Abarth celebrates 75 years with another 695
Yes, they're still being made, but not for long - 75 Anniversario celebrates the T-Jet engine, too
Though Abarth is charging headfirst into its electric future, it hasn’t entirely abandoned the old ways just yet. Believe it or not, the 695 and its 1.4-litre turbo engine are still being made, now in what must be the final limited edition form: the 75 Anniversario.
Though ostensibly paying tribute to 75 years of Abarth (Carlo Abarth formed his eponymous company on 31st March, 1949), the Anniversario also celebrates the engine that’s underpinned the appeal of the scorpion-badged Puntos, 500s and 124s over the past decade and a half. To that end, 1,368 units will be made, which is the cubic capacity of the 1.4-litre four-cylinder. Power is rated at 180hp thanks to the Garrett GT 1446 turbo, which is enough for 180hp, 184lb ft, 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and 140mph. Probably make a lovely old racket doing so, too - thank the Record Monza exhaust for that. Additional equipment for the 75 includes the gold 17-inch wheels, Brembo calipers for the 305mm front discs and Koni FSD dampers. The interior gets Sabelt carbon seats, even more Alcantara than usual and some 75 Anniversario badges.
It’s the outside that will really mark this 695 out from the rest, however, with a gold scorpion across the entire roof that contrasts with the black paint. Additionally there are gold Abarth logos and ‘original 75 Anniversario decals in the shape of a piston head’. Good idea that piston head thing, might catch on. Any potential customers can surely rest assured that this 695 won’t look like any of the other 695s that have come before. And not much like the new 600, just as importantly.
Abarth reckons this 695 is a great symbol of everything the brand does, a “fresh, sporty, and stylish vehicle which perfectly represents the brand's racing spirit and its ongoing commitment to innovation.” There hasn’t yet been confirmation of UK availability for the Anniversario, though this has always been such a big market for the car that you’d have to hope a few will be sold. Especially as it’s looking like the very last one. But if black and gold isn’t the 695 colour scheme for you, there’s surely got to be one lurking in the classifieds - from £15k, too…
My mum has a ten year old 1.2 Panda that's never missed a beat (and I have had it on three wheels)
Is that missing the point? yes!
Does an Abarth have character in spades? yes!
It's Italian (OK It's built in Poland-but don't tell anyone) and flawed, so to use my favourite analogy-who wants to go and visit a perfectly straight Tower of Pisa?
I'll get me coat..........
A Uno 45 FIRE. Slow, tinny and brilliant to rag around locally some 27 years ago.
Marea Weekend HLX 2.4 JTD. Sounded pretty good for a diesel (5 pot) and had all the toys 20 years ago.
No unreliability issues for us.
Please do tell us of your experience.
I also really hate what they did to that exhaust with the tips no longer horizontal.
180bhp, Sabelt seats, Brembos, Monza exhaust and pre-emissions regs which killed the exhaust on later cars
I know it's what's called an automated manual, but how does this affect the driving experience?
I currently drive a DSG auto which is basically seamless and have previously driven a Mercedes auto, how would the auto in an Abarth differ from this? I assume it's still 2 pedals...?
All the online reviews say it's terrible but don't really explain how in practical terms what makes it bad
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