Fiat has upgraded its hot hatch, again.

The Abarth sub-brand has a longer hot hatch lineage than even VW’s GTI and to keep it relevant in 2019, the 595 Pista has been upgraded.

As one would expect from an Italian vehicle, colourways are a crucial design element and to keep the 595 Pista trendy there is an assortment of surface hues. Customers can choose between matte grey, Record Grey, Campovolo Grey, Scorpione Black, Podio Blue, Gara White, Abarth Red, Modena Yellow and Adrenalina Green.

What Abarth has done differently with this latest 595 Pista iteration, is to offer contrasting green ascents on the bumpers and wing mirrors. This lime green finish is also repeated on the hubcaps.

Inside this three-door hot hatch, you’ll now find diamond pattern upholstery and have the option on Sabelt 70 sports seats.

Beyond the increased colour options, Abarth’s engineers have reworked the 1.4-litre turbocharged engine’s boost source. A newer specification Garrett turbocharger, featuring a reduced geometric compression ratio (decreased from 9.8:1 to 9:1), has improved thermal performance.

Peak power rates at 123 kW (up from 117 kW), supported by 230 Nm of torque, which is now available at only 2 250 rpm. The 595 Pista has a top speed of 218 kph. Unfortunately, itis only available with a five-speed automatic transmission.

The Abarth 595 Pista continues to feature a booming Record Monza active exhaust system, Koni’s frequency selective damping technology at each wheel corner and absolutely massive brakes. With the Abarth 595 Pista actuating a combination of 284- and 240 mm discs front and rear, it has proportionally enormous brakes for a car of its size and weight.

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