Small, fast and 'pungent' like a scorpion. The Abarth 595 is all this, and for the Ansa tests we got behind the wheel of the 'Turismo' version, that is the one equipped with a whole series of more finishes than the basic version of the 'little one' from Abarth, but less extreme. of the even more sporty versions Competizione or Pista. The confirmation of being in an Abarth is immediate, as soon as the key is pulled, thanks to the unmistakable roar of the small 4-cylinder. The rest is done by the elegant and 'nice' line of the 500, made more aggressive by the rounded wheel arches. Under the bonnet of the model under test beats the 165 HP 1.4 T-jet engine, in our case combined with the Abarth five-speed robotised gearbox with optional paddles on the steering wheel. The weight / power ratio is 6.3 kg / CVacceleration allows you to push from 0 to 100 km / h in 7 ".
Power and performance are not equal to the top of the range 595 Competizione, but at the wheel of this intermediate version, lovers of curves made in a certain way can get a lot of satisfaction. The engine is ready and responsive, especially above 3,000 rpm and remains so up to the maximum power speed set at 5,500 rpm.
The famous 'turbo lag' is hardly noticeable, only when you open the accelerator without many compliments. The 'Scorpion Mode' selector is always ready to give that extra sporty touch you expect to find on an Abarth and that characteristic exhaust sound. When inserted, the 'scorpion' mode acts on the delivery of the maximum torque,on the calibration of the power steering and on the prompt response of the engine to the accelerator pedal.
The 'terrain' preferred by the 595 turismo, as for its even more powerful sisters, is that of the fast mixed race. Between the curves, it's all agility: the car is short and its steering is very prompt. The rigid suspension helps to convey the feeling of being driving a real kart.
One of the symbolic features of the 595 is the 'sound' of the engine, which in the Turismo is speckled by the two chromed exhausts that give the 1.4 its true Abarth character.
Inside, everything is designed in the name of sportiness, as with all Abarths, but in the case of the Turismo there was also room for the more 'elegant' finishes. It is no secret that the test version winks at the public who, in addition to the sporty look, also look with interest at on-board comfort and who often use the car in the city even in everyday life. Precisely for this reason, on the occasion of the latest restyling, importance was given to the new interiors, especially on the upholstery and finishes front. The leather seats are not particularly rigid and are well finished and enveloping, with the possibility of choosing between various color options.
Our test car is equipped with the new 'Helmet Brown', which gives it a touch of elegance. At the wheel, in everyday use, the ultra-small dimensions and the sprint of the 1.4 turbo allow the Abarth 595 to wriggle just fine in traffic. Another matter, the one dedicated to the comfort factor, because the suspension is rigid on holes and cobbles, and the low-profile tires mounted on 17-inch rims do the rest. But this is not the characteristic that is aimed at behind the wheel of an Abarth, whatever it is. When maneuvering, the rear parking sensors are almost superfluous.
As soon as you leave the city and take a small road with little traffic, the so-called kart effect is guaranteed by the short wheelbase and flat set-up. Translated: the reactions are lightning-fast and the fun guaranteed, while respecting the road rules. When traveling on the motorway, the absence of cruise control weighs heavily and, above all, fuel consumption, which combined with the low capacity of the tank force frequent breaks for refueling.
Generations, models and restylings pass, but the Scorpio always knows how to sting. (HANDLE).
