500 Abarth

Make
Fiat
Segment
Hatchback

The humble Fiat 500 hatchback is dead in America, with the 500X representing the Italian automaker's entire US lineup. Sadly, this also means the Abarth 500 hot hatchback is now forbidden fruit in America. In Europe, however, the Fiat 500 is still a popular city runabout.

Fiat recently launched the next-generation 500 Electric, which is sold in Europe alongside its combustion counterpart. It's probably only a matter of time before Abarth builds a hot version of the new 500 electric, but for now, the performance division is focusing on the old combustion model and has unveiled the new Abarth F595.

Built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Formula Italia single-seater race car designed by Carlo Abarth, the new Abarth F595 is powered by a 1.4 liter turbocharged four-cylinder homologated for use in Formula 4 racers. Fitted with a supercharged Garrett turbocompressor, this unit generates 165 horsepower and a peak torque of 170 lb-ft from 2,250 rpm.

As standard, this unit is mated to a manual gearbox or can be fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel. With the manual transmission, 0-60 mph takes 7.4 seconds, while the automatic variant will do the same sprint in 7.3 seconds. Top speed is capped at 135 mph.

Available as a hatchback or convertible, the F595 features Rally Blue accents on the mirror caps, front splitter and rear bumper and rides on 17-inch black Formula alloy wheels. At the back, Abarth has fitted a striking Record Monza Sovrapposto active exhaust with two vertically-stacked tips on each side. Pressing the "Scorpion" button on the dashboard controls the active exhaust valve for when you want the hot hatch to roar more aggressively.

Inside, the new Abarth F595 is fitted with a leather steering wheel, sports seats, and a seven-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. In the UK, pricing starts at £20,305 ($28,100) for the hatchback with the manual transmission and increases to £24,305 ($33,700) for the convertible with the sequential transmission.