The Abarth 500 range offers a more extensive variety of versions resulting from the combination of three trim levels - "Custom", "Turismo" and "Competizione - and two different gearbox technologies - manual and electrically operated with steering wheel controls.

Among the new features presented by the MY 2014 is, in the characteristic Abarth 500 dashboard, the new instrument panel with 7" digital display and TFT (Thin-Film-Transistor) technology. This new technology, offered as standard on the whole range, allows customers to view certain information, such as the lateral acceleration and accelerator pedal pressure. Additionally, the panel backlighting permits greater legibility for all instruments resulting in increased safety.

A choice to satisfy the tastes and requirements of sporty customers, offering more detailed information on driving performance. In detail, the multifunction colour display features two modes for providing the driver with the information required for safe, high-performance driving: "normal mode" with digital fuel level gauge and fuel consumption information, depending on driving style, and "sport mode" with information more closely related to performance, such as the longitudinal/lateral accelerometer (G-meter information) which takes gravitational acceleration as its reference unit.

The standard screen can display indications on the distance travelled (odometer), driving mode (NORMAL or SPORT), the headlight alignment position, the date, the time and degrees outside, the current gear and the Gear Shift Indicator and speed indication.

The digital gauge on the right shows the level of fuel in the tank, while the engine coolant temperature is on the left. This starts to provide an indication when the temperature exceeds 50°C approx.

When SPORT mode is activated, the display updates to show the longitudinal/lateral accelerometer (G-meter information) which takes gravitational acceleration (g) as its unit of measurement.

The exterior colours too constitute a new feature of the MY 2014 range: four monochrome paintworks, including a Cordolo Red with an extremely sporty flavour, presented on the stand at Geneva on an Abarth 595 Competizione, and three two-tone versions, of which the Pista Grey/Leggenda Light Blue combination adorns the Abarth 595C Turismo on show.

In detail, the long-standing classics of Campovolo Grey, Officina Red, Gara White and Leggenda Light Blue are joined Pista Grey, previously available only in two-tone combinations, and Rally Beige for the pastel colours. On the metallic side, after Record Grey and Scorpione Black, the new option is Trofeo Grey. The new choices are rounded off with Cordolo Red. There are double the two-tone options of the current range: Pista Grey matched with Leggenda Light Blue, Rally Beige with Officina Red or Trofeo Grey. Additionally, there will be an option of the new Rally Beige colour matched with beige soft top for cabrios. Finally, the new 16-inch rim, with retro-inspired design, brings the total of options to 6.

The two cars on the stand, a 595 "Turismo" and a 595 "Competizione", are addressed to two different audiences: the first for those looking for distinctiveness and the second for "racing purists".

In the first car, the tuning concerns the engine and geometry, in addition to a high level of interior and exterior details for those customers who identify with values such as the more exclusive elegance, refinement, comfort and sportiness oriented toward the world of "Gran Turismo".

In addition to the engine and geometry, in the Abarth 595 "competizione" the tuning also affects the exhaust system, with the "Record Monza" exhaust fitted as standard, and the "Abarth Corse by Sabelt" sports seats for those who see themselves as genuine lovers of sport, inspired by the full-blooded world of racing.

The car comes with customisation as standard: a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet engine whose power has been increased to a good 160 HP (118 kW) thanks to the engine tuning kit. The 1,368 cm3 4 cylinder 16 valve unit (turbocharged with a fixed-geometry IHI turbocharger) delivers exhilarating performance. Torque is 230 Nm at 3000 rpm in Sport mode. Top speed is 211 km/h while acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes place in just 7.4 seconds. Abarth performance with limited consumption: 6.5 l/100 km in the combined cycle.

The Abarth 595's safety follows the superior standards that the Abarth 500 range guarantees. It offers the TTC (Torque Transfer Control) device as standard, which by improving the transfer of drive torque to the wheels, enhances the car's road holding without compromising on an exhilarating drive.
The car is equipped as standard with Xenon headlights with dipped and driving light functions, which deliver three times the light intensity and duration of standard halogen lamp headlights, for improved light emission and excellent efficiency under all weather conditions.

The exterior of the "Turismo" is embellished by an updated version of the historic 595 logo in aluminium on the side and tailgate. The one on the tailgate is further customised with Turismo graphics, again in aluminium.

