Used Abarth 595 2009-2024 review
Pint-sized pocket rockets don’t come much smaller than the Abarth 595; it’s an entertaining car for tackling the city streets.
- Used Abarth 595 2009-2024 front
- Used Abarth 595 2009-2024 interior
- Used Abarth 595 2009-2024 side
- Used Abarth 595 2009-2024 rear
- Used Abarth 595 2009-2024 boot
What's the used Abarth 595 like?
The Abarth 595 is a hot hatch, pint-sized thriller.
It may resemble its cutesy Fiat 500 cousin – Abarth uses that car as a basis – from a distance, but just a few minutes with it will show you that it's quite a different animal. Many will appreciate its madness, even if it isn't the sharpest tool in the shed.
Pros
- Exquisite design detail
- Impressive straight-line performance
- Nimble on country roads
Cons
- Not as involving to drive as the competition
- Poor ergonomics
- Newer cars are expensive to buy
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It started life in 2009 as the Abarth 500, and when the time came to offer it some significant engine and trim updates in 2016, it was rebadged the Abarth 595. It was on sale until 2024.
It originally competed with rivals such as the Mini Cooper, Vauxhall Corsa VXR and Ford Fiesta ST. True, the 595 is at a disadvantage size-wise, but it does offer competitive performance – the kind you won't see from cars of a similar heft, like the Volkswagen Up GTI or even the larger VW Polo GTI.
The later 595 and the powerful Abarth 695 versions can be had in convertible form (badged 595C and 695C), with a roof that retracts electronically when you push a button. None of the 595’s rivals can offer that.
Engine: Speaking of power, the original 500 only has one engine size, a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol. But, it can be had in various states of tune. When it was launched, the 500 came with 133bhp or 158bhp in the Esseese version.
Later 595 versions came with three different equipment levels and three power outputs ranging from 143bhp to 178bhp. Then there was the ultra-expensive 695 Biposto that had 187bhp.
Trims & equipment: The standard car has all the essentials: air con, Bluetooth, seat height adjustment and electrically adjustable door mirrors. The 178bhp 595 Competizione from 2016 onwards adds climate control, Xenon headlights, auto-dipping rear view mirror, parking sensors, uprated suspension, bigger brakes, stickier tyres and a sports exhaust.
Ride & handling: To drive, the older 500 is quite rapid in town thanks to its powerful engines.
Even the entry-level 595 produces a punchy 165bhp, and with a 0-62mph time of 7.3sec straight-line performance isn’t far off that of bigger hot hatches. Meanwhile, the 695 increases power and trims the 0-62mph time to 6.7 seconds, almost matching a Mini Cooper S.
In either version, the engine is willing to rev harder than most small turbocharged units, with a progressive delivery and responsive feel even from lower revs.
We wish the five-speed manual gearbox had an extra gear and was a little more slick, but still – it's rare to be able to get a manual hot hatch so we won't carp too much. Indeed, even the Cooper S is only available with an automatic gearbox.
However, out in more open country, it isn’t quite so comfortable. Being rather tall and narrow means that stiffer suspension and fat anti-roll bars need to be fitted to control body lean. This has an impact on the ride, which is very firm in the 595, and is made worse by some of the special editions with even stiffer springs fitted.
The 595 in all its versions isn’t particularly great in the bends either, tending to understeer more readily than rivals.
Interior & practicality: Space is also at a premium with the 595, and some of the ergonomics will infuriate. Like the seat height adjuster that’s impossible to use unless you open the door.
To make up for that, the 500 has lots of uprated bits of interior decoration that help give it a sporty feel. The outside has unique bumpers, alloy wheels and spoilers that make it look the part.
Then there’s the exhaust that pops and crackles on the overrun to give the car a character all its own. Indeed, there’s a sense of occasion to the 500 that has a way of charming you.
"Okay, so it's loud and bumpy and can feel a little wayward, but I like this car. It's fun, and you can enjoy it all at ordinary speeds." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor
If you're interested in buying a used Abarth 500 or 595, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classifieds site here.
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Ownership cost
What used Abarth 595 will I get for my budget?
The Abarth 500 starts at around £5000 for a high-mileage example with a full service history. If you up the budget to £6500-£7000, you will find plenty of newer, lower mileage examples, including some Esseese versions.
You'll need to £7000 to find a 595 from 2012. A 2016 595 Competitzione with less than 20,000 miles will set you back £10,000, or, if you’re interested in the special edition 695, then be prepared to pay £16,500 or more for one of these stripped-out, high-performance examples.
A 2024 595 will cost you upwards of £16,000.
Check the value of a used Abarth 500 or 595 with What Car? Valuations
Find a used Abarth 500 or 595 for sale here
Our recommendations
Which used Abarth 595 should I buy?
The Abarth 500 has been around a while now, with plenty of improvements made throughout its life. For this reason, we’d suggest going for the newer 595 Competitzione with the 178bhp engine. It’s just as economical as the lower powered 1.4-litre engine and, once you’re past the small amount of turbo lag it does suffer from at low revs, it’s noticeably quicker.
The Competizione also comes with a number of upgrades to the chassis and brakes that improve the way the 500 drives. You also get a lot more equipment for your money, which is always a nice bonus.
Our favourite Abarth 500/595: 595 1.4 T-Jet Competizione
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Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used Abarth 595?
The Mini Cooper is a very well rounded car, with a smooth engine and excellent handling. However, it isn’t particularly quick, unless you go for the more expensive Cooper S and simply doesn’t have the character of the 500.
If you want a practical car that happens to be fast, the Ford Fiesta ST is a great option. The turbocharged 1.6-litre engine is very punchy; the handling is a joy and it practical enough for a small family. It’s cheap to run too with sensible insurance and fuel costs.
The Vauxhall Corsa VXR is a bit of monster power wise, with enough mid-range grunt to blow rivals into the weeds. In Nurburgring edition form (which comes with a limited slip differential at the front) it even handles rather well. It’s not as involving to drive as a Fiesta ST, or the Abarth 595, though.
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If you're interested in buying a used Abarth 500 or 595, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classifieds site here.
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How reliable is the Abarth 595 ?
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