Abarth 595 Competizione
Discussion
So before I begin with my current car here's the very short history of the cars I owned.
My first car:
(The only decent photo I have and no it's not the Ralt racing car sadly)
A 1999 Citroen Xsara VTR 1.8 16v, 112bhp and a 0-60 of 9.1 as a first car I gave it hell and it survived everything I gave it, I also knew when pushing it to much as it had a tendency to lift a wheel, sadly I sold it after buying my second car for £500 and this is something I've regretted ever since, I had great fun with that car and it lasted me 3-4 years of solid motoring.
I then wanted something more sporty I looked at RX8's and TypeR's but a move in jobs meant I was commuting 500 miles a weekend to see the girlfriend of the time so decided to go for a more economical choice a 2007 Honda Civic TypeS GT.
The best bit about the car was the colour Deep Bronze Pearl
138bhp with a 0-60 of 8.6, it served me well but I found it a dull car to drive but on a B road the handling was solid and just about managed to hang on to friends in higher powered cars on drive outs
Here it is on a Boxing Day drive out, a memory that I will hold forever. In the photo is Indy Lights driver Dean Stoneman and sadly 2 friends who have passed away Dean Palling (In a car accident) and Mike Lovell (P1 Powerboat accident)
And so at the end of this year I decided it was time to upgrade to something a bit more fun, more unique and that can fit me in at 6'3".
The first car I went to look at was a renaultsport Megane cup, on browsing the car the salesman was useless didn't know much about cars and even less about the car he was trying to sell me it seemed so I walked away. I looked at the Fiesta ST200 but ST's are very common and the battleship grey of the 200 is awful, everything is also big and chunky on the fiesta which didn't appeal.
I also looked at a second hand Audi TT but the car just felt really dated for just 2/3 years old and again quite a common site on the roads.
Then when looking if Alfa Romeo had any offerings at the local dealer it turned out they were also an Abarth dealership. On making a general enquiry the salesman suggested he thought it best I had a test drive before any talking happens. So off I went thrown the keys for an hour in a 595 Competizione with performance pack. I came back and signed the next day no talking required, the salesman clearly knew the car did all the talking.
So I took delivery of the demonstrator 400miles on the clock which saved me a few £££ and I'm now just over 3,500mile.
So the spec:
ENGINE
Engine Type, Displacement, Cylinders, valves
T-JET, 1368 cm³, straight 4 cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder
Max power output - 180 hp (132 kW) @ 5500 g/m
Max torque - 250 Nm @ 3000 rpm
Turbo - Garrett GT 1446
TRANSMISSION, EXHAUST, AIR FILTER
Gearbox - 5 speed Manual
Exhaust - Dual mode Record Monza exhaust system with 4 tailpipes
Filter - BMC high performance intake system
Suspension
Front: Mac-Pherson suspension with anti roll-bar
Rear: Torsion beam with anti roll-bar
Front: Koni with FSD valve (Frequency Selective Damping)
Rear: Koni with FSD valve (Frequency Selective Damping)
Braking system
Front: Drilled and ventilated 305x28 mm front brake discs, four-piston aluminium fixed brake calipers in Red by Brembo
Rear: Drilled and ventilated 240x11 mm rear brake discs
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed - 140 mph
Acceleration 0-62 mph - 6.7 sec
Weight to power ratio
5,8 kg/hp
Performance Pack
Mechanical Limited Slip Differential
17" supersport alloy wheels
Sabelt leather and alcantara seats with carbon fibre shells
Rosso Passionale paint with black mirrors and decals
Audio
BeatsAudio 480watt sound system, 8 channel amplifier, 2 tweeters, 2 midwoofers, 2 full range speakers and subwoofer.
So what have I done to it since owning it? Apart from frequent stops to fill it up with Shell Vpower (a tiny fuel tank but returning over 40mpg with a heavy right foot) not much, I have some wind deflectors to fit and I'm currently trying to decide if I fit the carbon dashboard from the Maserati edition.
