certain practical characteristics, but she more than compensates for that through her character and performance.
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