The Abarth 595 is undoubtedly stylish and mightily fast in a straight line, but it’s not the best handling hot hatch and the poor driving position is a big minus when you compare it with the VW Up! GTi. What’s more, plenty of small hot hatches are available for around the same price that are better to drive.
Even the entry-level 595 is reasonably well equipped, coming with 16in alloy wheels, air-con, a DAB radio, Bluetooth and a multi-function steering wheel as standard.
The entry-level 595 uses a turbocharged 1.4-litre T-Jet engine that produces a lukewarm 143bhp and 152lb ft of torque. Consequently, don’t expect hot hatch levels of performance.
At What Car?, we believe that no one should overpay for their new car, which is why we created our free New Car Buying service. This links you with trusted local dealers who base their offers on prices haggled by our mystery shoppers.