One thing I have done which I would normally be against is purchase a few genuine Abarth "Tributo Ferrari" bits. This was a limited edition that came out a few years ago. But partsworld have them on offer (photos to follow at a later date) to replace the Abarth key cover to a red one to match the car is £40, for the ferrari cover its £18, for the black Abarth breakdown set its £40 for a red one which says "Tributo Ferrari" its £24 and 2 Hi Viz vests with the Abarth logo and Ferrari logo in a red Tributo Ferrari cover it was £12 (Euro road trip in planning for 2017)
I would normally disagree with making something look like it's not but as everything is hidden in the boot (and the key in my pocket) I think I can excuse myself.
As for the car I think if I was any taller it would be a no go and a lot of complaints about the high seating height which is true however you soon forget about it, the exhaust note is incredible, you often see people looking round to see a supercar only to be puzzled by a tall bloke in a tiny car
And the LSD means it flings round corners in all weather I'm amazed by just how much grip it has, my hope for 2017 is to do a trackday or 2 to hopefully see what it can really do.
My first car:
(The only decent photo I have and no it's not the Ralt racing car sadly)
A 1999 Citroen Xsara VTR 1.8 16v, 112bhp and a 0-60 of 9.1 as a first car I gave it hell and it survived everything I gave it, I also knew when pushing it to much as it had a tendency to lift a wheel, sadly I sold it after buying my second car for £500 and this is something I've regretted ever since, I had great fun with that car and it lasted me 3-4 years of solid motoring.
I then wanted something more sporty I looked at RX8's and TypeR's but a move in jobs meant I was commuting 500 miles a weekend to see the girlfriend of the time so decided to go for a more economical choice a 2007 Honda Civic TypeS GT.
The best bit about the car was the colour Deep Bronze Pearl
138bhp with a 0-60 of 8.6, it served me well but I found it a dull car to drive but on a B road the handling was solid and just about managed to hang on to friends in higher powered cars on drive outs
Here it is on a Boxing Day drive out, a memory that I will hold forever. In the photo is Indy Lights driver Dean Stoneman and sadly 2 friends who have passed away Dean Palling (In a car accident) and Mike Lovell (P1 Powerboat accident)
And so at the end of this year I decided it was time to upgrade to something a bit more fun, more unique and that can fit me in at 6'3".
The first car I went to look at was a renaultsport Megane cup, on browsing the car the salesman was useless didn't know much about cars and even less about the car he was trying to sell me it seemed so I walked away. I looked at the Fiesta ST200 but ST's are very common and the battleship grey of the 200 is awful, everything is also big and chunky on the fiesta which didn't appeal.
I also looked at a second hand Audi TT but the car just felt really dated for just 2/3 years old and again quite a common site on the roads.
Then when looking if Alfa Romeo had any offerings at the local dealer it turned out they were also an Abarth dealership. On making a general enquiry the salesman suggested he thought it best I had a test drive before any talking happens. So off I went thrown the keys for an hour in a 595 Competizione with performance pack. I came back and signed the next day no talking required, the salesman clearly knew the car did all the talking.
So I took delivery of the demonstrator 400miles on the clock which saved me a few £££ and I'm now just over 3,500mile.
So the spec:
ENGINE
Engine Type, Displacement, Cylinders, valves
T-JET, 1368 cm³, straight 4 cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder
Max power output - 180 hp (132 kW) @ 5500 g/m
Max torque - 250 Nm @ 3000 rpm
Turbo - Garrett GT 1446
TRANSMISSION, EXHAUST, AIR FILTER
Gearbox - 5 speed Manual
Exhaust - Dual mode Record Monza exhaust system with 4 tailpipes
Filter - BMC high performance intake system
Suspension
Front: Mac-Pherson suspension with anti roll-bar
Rear: Torsion beam with anti roll-bar
Front: Koni with FSD valve (Frequency Selective Damping)
Rear: Koni with FSD valve (Frequency Selective Damping)
Braking system
Front: Drilled and ventilated 305x28 mm front brake discs, four-piston aluminium fixed brake calipers in Red by Brembo
Rear: Drilled and ventilated 240x11 mm rear brake discs
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed - 140 mph
Acceleration 0-62 mph - 6.7 sec
Weight to power ratio
5,8 kg/hp
Performance Pack
Mechanical Limited Slip Differential
17" supersport alloy wheels
Sabelt leather and alcantara seats with carbon fibre shells
Rosso Passionale paint with black mirrors and decals
Audio
BeatsAudio 480watt sound system, 8 channel amplifier, 2 tweeters, 2 midwoofers, 2 full range speakers and subwoofer.
