Abarth 595 2022: entry-level hot hatch loses base model, gains styling options

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Abarth has refreshed the 595 Competizione range for 2022, dropping the base model and adding a few new styling options that hark back to the brand’s rallying pedigree.

The 595 Competizione has been given a price bump of $960 across both hatch and convertible bodystyles, effectively raising the cost of entry by around $6,000.

Priced from $32,950 in the hatch and $36,950 in convertible form (both before on-road costs), the 595 Competizione faces off against rivals such as the Ford Fiesta ST and incoming Hyundai i20 N in the affordable hot-hatch segment.

The Italian hatch has been around in various forms since 2007 and is also available as the 595 Scorpioneoro special edition (from $31,450) and the more affordable Fiat 500 (from $18,950). 

The 595 Competizione retains its 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine in the highest state of tune, producing 132kW of power and 250Nm of torque, which then rasps out of the standard bi-modal Record Monza quad exhausts.

With only 1,035 kg to move, the front-drive Abarth is surprisingly quick off the line, achieving 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.7 seconds.

Abarth offers buyers a five-speed manual as standard or a two-pedal, five-speed Dualogic ‘automated manual’ as a $2,000 option.

As part of the recent update, buyers can option the more aggressive Competizione body kit, finished in either Scorpione Black metallic and Rally Blue matte paint -the latter of which is a reference to the 1970s Fiat 131 Abarth Rally car. 

The 595 Competizione is also fitted with features like Brembo brakes and adjustable Koni dampers, along with tactile interior touch points such as leather seats and a leather steering wheel.

Abarth retains the 7.0-inch centre touchscreen with DAB digital radio along with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for entertainment duties.

Placed directly in front of the driver is an additional 7.0-inch screen that sits in the instrument cluster between two analogue dials.

Other handy features include dusk and rain sensors, which have been added this year along with more subtle changes like the redesigned sport button.

The updated 595 Competizione is currently available in Australian dealerships.

Abarth 595 2022: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Hatch (manual) $32,950
• Hatch (auto): $34,950
• Convertible (manual): $36,950
• Convertible (auto): $38,950