What do you guys think of it?

Totally agree with you here Steph. Love the 595. So much character but it’s now time for a complete refresh and update.

Needs a 6th gear still , steering wheel rake and lower seats otherwise it’s perfect

Everybody should be happy, that there is reliable 4-cylinder, not crappy 3-cylinder. Be happy what it is.

Really like the Rally Blue 💙 Do agree, they really need to properly revamp the 595 for the future. Would love to see an electric version based on the new 500. In terms of more Abarth models, a version of the Tipo & 500 X would be cool. A bigger hatch in form of the Tipo & a compact crossover in the 500 X would help bring new folk to the brand. Great video as always Stef.

Here in the US, Abarth is gone as of this year and Fiat might as well be with the 500X being the only offering at the moment. I did manage to buy a slightly used 2019 Abarth 124 Spider last year with less than 5,000 miles and it is a great sports car. I also have a Dodge Viper and a half-dozen or so Triumph Spitfires in various states of decay, but the 124 is by far the most enjoyable on a day-to-day basis. Currently, I am looking for a 500 platform Abarth for a daily driver, but haven't scored one yet. Your content is on point; keep up the great work.

Well said! I couldn't agree more with you! Needs a refresh in engine and gearbox! Still loving the car! Brilliant review!

Completely agree. Imagine an Abarth but with a new 3 cylinder hybrid powertrain, more power but more efficient. A new 6 speed gearbox. Better seating position. Better steering feel. Adjustable suspension. Cruise control. More security ie an alarm at least. New door handles that don’t fall off.

I guess one benefit is that any and potentially all after market engine tunes/mods are still applicable.

We need any of the below - Dump the Beats for a real intergrated radio/control system - 6 speed - Updated 1.4L or a more modern designed engine - CRUISE CONTROL - Blind Spot Monitoring - Rear suspension makeover Abarths don’t even enter the conversation with hot hatches in the past 5+ years because they’ve been so out of date. You need to specifically want an Abarth to look past anything else and even that probably wouldn’t be enough for me anymore

Stunning looks with twins exhaust with black rims come with met blue and day lights LED all the way....😍👍🏾

I have bought a MY20 Compi 4 months ago and I love it so much!

Long time admirer of the abarth and a recent joiner to the club. That too on a skint budget- abarth is one of the best car brands a young person can get on board with. The fact that a lot of these parts are compatible with the old series 3 makes it even better. You can essentially build your own series 4 for half the price if you know how. But for person who’s looking at new car market this must be a right kick in the balls.

Great video, now that I'm late to the Abarth scene, it is still fascinating to see what we're not going to get lol fortunately importing parts, accessories and what not are available.

I’d like to see a 4wd version of the abarth hatch. Imagine a hybrid 4wd with the electric motors driving the rear wheels and the motor driving the front! CAN IT BE DONE!? THE WORLD NEEDS THIS!

I was very scared that they would release an electric Abarth. So I can live with this Series 4.1

Thanks Stef, great vid as usual. Where I live in northern Australia, the 595, let alone any Abarth, is a rare sight so ppl are none-the-wiser...ooooh looks like a rare import/what is it?!! I bought my comp early this year so I am very happy (though a 6th gear would be nice, the rest I can live/work with), and I am none-the-wiser as well. But I can see how a 10 or so years platform can get a bit so so for folks who have been with the brand for a long time.

Are the exhausts pipes a touch too small?

I am a proud owner of the 595 competizione, not practical by any means yet when driving it you are encouraged to have the windows down/sport button engaged and drive it hard just to hear the roar from the exhaust and that's what I love about this car.....it's fun to drive! Given the fact I paid £15,000 for mine and they retail £23,060 new without extras, only now they decide to fit a 7" inch screen and beats as standard when they should've been standard on all Comp models and up along with Sat Nav. After seeing your review you I have to agree I am loving the Blue and that's about it! Other than the change of colour it pretty much looks the same as my 2017 model. An increase in bhp at least too 200Bhp would've been good to see, also better wheels as they are awful. A newer more aggressive front end would've been nice to see and the use of carbon instead of Alcantara. This would then suggest that FIAT have made an effort to justify to high price tag they command for the better models. Although I really love the Blue and love the drive/sound etc of owning one and was looking to possibly trade in at some point, now I know what I know about the 2021 model for the same money I can buy a 4 door practical hot hatch. So when the time comes to trade in Im not sure I've been persuaded. Does the 2021 model come standard with a car alarm? as the earlier models are fitted with a pointless immobiliser and nothing else!

