Abarth updates 595 for 2019

Thanks to its penchant for sportiness and fun-loving looks, you might be forgiven for thinking that Abarth is a young brand.

Actually, it turns a whopping 70 this year, and – while that might be hard to believe – it’s great news for automotive enthusiasts.

That’s because to celebrate this milestone, Abarth has announced the introduction of a brand new anniversary range for 2019, spanning all models including the 595.

The new cars will feature anniversary badges on the exterior, as well as a host of new custom colours with jazzy names like Costa Brava 1972 Red and Turini 1975 White to represent past rally wins.

As part of the 2019 celebratory range, there’s the 595 Competizione with 180 HP, Brembo braking system, Sabelt racing seats and Record Monza exhaust to deliver that unmistakable Abarth roar. Inside, you’ll also find Uconnect technology with a seven-inch touchscreen and Abarth Telemetry.

However, fans like us are sure to be even more excited to hear that as part of this 70^th birthday bash, the fabulous Abarth 595 esseesse is back to breathe new life into the iconic name.

Ten years after its debut, the model is making a glorious return to the roads, equipped with a throaty Akrapovic exhaust system and powerful 180 HP engine.

As with the Competizione, there’s the Brembo front braking system with perforated, ventilated front brake discs and red brake calipers.

However, you’ll also get the added benefit of 17-inch Supersport alloy wheels, a spanking new Racing White finish, Abarth side stripes, mirror caps and matching front and rear DAM.

Abarth has been sexing up Fiat 500 superminis for more than a decade now, and it’s fair to say that the basic styling hasn’t changed.

But that’s why fans of these head-turning city cars are so enthusiastic about them. They’re dinky, they’re retro-styled, they’re fun-loving and they’re an affordable alternative to the Ford Fiesta ST or the Mini Cooper.

And with nearly 23,500 Abarth cars sold in Europe last year, it would seem that there are plenty of people out there who agree with us. With 70^th anniversary celebrations upon us, it looks like 2019 is a great time to try one out – or perhaps upgrade your old one if you’re already firmly on the bandwagon.