Fiat’s performance arm has launched their new 595 range today, bringing the Italian pocket rocket up to date with the rest of the range and making it slightly more powerful.

The range consists of three versions: 595, 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione which offer 143hp, 163hp and 177hp respectively from their turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engines.

Abarth has added 5hp to the engine outputs of the first two versions while the range-topping Competizione model can now be equipped with a proper (and optional) limited-slip differential.

Entry-level models can sprint from zero to 62mph (0-100km/h) in 7.8 seconds with the Turismo completing the same procedure in 7.3 seconds. As for the 177hp Competizione, Abarth reckons it’ll require 6.7 seconds for the 0-62mph and will top out at 140mph (225km/h).

As standard, all models come fitted with a manual five-speed gearbox with Abarth offering a robotized manual version of it as an option, featuring shift paddles behind the steering wheel.

Turismo models come with rear Koni shocks as standard while the 595 Competizione is fitted with them on all four corners. Braking of the fastest 595 is provided by Brembo, with 305mm discs at the front and four-piston calipers.

Building on the general refresh the Fiat 500 received last summer, the new Abarth 595 features a redesigned front end with design cues taken from the Abarth 124 Spider and bigger air intakes that increase cooling capacity by 18 per cent.

The color palette now includes no less than 15 paint finishes, including pastel, metallic and three-layer paints and five two-tone liveries. There is also a new set of 17in Granturismo alloys (standard on Turismo) that are 7 per cent lighter and have over 50 per cent more ventilating surface.

The cabin can now be specified with Alcantara and carbon trim strips with Abarth creating a new range of upholstery options. Entry-level models come with specific fabric seats while Turismo models get leather ones in three different colors while Competizione models come fitted with the hardcore Corsa by Sabelt bucket seats.

The new Uconnect infotainment system is offered with a five-inch display as standard and a higher-resolution seven-inch one as an option. The latter also features a special telemetry application fitted with preloaded circuits to give you relevant information. Sales of the new Abarth 595 will begin this month across Europe.

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