Abarth’s spiced-up version of the good-old Fiat 500 launched back in 2008, but the Italian company managed to keep it fresh all those years with numerous updates and new additions to the range.
Fast forward to 2021, the tiny hot hatch is alive and kicking with the new 695 Esseesse Collector’s Edition that will be produced in 1,350 units as the flagship of the Abarth range.
If you are not familiar with the Abarth range, it is easy to confuse this hot hatch with the very similar 2019 Abarth 595 Esseesse. However, despite the name change, this is not as track-focused or as powerful as the 2015 Abarth 695 Biposto.
Read More: Fiat To Stop Selling ICE-Powered Vehicles, Go EV-Only By 2030
Visually, there is not much that has changed over previous versions. The hood is now made of aluminum (25% lighter) and the Akrapovič exhaust reduces weight by a further 10 kg compared to the 595 Competizione. The most interesting feature is the “Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile” with a manually adjustable angle from 0° to 60°, first seen a couple of years ago in the Abarth 695 70° Anniversario.
The 695 Esseesse is available in “Scorpion Black” or in “Campovolo Grey” – each color produced in 695 units. You also get white 17-inch rims, red brake calipers, and white details (bumpers, mirror caps, side decals).
Under the bonnet lies the same four-cylinder 1.4 T-jet engine used in all Abarth models. In this case, it produces 178 hp (132 kW / 180 PS) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque – just like on the 595 Essseesse. Power is sent to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox but there is also an optional robotized sequential transmission with paddles.
According to Abarth, the 695 Esseesse accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph) if you remember to manually adjust the spoiler’s angle to 0° so it doesn’t produce so much drag. Abarth measured the 0-400m sprint in 15.1 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds faster compared to the 595 Compeitizone.
The suspension features Koni FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) springs in all four corners, while brakes consist of large ventilated discs (305 mm front and 240 mm rear) and 4-piston Brembo calipers.
Inside, the dashboard is covered in Alcantara with the 695 Esseesse badge engraved on the passenger side. The Sabelt seats have stitching that matches the exterior shade, red seat belts, and white shells. Touches of carbon fiber on the gear shifter, pedals, and steering wheel complete a supercar-like atmosphere.
However, the standard 7-inch touchscreen for the Uconnect infotainment reveals the humble origins of the car, even though it still features navigation, DAB digital radio, and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto connectivity.
See Also: Fiat’s Refreshed Abarth 595 Range Brings New Options
The 695 Esseesse Collectors’ Edition is available for sale alongside the recently refreshed 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione. Abarth states that its sales in Europe keep going strong with “a great start to 2021 continuing the upward trend in market share”.
We are not sure how much longer it will be possible for Abarth to keep the ICE model in production. However, as hinted by FIAT’s CEO, Olivier François during the presentation of the all-electric 500, there is an Abarth version of that car under development which will probably replace the aging 595/695 range at some point in the future.
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