Despite the influx of sports sedans and purebred sportscars in India recently, one segment that has seen comparatively lesser action is the hot hatchbacks segment. You might remember that the very capable Fiat 500 Abarth didn’t fare well in its first outing here in India, but Fiat S.p.A is hoping that might change with the introduction of the Fiat Abarth 595 Competizione next month.
Powered by a 1368cc four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, the Abarth 595 Competizione puts out 160PS of maximum power and 210 Nm of max torque. That’s enough to propel this 1155-kilogram hatch to sports sedan levels of performance. But if you are looking for even more spunk, there’s a ‘Sports Mode’ that will wind the max torque figure up to 231 Nm, thanks to some turbo geometry magic. Power is reined in by a five-speed AMT gearbox, transferring it to 17-inch wheels.
Dimensions wise, the 595 Competizione is a compact machine that makes it particularly suitable for our crowded roads. It is just 3657mm in length, 1627mm wide and 1485mm tall.
Visually, the Fiat Abarth 595 Competizione gets some go-faster bits that differentiate it from its lesser brethren. The door handles, wing mirrors and front grille now have a graphite finish to them, while the interiors get Sabelt racing seats and machined alloys for the foot pedals. The dashboard also has the same graphite finish as the outside, while the steering wheel has a flat bottom for optimum grip. There’s also a clear LCD display relaying information to the driver.
The Fiat Abarth 595 Competizione is expected to be priced around the INR 27-30 lakh mark (ex-showroom, Delhi), when it makes its way to showrooms next month. As befitting its exclusive price tag, only limited units of the model will be sold to select customers.
Source: Autocar India