Fiat gives the Abarth 595 Competizione 178bhp – costs from £19,890

Fiat has given the Abarth 595 Competizione a bit of a makeover for 2015 with extra equipment and a boost in power to 178bhp, up by 20bhp.

It’s three years since Fiat decided to add an Abarth 500 with extra get up and go as a standalone model in the Abarth 595 Competizione, and now it’s time for a bit of an update, more equipment and a boost in power from the previous 158bhp to 178bhp.

The boost in power – and its 184lb/ft of torque – mean the 595 Competizione can now get to 62mph in 6.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 140mph, but still return an official 48.7mpg.

A new exhaust system, 17″ titanium-finish alloys, Brembo brakes, Sabelt Sports seats, Xenon headlights and rear parking sensors all come as standard, with the option of leather, glass roof and several alloy choices all options, as well as new colour and stripe options. The 595 Competizione also now comes with a new standard colour – Officina Red – replacing the old Campovolo Grey.

Gerry Southerington, Abarth UK’s boss, said:

Abarth’s constant striving for enhanced performance has allowed us to introduce this more powerful version of our popular 595 Competizione, which I am sure customers will be delighted with.

The new, uprated engine, along with the race-bred braking system, lowered sports suspension and Record Monza tailpipes form the basis of a thrilling car to which customers can add their own unique touches.

The new 595 Competizione can be had as a hatchback (from £19,890) or a Cabriolet (from £23,190) with either a manual or auto ‘box. Both models will be available to order this month (May 2015) from Fiat’s UK Abarth dealers.