Great video! Very much agree on your thoughts on the platform. Some major updates are really overdue.

Love the new version and yes evolution has been achieved for this chassis and hopefully Fiat/Abarth shift to new platform and new engines in 2022 - such a great brand and will be interesting to see how FCA integrates with PSA

Great looking colour ,very nice cheers Stef great as always 👍👍

Looking forward to seeing it in the metal as you’ve said Stef. Think the colour is great along with the other subtle changes. Like most though it needs that bit extra to keep up with today’s market but no doubt it’ll be another success.

another great video stef i totally agree this car needs a re fresh let’s hope the next generation they up their game a bit

Completely agree with all your points Stef. I’m on my 3rd Abarth and It’s really disappointing that they haven’t moved the goal posts. Unfortunately while I love the car if they haven’t made some serious upgrades in the next version I’ll have to say goodbye to the brand

Love to see this as a performance awd hybrid with an improved chassis

They've done it again = yes they've made the same car. Funny you should mention gimmicks = abarth in one word

Beautiful car "love this car" the shape the aesthetics, the aerodynamic shape best small but big hearted car ever, please don't grow bigger, like all the rest of the vehicle's on the road !!! STAY COMPACT NEAT AND SMALL !

Great video Stef. And love the way you make an effort to pronounce all Italian words properly. I will be really unhappy if they radically change the exterior along the lines of the 500e; the current design it’s a perfect homage to the original 500.

Stef, if you can't call out Abarth for about lack of innovation / evolution then who can!? Love the passion you show for the marque. Keep up the good work.👌

As a independent used retailer we see and buy and sell many 595 and as many nice 695's as we can find to buy. I agree with your thoughts for the cars future development. Having just taken an up specified new 595 as my daily runner I have to report I do love using the little thing. The car was our top selling car last year. They really do offer fantastic value for money.

A lot of brands I see doing this, making very small changes and bringing some of the past to the present and hope to sell it well. What they need to do is an entire remake, redo, refresh from bottom up!

Imagine how much money Abarth could still make releasing an official upgrade package that brings 595 Competizione / SS to 200bhp?!? 🤩🤩 Is there someone who wouldn't buy it??! 😆 Nice video, thanks! 😉

Great video and valid points Steff...am a fan of the brand..but I agree that as beautiful and fun this pocket rocket is...it needs to evolve into a new platform

Hey Stef Totally agree Abarth always have been a great brand way back from when I had a Strada both 125 and 130 models But now they do need a kick in ass and bring us something exciting I thought with the 124 that was the start of more exciting Abarths but oh well Still love the 595 but .....milked to far by now Stay safe dude and keep content coming! 👍

the fiat abarth is such a fun car even as a first car

Good honesty. Nice to hear 👊🏿

Thanks to you I really consider the 124 Spider to be my next car. I hope there will be a decent one after two years, as I will keep my current VW Scirocco for quite a while. I just really came to like Abarth as a brand, the way they engage with their community. Just awesome and the 124 looks so good and the exhaust, soooo nice.

The benefit of the common platform and engine, inspite of them being a decade or so old, is a robust and exciting third-party upgrade, styling and tweak market. There’s a huge opportunity to customise your vehicle; either a little or a lot, due to the wealth of tried and tested after-market options. New engines (which would be a ridiculous enhancement to an ICE engined vehicle when petrol engines are being phased out) would create a situation where modifications were more difficult or expensive, and third-party companies wouldn’t have a solid commercial reason to even start to develop them.

I like what they’ve done with it, the Matt blue looks amazing and would look even better with some carbon accents. However I Don’t rate the alloy wheel design, maybe blue seatbelts would have been a nice touch. I think they could have lowered the steering with the seats as they’re probably aware that a lot of owners don’t particularly rate the driving position, like the gripe with the 500 emblem on the dash. Seems like they’ve taken notes on some parts and not others. I think the esseesse should of had the arches, and a bit more, like a koni branded ‘coilover’ set up for track days and a biposto power figure, more of a ‘road legal track car’ vibe, the flocked dash looked the part too! I think the esseesse should have individual issue number plaques too, under the gear knob part or something. 👍🏻🔥

Would love a RIVALE 695 comp. with 200BHP and mechanical differential that I would buy again 😎 great information Stefan

Stef, these cars are basically cool, but they need a big refresh. More bhp, slightly larger size, but they got some of the interior trim right. FYI, I worked for Fiat in USA back in 1978-79 and I sold Abarth modified Fiat 124's and X19's. Cheers!

