Abarth announces equipment and power upgrades for the 595 Competizione.

A new level of performance and technology has just been introduced to Abarth’s sporting 595 Competizione range with a boost in power to 180hp and a host of standard equipment.

A throaty Record Monza exhaust system, 17-inch alloy wheels with titanium finish, Brembo brake system, red brake callipers, leather sports steering wheel, Sabelt sports seats, Xenon headlamps, rear parking sensors and aluminium pedals are among the standard specification of the new model.

Options include leather sports seats, electric glass sunroof, Interscope audio system with four speakers and two tweeters and several alloy wheel, body colour and stripe kit choices.

Previously offering 160hp, the new 595 Competizione benefits from a 20hp boost in power. With 180hp now available and a maximum 250Nm of torque at 2500 rpm, the 595 Competizione has a 0-62 mph time of just 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph, yet it returns 48.7mpg fuel economy on the official Combined Cycle.

The new hatchback is the first of the new 2015 model year cars to reach the UK, and will be followed by a Cabriolet version, available to order later this month (May). Both come in manual or automatic (MTA) forms.

The 2015MY range will have a new ‘standard’ colour – Campovolo Grey is replaced with Officina Red as the no-cost option colour choice.

“Abarth’s constant striving for enhanced performance has allowed us to introduce this more powerful version of our popular 595 Competizione, which I am sure customers will be delighted with,” says Gerry Southerington, head of Abarth UK.

“The new, uprated engine, along with the race-bred braking system, lowered sports suspension and Record Monza tailpipes form the basis of a thrilling car to which customers can add their own unique touches.”

The Abarth 595 Competizione costs £19,890 OTR (£21,190 MTA version) for the hatchback, and £21,890 OTR (£23,190 MTA version) for the Cabriolet version.