So what have I done to it since owning it? Apart from frequent stops to fill it up with Shell Vpower (a tiny fuel tank but returning over 40mpg with a heavy right foot) not much, I have some wind deflectors to fit and I'm currently trying to decide if I fit the carbon dashboard from the Maserati edition.
One thing I have done which I would normally be against is purchase a few genuine Abarth "Tributo Ferrari" bits. This was a limited edition that came out a few years ago. But partsworld have them on offer (photos to follow at a later date) to replace the Abarth key cover to a red one to match the car is £40, for the ferrari cover its £18, for the black Abarth breakdown set its £40 for a red one which says "Tributo Ferrari" its £24 and 2 Hi Viz vests with the Abarth logo and Ferrari logo in a red Tributo Ferrari cover it was £12 (Euro road trip in planning for 2017)
I would normally disagree with making something look like it's not but as everything is hidden in the boot (and the key in my pocket) I think I can excuse myself.
As for the car I think if I was any taller it would be a no go and a lot of complaints about the high seating height which is true however you soon forget about it, the exhaust note is incredible, you often see people looking round to see a supercar only to be puzzled by a tall bloke in a tiny car
And the LSD means it flings round corners in all weather I'm amazed by just how much grip it has, my hope for 2017 is to do a trackday or 2 to hopefully see what it can really do.
Vitorio said:
Epic little car, you must be grinning everytime you crawl in it
It's certainly puts a grin on your face! Although luckily I don't have to crawl into it. Most people assume I must be squashed into the car 
But in reality it's a tall car (as the below picture shows) and I have plenty of head room I've also managed 4 up with the average height of around 6ft although only comfortable for short journeys.
mikearwas said:
Good man. I test drove one of these recently in exactly that spec. It was a lot of fun and felt very alive. A little bit laggy but that actually increased its charm.
Still considering one as a daily.
I use mine as a daily although I take it out of sport mode for the commute, it provides lighter steering, a less responsive throttle and a lower torque map, I doubt it saves much fuel but in traffic and city driving it just makes the drive that little bit more comfortable. Still considering one as a daily.
A couple of things I should have added earlier. The car came with the 5" touchscreen Uconnect system which I'm very impressed with and it records all route data to my phone so I can see my mpg per journey and even the route on a map on my phone which I like (although mpg is not really a factor with a car like this) the system has crashed a few times and reboots itself however updates do download every now and again so it's probably more a software glitch rather than hardware as it hasn't done it since the last update.
If I was buying a 595 today though I'd go for the 7" screen as it has a datalogger for circuits built in and has now been updated with Apple CarPlay. Sadly I don't think it's something that I can get replaced.
RichardHMorris said:
Nice!
When I was buying my Abarth 124 Spider, I test drove the Comp around Silverstone and it was a hoot. So much so that when my partner decided we shouldn't own two 2-seaters, I suggested she test drove one and she loves it. We'll be selling our MX-5 in the Spring and ordering one then.
So an Abarth household! How do you find the 124?When I was buying my Abarth 124 Spider, I test drove the Comp around Silverstone and it was a hoot. So much so that when my partner decided we shouldn't own two 2-seaters, I suggested she test drove one and she loves it. We'll be selling our MX-5 in the Spring and ordering one then.
AJB88 said:
Nice! I looked at the 695 recently but was put off by the price.
Arnold Clark have one in going cheap but its bottom spec, I would have been seriously tempted if it was that price when I was purchasing mine https://www.arnoldclark.com/used-cars/abarth/695/1...AJB88 said:
ecsrobin said:
Arnold Clark have one in going cheap but its bottom spec, I would have been seriously tempted if it was that price when I was purchasing mine https://www.arnoldclark.com/used-cars/abarth/695/1...
Not bad, I wanted the plastic windows and Gearbox options as well, not sure how it would feel compared to my 400bhp Cupra. Vocht said:
Gorgeous car! My perfect spec in fact!
I'd definitely install the Maserati carbon dash if it was mine also. It's such a distinctive part of the interior why not make it look as good as it could! Would go nicely with you carbon backed sabelts also.