AWESOME as always Stef xx

I bought my Abarth 66 plate in June 20 for a steal £6k...I have been looking at others because I was obsessed with the brand but there is no point- will be moving on to AMG when appropriate (can afford it)!

Honest and telling video. This platform has been milked to death, and FCA has done the same with other models as well (Dodge Challenger), they make a career of re-hashing and applying different colors of lipstick but at the core it’s same/same. I have had two Abarth 500’s and ultimately I won’t go back when the car I have now 2019 GTI Rabbit does everything better and continues to improve on itself. Keep calling them like you see them Stef!!

Very honest. I agree if the new one was rear wheel drive and shaped like the electric it would be awesome. I own a 695 Tribute Ferrari and love it but cannot wait for a big refresh.

Hi Stef, I'm looking to buy exactly the same model in this vid - 2021 Abarth 595 Competizione in Matt Blue (the only difference is the rims, as I much prefer the 17" Supersport black rims). Also, I'm considering the same model with same options and price (approx AUD45,000) in Scorpione Black. Which colour would you recommend? As I haven't owned a matt colour body before, I'm worried it'd be any harder to maintain? Can't wait to get one in my garage for a fun weekend drive. Btw great vid as always.

Agree with all said... But I think prices need to be Lower and have one low spec car, and one all extras on it, pointless having a about 6 different models... Needs to be more aggressive and slightly bigger, lower stance and seating.. Apart from that.. On my second one now, esseesse... 19plate.. Stunning to look at and drive.. Lsd great... Keep up the good work..

Well, the concept is nice? I really appreciate both the design which is quite timeless, aswell as the simplicity of the abarth. Its like with other retro brands, dont get to far away from its origin then theres not a mini, abarth, mustang etc.. One minus though is that The abarth is getting more expensive, that without any updates, atleast in sweden.

Nice review, you’re right mate on both accounts it’s a nice little evolution and looks great - best one yet. However, there’s only so long you can use the motto it’s not broken so don’t fix it. Unfortunately they will get left behind and if not careful the brand will disappear. I am not really convinced this small hot hatch needs a 6 speed ‘box - it’s a breath of fresh air that it doesn’t to me. Not really designed for munching motorway miles. I don’t know why so many have 6 gears - no cars used to, most still had 4 when I learned to drive lol!

I love that blue and actually like the new wheels too, altho i don't see much of a resemblance with the lancia either xD

This new matt blue is beautiful, and the wheels are nice too. I this alcantara is the best possible material for seats, much better than leather in summer. An Abarth 595 is not as expensive as the new GR Yaris, and neither not as efficient.

Awesome video Stef, question what do you think is going to happen to this brand when the 500 goes all electric? Abarth have been very tight lipped but according to sales figures "Despite the complex period, Abarth also stands out for very interesting results in the commercial domain." Switching to producing electric performance cars would require them not only retooling their factories, but the employees as well. Maybe they can reach out to Alfa who have already done electric work and are about to release the Tonale?

Hope I manage to buy a comp or esseesse this year and make a project out of it before the ICE is shelved . I am pretty sure they will make an electric or hybrid one from the new 500 platform, but I am sure it won't sound anything like that one.

Good review and agree with you should we see an abarth hybrid or ev now?? But it HAS to have that Abarth DNA

Another great video , thanks mate , if it is nt broke don't fix it lol

Hello Stef, thanks a lot for the great information you have provided us. And I'm also missing more innovations from the Abarth. More or less the Abarth 2021 is nothing more than one really new color, some little other specs mostly from re-using of existing recent special models. And the 695 anniversario spoiler should have been added. So it's not really new, no technical upgrades were made and that's a real pitty. So as you've sad, they're squeezing everything out of this old platform and from technic perspective it's existing upgrade options.