In addition to the standard 5-speed manual gearbox, the Abarth 595 "Turismo" is available with the electrically operated manual Abarth Competizione gearbox with controls on the steering wheel as standard. This enhances engine performance with reduced gearshift times. The gearshift paddles are located on the sporty black leather steering wheel with perforated "ears" the same colour as the seats, available only in leather in the four shades of Natural, Black, Red and Grey. The Abarth Corse by Sabelt versions are also available. Pedal unit, sill plate and gearbox trim in fine Alutex aluminium glass fibre material complete the equipment.

The "Competizione" customisation option, dedicated to more extreme sports enthusiasts, selects elements that enhance its performance and sports characteristics still further.

The 5-speed manual gearbox, which enhances personal driving style through a more direct relationship with the car, and the four-way "Record Monza" exhaust, which thanks to "dual mode" technology optimises the torque and power delivery curves, resulting in increased engine responsiveness from medium engine speeds (1.5 kg/m starting from 2,000 rpm), emphasise the sports character of the car.

The "Abarth Corsa by Sabelt" seats come as standard in fabric, but are also available in Natural, Red, Black and Grey leather and Alcantara bearing the 595 logo embroidered on the integrated headrest. They lend the car a feisty and distinctive character.

Special materials have been used to enhance the dashboard. Their appearance and finish evoke metal, to accentuate the technical and sporty personality of this customisation option. The same treatment is adopted for the backrests of the seats.

The trim level is completed with the gear lever knob made of Ergal, sill plate, pedal unit and aluminium kick plate - all decorated with the Abarth motifs - draw on the outfitting found on racing cars. The matt titanium side stripes, which also feature on the mirror covers, characterise the exterior.

To enhance the performance of the new Abarth 500 range even more, tuning kits for engine, ride and brakes are available for both customisation options. They guarantee a unique driving experience in terms of performance, handling and safety. Safety is always at the heart of Abarth tuning; in addition to tuning kits for increasing power, there are kits for the braking system and ride.
The first adopts self-ventilating perforated front disc brakes (diameter 284 mm × 22 mm), perforated rear disc brakes (diameter 240 mm × 11 mm) and high-performance front brake pads, while the second offers front and rear Koni shock absorbers with FSD valve and special red springs, lowered with respect to those adopted on the original car.

Abarth is celebrating its position as Official Sponsor and Car Supplier to the FIM MotoGP Championship with the launch of a new range of 595 sports hatches – the 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition.

Created from a partnership with Yamaha, and with world champion riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo on course for an historic one-two in this year’s championship, the new edition comes in a choice of seven striking colours and is packed with sporty features.

With 17-inch matt black alloy wheels, painted brake callipers and optional matching Abarth side stripes and mirror covers, there is no mistaking the new 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition. Darkened windows, a flat-bottom leather steering wheel, aluminium pedals and a special 'Yamaha Factory Racing' badge – all standard – enhance the model’s sporting credentials. Xenon headlamps, leather interior and dual zone air conditioning are among the options.

Powered by an upgraded version of Abarth’s potent 1.4-litre T-Jet engine, the 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition is further enhanced with a Record Monza exhaust system, Koni shock absorbers with FSD valves and Eibach lowering springs.

“The new 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition adds a new dimension to the Abarth 595 line-up” says Gerry Southerington, brand manager, Abarth UK. “With an upgrade to 160 horsepower, lowered suspension, sporting looks and a great sounding exhaust system, we expect a lot of interest in this car from Abarth enthusiasts and new customers alike.”

The Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition is available to order in the UK now, priced from £17,420 OTR.

Technical specifications:
Engine: T-JET, 1368cc, straight-4, 4 valves per cylinder
Peak power: 160 HP (132 kW) @ 5500 rpm
Peak torque: 230 Nm @ 3000 rpm (Sport mode)
Turbo: IHI RHF3-P
Air cleaner: BMC high-performance filter
Exhaust pipe: Record Monza 4 outlet valve
Transmission: 5-speed gearbox, manual

Suspension:
Front and rear: Abarth Koni with FSD valves
Ride: Lowered racing
Shock absorbers: Eibach front and rear lowered springs
Rims: Alloy 17-inch Formula – Matt black finish alloy wheels

Performance:
Top speed: 130 mph
Acceleration (0-62 mph): 7.4 sec
Fuel consumption (mpg) and emissions (g/km):
Urban consumption: 35.8
Extra-urban consumption: 57.7
Combined consumption: 47.1
CO2 emissions: 139
Emissions standard: Euro 6