Bad news I'm afraid, on enquiring about the Maserati dashboard I've been informed its a slightly different fit to the series4 dashboard on mine so won't fit. I'm going to contact Abarth in the new year to clarify what the difference is between the series3 and series4 dashboard. I'd definitely install the Maserati carbon dash if it was mine also. It's such a distinctive part of the interior why not make it look as good as it could! Would go nicely with you carbon backed sabelts also.
Originally I'm led to believe the series4 Competizione could be specced with a carbon dashboard but they withdrew that option.
djgritt said:
I believe the section that moulds around the Head Unit/Vents on yours is a different size compared to the earlier models which the Maserati model was based on.
Quite possible now the headunit has been replaced with the Uconnect although the shape looks the same but looking at a picture of old to new it would appear that it's a wider gap on mine. Hopefully they bring out a new version as it's the only bit of the interior I'm not that keen on. RichardHMorris said:
ecsrobin said:
So an Abarth household! How do you find the 124?
Absolutely loving it, but after it's out of warranty I'll be tuning it to over 200bhp 
rampageturke said:
I also own a S4 180 comp 
How many miles have you done? I'm tempted to get an early oil change (currently sitting on 300 miles since early December - Bought with 6 miles) to get rid of any potential early wear particles out of the oil+filter, just curious on another owners thoughts. Surely can't be great being used for 9000 miles/1 year before the first oil+filter change?
Originally I'm led to believe the series4 Competizione could be specced with a carbon dashboard but they withdrew that option.It's true it was an early option, there was a guy who waited for it since he specced it around april-march time, only to get told late November it's an option that isn't coming back.
I'm just about to hit 5k purchased at 400miles and think it's time for an oil change although I've been looking round and people seem to just stick with the manufacturers timescale which seems quite long. How many miles have you done? I'm tempted to get an early oil change (currently sitting on 300 miles since early December - Bought with 6 miles) to get rid of any potential early wear particles out of the oil+filter, just curious on another owners thoughts. Surely can't be great being used for 9000 miles/1 year before the first oil+filter change?
ecsrobin said:
Vocht said:
Gorgeous car! My perfect spec in fact!
I'd definitely install the Maserati carbon dash if it was mine also. It's such a distinctive part of the interior why not make it look as good as it could! Would go nicely with you carbon backed sabelts also.
Bad news I'm afraid, on enquiring about the Maserati dashboard I've been informed its a slightly different fit to the series4 dashboard on mine so won't fit. I'm going to contact Abarth in the new year to clarify what the difference is between the series3 and series4 dashboard. I'd definitely install the Maserati carbon dash if it was mine also. It's such a distinctive part of the interior why not make it look as good as it could! Would go nicely with you carbon backed sabelts also.
Originally I'm led to believe the series4 Competizione could be specced with a carbon dashboard but they withdrew that option.
So not much of an update, I've just hit 6000miles and entered my first Autosolo yesterday, coming 2nd in class against a very quick PH member in his MX5 and 10/27 overall.
GRRC Autosolo by -robinecs-
GRRC Autosolo by -robinecs-
I should also add the local specialist has just taken delivery of their matching car. https://www.facebook.com/944409495692140/videos/97...
It made 198bhp on the rollers as standard!!
GRRC Autosolo by -robinecs-GRRC Autosolo by -robinecs-I should also add the local specialist has just taken delivery of their matching car. https://www.facebook.com/944409495692140/videos/97...
It made 198bhp on the rollers as standard!!
Edited by ecsrobin on Monday 6th March 20:46
Edited by ecsrobin on Sunday 12th March 15:28
So last night I had a play with my camera after spending the day cleaning the car (it's filthy again after today's weather)
Abarth 595 Competizione by -robinecs-
Abarth 595 Competizione by -robinecs-
These were both edited on my iPad so will try and do a proper edit later today on my computer.
I also have a short in car video of my last run of my first autosolo. Apologies for the quality it was a new camera (which has since been returned as not impressed)
https://youtu.be/zMPssG3Xd78
Abarth 595 Competizione by -robinecs-Abarth 595 Competizione by -robinecs-These were both edited on my iPad so will try and do a proper edit later today on my computer.
I also have a short in car video of my last run of my first autosolo. Apologies for the quality it was a new camera (which has since been returned as not impressed)
https://youtu.be/zMPssG3Xd78
whytheory said:
Great looking / sounding car. Autosolo looks like fun!