I just popped in to hear you say competizione 😝 also, does sport button ACTUALLY increase torque or is it just extra throttle response? I thought the latter. Really hope they change the car up in a big way next year 🤞🏻

Still not driven a 595 or 695 but they do look like fun little cars. Leather Interior looks nice in brown (not sure of it’s name though 😂)

I thought you sold your 124? I finally got a 595 Comp in early July and now my son wants one!! I've seen a 2021 one for sale in the matt blue that he likes, so we'll wait and see.. Would be fun having 3 Abarth's in the family, 2 595 Comps and a 124.. !!??!!

Selling my Rivale and moving away from Abarth for a while. Just going to enjoy my Alfa GTV 3.2 for a while. It's been fun, though...

LSD is NOT standard on the Comp. At least, on the Italian site the configurator is live and it's an option of €2000,-. So it even got more expensive, was €1400 before. The Alcantara dash is €460 and the widebodykit €2K

As a Comp owner (2019) I'm happy that there are only minor esthetical changes (however, I don't like the wheels, nore the alcantara panel). If Abarth would have put in a stronger engine and/or a 6 spead gear box, then second hand value of the older models would drop significantly. Allthough it's not official, beginning 2022 Abarth would launch the new model on basis of the electric 500, with both electric and petrol engines ! Let's wait and see !

Beautiful car

AMAZING! Great Video! I like it :)

Dated yes but I still defend abarth to the hilt....this is arguably the best yet, as you say but a more aggressive front end would be a nice touch..sounding a bit like a stuck record here but I maintain when modded they punch way above their weight ..👍

Need a replacement for my old 500. What would you do Stef? Buy the new (old...) 2021 595 or a 695 anniversario and taking the risk, next year probably to own a "old" car. Or to wait for another year and hope that they launch a new new 595?

I have just ordered a new Comp this week. On the configurator, it is still showing that the Alcantara dash is a £350 option. Is that just a mistake or is the Alcantara not standard in the MY21 Comp?

dream about 500 abarth with 1750 engine of 4C and 6th gear manual transmission...

Yes it's the same, instead of whining be greatful it's still in production

Damn I love the Blue :)

I love my Abarth, but like others here I’m disappointed with the evolution of the car. Definitely feels like we need a version standard that pushes past the 200bhp barrier without having to do aftermarket mods. The interior is so bland and I love the character of the Abarth and stepping into mine but they are falling behind now and it’s a shame as I think if they evolved they have such a loyal fan base that people would get the new versions. As it stands you just feel like you are buying a newer plate version of the car you own.

Stef ABtv make a video of a 500 abarth rear view camera assembly installed on original Abarth models 2019-2020-2021 car stereo thanks in advance you are great. Video aspect.

I quite agree the model requires aesthetics redesign to the new brand standard 500e and to be honest i don't fell goosebumps with the interior design either: eventually for the price you pay for a 595Comp, you have an entry level to a much more equipped car of a different brand. So this is a purchase decision by heart, no from the brain !! I agree the rally blue framework looks great in that mate option. And it calls for a sequential gearbox...

Are the bumpers and wheel arches available from the dealer? Great upgrade for an older 500

I've always liked the Abarth 500 range but found the interior too difficult to like. They are kind of doing what Rover/MG did, which was keep touching up an ancient platform, but the 500 shape is timeless so that helps somewhat. The prices also put them in the range of very good cars like the GR Yaris, which has really competitive finance deals.

Like you said it’s been milked now more than the laughing cow. They need to make a 1.8 Turbo version with a rear wheel that would make a few pulses race. It’s dead now I had mine for about 6 months until the gimmick went and then got my Cupra which I’m in love with.

Looks great Stef,i am in the market for a Hot hatch,but do i buy a comp,or a Yaris GRMN,been offerd a great deal on a new Scorpioneoro.Im torn.

Just found this video. I know it's been over a year since it's release, but Brazil is about to receive 3 brand new Abarth models, starting with Pulse Abarth by the end of the year, and 2 still not released vehicles. One is almost sure to be the new FIAT Fastback which is pretty much a 'coupe' version of FIAT Pulse and the third we still have no idea which car will be, but it will be shown next year. So, if you like Abarth, I would suggest to keep an eye in Brazil car market.

