CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 175
Average Price: Around £10,785

Abarth 595 (2012-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Strong performance	Unforgiving ride
Direct, involving handling	Cramped rear seats and boot
Soft-top option for wind-in-hair driving	Jerky automatic gearbox

Quick Summary

The Abarth 595 is a fashionable and exciting hot hatch that combines the cute, funky looks of the Fiat 500 with a more potent turbocharged engine. Available in two main versions—the 595 with 163bhp and the 695 with 178bhp—both are powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine. The 595 is nimble and gutsy, hitting 62mph in 7.3 seconds, whilst the 695 achieves this in 6.7 seconds. However, practicality is compromised: the rear seats are cramped, and the 185-litre boot is significantly smaller than rivals like the Ford Fiesta ST (311 litres) and Suzuki Swift Sport (265 litres).

Ride quality is a notable weakness, with even standard versions feeling bumpy and more potent variants proving uncomfortable. All models are quite noisy, making them less suitable for daily use. Fuel economy is modest at around 40mpg for entry-level versions, dropping further for more powerful models. Servicing intervals are frequent—every 18,000 miles—and costs are higher than Ford's. The timing belt requires replacement every five years or 75,000 miles at a cost of £250-£300. For those prioritising style and fun over practicality, the Abarth 595 delivers, but it's less well-rounded than alternatives like the Suzuki Swift Sport or Ford Fiesta ST.

Best for: Drivers seeking a stylish, fun hot hatch with strong performance and a soft-top option, prioritising fashion and excitement over practicality.

Not ideal for: Families with young children, those needing rear-seat space or boot capacity, or buyers seeking a comfortable daily driver or superior value for money.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the 595 if: You prioritise style and fun over practicality, want a fashionable hot hatch with strong performance, or desire a soft-top option for open-air driving.

Consider alternatives if: You need rear-seat space, require a larger boot, seek a comfortable daily driver, or prioritise value for money and superior handling.

Competitive Position: The Abarth 595 is a stylish and fun hot hatch that excels in performance and design appeal. However, it's less well-rounded than key rivals. The Ford Fiesta ST offers superior practicality, handling, and value, whilst the Suzuki Swift Sport provides better space and driving involvement. The MINI Cooper matches the 595 for style but offers more refinement. The Abarth 595 is best suited to enthusiasts who value fashion and excitement over everyday usability and won't be deterred by its compromises in comfort and space.

Read our full Abarth 595 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.