Abarth 695C Turismo Fast Fleet test – living with the charming Italian hatch

You know the old motoring journalist cliché about great cars feeling right in the first 200 metres? Well, the Abarth 695 ain’t that. The driving position seems too high, your feet land strangely on the pedals, and the steering wheel only adjusts for rake when what you crave is more reach. Far from feeling right, it feels wrong before you’ve turned a wheel. That’s the bad news.

The good news is the Abarth is such a boisterous character that those negative first impressions are soon blown away, with a generous blast of turbo boost and a flatulent parp from the exhaust. Personality counts for a lot in small, sporty cars and the 695 has it in spades. In fact, it’s a riot. It's just a shame it's been replaced by an electric alternative...

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I have to confess I was less than familiar with the Abarth model line-up. I’ve seen plenty of Competizione versions, and lusted after the rare-as-rocking-horse-muck Biposto for years, but the 695C Turismo was a new one on me.

The ‘695’ means it has 178bhp and 184lb ft, delivered with surprising gusto by Fiat’s stalwart 1.4-litre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder. The ‘C’ bit refers to the roll-back roof, which prompts inevitable ‘hairdresser’ jibes from my colleagues (and, in a somewhat meta twist of irony, my own hairdresser) but promises some fresh-air fun. As for the Turismo bit, it means the vibe is a bit more grown-up and not quite as obviously racy as the Competizione.

The interior is an econo-plush mix of cheap plastics for the dash and door panels, with quilted leather upholstery and a few square inches of Alcantara. There’s even some carbonfibre on the steering wheel. The infotainment (with CarPlay) is neat and easy to navigate, while the Beats hi-fi has some surprising heft and a pleasing tone. My old bones mourn the lack of heated seats, but given the 695 has its roots in a simple city car, it has a decent array of mod cons.

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An exploratory opening of the electrically operated roof reveals a smooth and neat mechanism. It stops at three stages: the first just above your head, the second above the rear seats, the third taking it and the rear window down to the top of the rear scuttle. It looks a bit pram-like and eats into luggage space – the bootlid flips up to reveal a narrow, rectangular aperture – but it’s all too easy to be sniffy about convertibles. Right up until the sun comes out and you find yourself enjoying not having a roof.

So, what have the first few weeks been like with the 695? Well, the driving position takes some adapting to, but once you learn to pull yourself one notch closer to the wheel it’s not so bad. Deputy ed James Taylor describes it as feeling like you’re sitting at an upright piano, which is uncannily accurate. I’ve done a few long trips in it now and can confirm that, contrary to expectations, it’s easy to settle in and stay comfortable.

The ride is busy and lacks a bit of wheel travel, but considering the disgraceful state of Northamptonshire’s roads it does pretty well. Rollin’ on 17s means there’s less choice when it comes to tyres; something reflected in the Michelin Pilot Sport 3 rubber. Wintry weather means that even when it’s dry the tarmac is cold, which highlights the 695’s boosty power delivery. Full throttle freely breaks traction in the first two gears, and sometimes gives a flare of revs in third. The non-switchable traction control reins things in nicely, so it’s not as unruly as it might sound. I actually quite enjoy the fact it’s a little bit too torquey for its own good, as it adds to the fun when you decide to go for it. I suspect I’ll wish I could switch the TC off once the weather improves, but for now it’s fine.

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Handling-wise it’s sharp but safe, with a nose-led balance that lets you know when you’re pushing the front end (or your luck) too hard. It’s eminently chuckable in the dry, but I’m a little wary of the nose washing wide in the wet. A bit more steering feel would help, but I suspect confidence will rise with ambient temperatures come the spring.

What else to say? Sport mode is my default. Partly because it adds weight (probably a bit too much) to the otherwise overly light steering, but mostly because it gives the engine a much fiercer delivery. It also opens up the quad(!) exhausts with spectacular/anti-social results. Imagine a Chihuahua with the bark of a Rottweiler and you’ve got the picture.

Having cut my teeth on a highly modified Mini, the 695’s anarchic and wholly infectious desire to bomb down any given road in fervent style is a welcome elixir. It’s going to be a fun car to live with.

Richard Meaden (@DickieMeaden)

This story first featured in evo issue 320.