Nice color and body kit

Stef, agree with all that you said in the video. I'm still getting plenty of "looks" whenever I drive my 2013 Abarth around town and give the engine some revs. Fiat 500 never really caught on in my neighborhood. One of the benefits of Fiat's decision not to make many changes to the care's exterior is that people have no idea that I'm driving an 8-year old car. Whenever Fiat makes a major style change in the future, that's when I'll probably buy the new one. Any chance that Fiat may offer a hybrid Abarth?

Really good video. Perfectly explains the bizarre, yet very business focused decisions Abarth/FCA have made in the advancing years of this platform. Personally, it is another disappointment for me; I like the flared arches, especially now they are colour-coded, I like the brown leather option, alcantara dash and even the matt blue, but again it uses aesthetics to gloss over the 'elephant in the room' that is a dated chassis and drivetrain. Abarth are falling miles behind comparable warm/hot hatches in the market today and continue to be seen as a slightly oddball choice over other more capable cars. I think the 'Integrale' style wheels are a big 'miss' too, they barely resemble the compomotives at all, and look more fitting in the Fiat 500 lounge options bin to me, just not sporty enough.

Sorry think its looking rather old now.

does the sports butt still open the exhaust?

They are killing their own brand. Same platform with minor revisions since 2008. Is this some sort of record now? MINI were still selling the R52 in 2008 - they are now on their third platform 😅 I love Abarth but I can’t see how they can continue with this lack of investment. They are so desperate they are even watering down the 695 in an effort to try and keep the 595 alive. They are moving parts around, while the reality is the car is becoming woefully out of date. It’s still fun. But come on.

Tbh I think they should bring back the 750 name plate for a new car Make it a rival to cars like the a110 (but obviously a bit slower because abarth) and they would have a decent selling car

These are "run out" models now imo, by this time next year I expect fiat will have announced when they will stop production of the 312 chassis. its been around since 2007 its a very dated platform, so I highly doubt they will be developing any new petrol engines or transmissions for this platform they have already said that the 312 platform will be the the last petrol engine fiat 500s with production moving on to electrification with the 500e the question is when will they announce a 500e abarth...

What it needs: 1. Rear engine 2. Alfa Romeo Quadrofoglio engine, or ferrari V8 3. A coupe version as opposed to the exceedingly upright hatch

Why the dont make a duel clutch automatic gearbox? That will change the hole car

The old adage, if it ain't broke don't fix it applies here. The fact it has lasted so long still in more or less the same guise is proofof this. Look at the 2005 Aston Martin vantage. A stunning looking car even today and there biggest seller ever. Then they started changing it, longer,wider fatter and uglier, and therein lies the story. PS any news on the price of the 595?

Have had my Abarth since 2018 and looking to upgrade my car and as much as I have enjoyed the car, from new, I have had nothing but problems. I have had 3 new exhaust systems because the active valve fails and it makes the car sound like a stone in a can. Because the valve goes faulty, the performance drops because the car is reading wrong values. The engine management light used to come on all the time, turned out it was some fuel sensor fault, that got replaced then have the dash board would not light up. Just had lots of problems with it from new. Not going to lie, I have had fun with the car but I very much doubt my next car will be another Abarth. Its a lot of money for not a lot of an upgrade of a car. I genuinely cant believe someone at Abarth thought altering the startup sequence on the dash was going to be a game changer. This is just a lazy refresh!

Anyone know when these will be available and at what price , don't even think abarth know

No paddle shift in this?

isn't 2020 will be the last model of 124 and 595?

Cracking little cars, but damn it’s old now. We bought a 5 year old car and it’s basically the same. Save money buy second hand.

Needs more 🦂 power. 200bhp is achievable is this day and age as standard on a comp 🚙 do like the arches like the 695 👍🏻

Does anyone know if you can import one to the US??

Seeing the progress the mini has made in the same time is frustrating. I love the abarth brand and the cars look and sound amazing but you get out of a 595 and into an F56 mini and it's night and day. I love them but I couldn't bring myself to put my cash down to get one.

I got an old comp and stripped out engine and added the 695 record carbon bits. Had it chipped too.... Why not have this as standard.... The comp should be way above the rest... Hence the name. Great cars though. I'll never not have one....

Can these be shipped to America 🇺🇸??