Fiat has launched the Abarth 595 Competizione at a price of Rs. 29.85 lakh (Ex showroom Delhi). This is the first model to be launched from the Abarth stable in India. The 595 is the performance version of the 500 hatchback. The Fiat 500 was launched in India in 2008 but sold in minuscule numbers due to the high price tag.
The 595 Competizione is easily distinguishable from the standard car. It comes with sport front and rear bumpers and side skirts. It comes shod with with 17 inch Abarth alloy wheels, black roof with a roof spoiler, a muscular bonnet and a prominent Scorpion badge on the sport grille.
On the interior, it gets racing seats, a flat bottom multi function steering wheel with paddle shifters TFT instrument cluster, electric Sunroof and Blue & Me handsfree system with USB port There is a boost pressure gauge and a gear shift indicator on the dashboard as well.
Power comes from a 1.4 litre turborcharged four cylinder T Jet engine that develops 160 bhp and 230 Nm torque. It goes from 0 to 100 kph in 7.6 seconds and has a top speed of 210 kph. The engine is mated to a 5 speed AMT gearbox. It gets two driving modes: Drive and Sport. Other features include Torque Transfer Control, Frequently Selective Damping for the front & rear suspension, 4-piston aluminium fixed brake calipers & ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels.
The Abarth 595 Competizione will be available in four colours – Iridato White, Scorpione Black, Cordolo Red and Campovolo Grey. The 595 will directly rival the Mini Cooper S in the Indian market. It will be imported through the CBU route and sold through select dealerships. Fiat also announced that it will launch the Punto Evo Abarth and Avventura Abarth in the coming months.
