Abarth 595 2019 revealed

The Abarth 595 range has been updated for 2019, with the Fiat 500-based pocket-rocket borrowing from sister brand Ferrari in its newly named model line-up.

Internationally, the 595 range will be offered in four distinct trim levels - the base 595, the Pista, the Turismo and the Competizione - with different power levels across the board.

The Pista model name, which is Italian for racetrack, has most recently been used on the monstrous Ferrari 488 Pista - home to the most powerful V8 engine ever used in a Prancing Horse model.

Unsurprisingly, there is no V8 engine offered anywhere in the tiny 595 family, with Abarth instead making use of a turbocharged 1.4-litre "T-Jet" engine in various states of tune, with an upgrade to meet Euro 6D-TEMP standards the key focus of this update.

The range kicks off with the entry-level 595, which will produce 106kW, with the Pista upping the output to 117kW. The Turismo then gets 121kW, while the Competition rules the lot, with its engine tuned for a solid 132kW. All can be paired with a five-speed manual gearbox of Fiat's robotised automatic.

The Abarth family is then topped by a fifth model, the 695 Rivale - a collaboration with luxury Italian boat maker Riva which pairs the most powerful engine tune with a yachting-inspired mahogany dash element and upgraded leather trim.

Abarth's booming Record Monza Attivo exhaust is now standard fit on both the Competizione and the Pista, with the Sport button opening an exhaust valve that ups the sonic volume to a "traditionally Abarth" roar. The Pista also introduces extra performance kit, including Abarth Telemetry and Koni rear suspension, while the Competizione is available with a mechanical self-locking differential, as well as Sabelt sport seats.

Predictably, the Competizione is also the quickest, knocking off the dash to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds, while stopping is handled by Brembo brakes. The Turismo, on the other hand, swaps outright performance for plush, with its slightly slower 7.3 second sprint to 100km/h offset by its more comfortable leather seats and chrome trim and mirror caps.

In Australia, the diminutive Abarth hot hatch is currently offered in just three trim levels; the 595, the 595c convertible and the Competitizione.

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