Abarth’s middling 595 Pista has been given an update for the 2020 model year, bringing more power, new paint finishes and interior tweaks to the rowdy supermini.
If you’re a little unsure on how the Abarth range works, here’s a brief rundown. Moving from the bottom upwards, first comes the 143bhp 595, then the 162bhp Turismo, and finally the range-topping, 178bhp Competizione – starting prices stand at £17,000, £20,000, and £22,000 respectively, although we’d advise opting for the uprated Koni suspension, Brembo brakes and limited-slip differential for the Competizione, taking prices a little higher. The Pista sits between the Turismo and Competizione, taking parts from the range-topper whilst retaining the 162bhp power figure.
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Based on the Turismo, the 595 Pista features a 162bhp, 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, now with the larger, more efficient Garrett turbocharger found in the Competizione – this addition brings torque to 184lb ft, all of which can now be had at a lower 2250rpm. Despite the performance upgrade, 0-62mph will still remain at around 7.3sec, and flat out it’ll hit 135mph.
Aside from tweaks under the bonnet, the model also receives new matte grey paintwork (similar to that seen on the Series 3 695 Biposto) complete with bright green highlights, and new, improved upholstery inside. Abarth’s flap-controlled Record Monza exhaust system also makes an appearance, allowing you to choose when you’d like to make lots of noise, and uprated Koni suspension with Frequency Selective Damping also features at the rear.
The Pista comes standard with an Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-compatible 7-inch infotainment screen, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and at an additional cost an automated manual gearbox should that float your boat.
Prices for the Abarth 595 Pista start from £19,135.
