Latestversion of hyperactive Italian hot hatch celebrates Abarth’s passion for performance.

Fiat is celebrating seven decades of its Abarth performance car legacy with a new version of the 595 esseesse – which is pronounced ‘SS’, ifyou were wondering.

This latest go-fasterversion of Fiat'svenerable500 city car comes a decade after the first modern 500 esseesse and it promises to be a bundle of ultra-compact Italian front-wheel driving entertainment.

Distinguishing the 595 esseesse from other 500s are its white 17-inch wheels, braked by massive Brembo callipers and rotors. Although this latest celebratory edition 595 esseesse isn’t the heaviest of cars, Abarth’s engineers have specified the most impressive braking system available for it: boasting perforated and vented discs with obligatory performance hatchback red callipers.

The Brembo brakes also feature a self-alignment function, which re-orientates the pads and rotors, to aid heat dissipation during heavy use – preventing brake fade. Balancing 595 esseesse’s ability to change direction with its decelerative capabilities, are Koni shock absorbers.

Powering the 2019 595 esseesse is a 134kW version of the turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine, which breathes through a custom BMC air filter. To ensure it sounds impressive in the manner one would expect from an Abarth, the 595 esseesse is equipped with an exhaust system from Slovenian high-performance exhaust specialist, Akrapovic.

Adorned with Abarth special edition surface badging and white stripes, the 595 esseesse’s uniquely Italian hot hatch theme continues inside too: highlighted by a cabin featuring carbon-shelled racing seats and matching composite pedals.

Further Reading

Abarth 124 Spider (2017) Quick Drive

Fiat Abarth 595 (2017) Specs & Price

Fiat's racy Abarth 124 Spider arrives in SA [with video]