Carbon dash is a £550 option from factory so surely should be retrofitable?
If I were buying a new motor it would be between this and a FST for sure.
I'll have to speak to the dealer and see if they are now available. I'm lead to believe it was meant to be a feature on the Competizione but got withdrawn and looking at the owners clubs those who ordered the carbon dash as an option had a few months delay before being told it was unavailable. Carbon dash is a £550 option from factory so surely should be retrofitable?
If I were buying a new motor it would be between this and a FST for sure.
As for the ST the comparable model would be the ST200 which is similar in price (about £800 cheaper I think)
However the interior is not to my liking:
Also no LSD, Brembos and 100kg heavier (the extra power from the bigger ST engine means 0-62 are identical)
Edited by ecsrobin on Monday 13th March 14:37
So an update:
Managed to make Aston Martin Sunday service which was a great drive through Wales, then onto Wilton wakeup with the south coast gents and a few outings for breakfast with the same guys.
At the beginning of may I hit 9,000 miles after a driving tour of Norfolk with the GRRC and some lovely classic Ferrari racing cars, Jag E types amongst more modern machinery and everyone seemed more interested in the Abarth which I think says a lot. And a Ferrari 488 owner was loving the sound!!
After that it was into the dealership for its 9,000 mile service no issues except a slight error with the stereo (which no longer crashes but won’t update) and a badge is on order to be replaced as it was bubbling.
A few days later it was off to Rockingham for the annual Abarth day where I had my first time in track, a passenger ride in a 695 biposto, an autosolo and a drive of the Abarth 124.
Rockingham on track by -robinecs-
Rockingham on track by -robinecs-
Rockingham on track by -robinecs-
Some of my session on track: https://youtu.be/JunW6do4jr0
And the 695 passenger lap: https://youtu.be/vc5Ma_BkC_o
And now at 10,000miles and still enjoying every commute and weekend blast it just gives you a permanent smile.
Managed to make Aston Martin Sunday service which was a great drive through Wales, then onto Wilton wakeup with the south coast gents and a few outings for breakfast with the same guys.
At the beginning of may I hit 9,000 miles after a driving tour of Norfolk with the GRRC and some lovely classic Ferrari racing cars, Jag E types amongst more modern machinery and everyone seemed more interested in the Abarth which I think says a lot. And a Ferrari 488 owner was loving the sound!!
After that it was into the dealership for its 9,000 mile service no issues except a slight error with the stereo (which no longer crashes but won’t update) and a badge is on order to be replaced as it was bubbling.
A few days later it was off to Rockingham for the annual Abarth day where I had my first time in track, a passenger ride in a 695 biposto, an autosolo and a drive of the Abarth 124.
Rockingham on track by -robinecs-Rockingham on track by -robinecs-Rockingham on track by -robinecs-Some of my session on track: https://youtu.be/JunW6do4jr0
And the 695 passenger lap: https://youtu.be/vc5Ma_BkC_o
And now at 10,000miles and still enjoying every commute and weekend blast it just gives you a permanent smile.
sgtbash said:
Yeah but at least us ST owners arn't driving handbags 
The Abarths are nice cars, my neighbours Competizione wakes me up droning every morning though - no reason for that noise out of a 180hp 1.4!
I match my handbag to the car..... The Abarths are nice cars, my neighbours Competizione wakes me up droning every morning though - no reason for that noise out of a 180hp 1.4!
You sound like the Mrs she’s always saying whys it so loud
sgtbash said:
How has the paint held up in those miles by the way? The paint on the ST is rubbish.....
Not bad at all, coming from an FN Civic where even looking at the paint made it chip! There’s a few chips I’ll fill in / get filled in when I get a chance but mainly from following Aly from the south coast forum in his C63 AMG which literally tears tarmac up as he drives along 
RC1807 said:
Really? My ST has no issues at all - 3 years old, 34k km on the clock
Cheers. I’m not concerned really with the “warranty” work. The badge I’m sure no one would notice but it’s me being very picky and it is very small and a very quick fix.
The stereo is no different to owning any bit of IT and the odd crash. It hasn’t crashed since bing reset so it’s clearly a software issue (and at this time it won’t install the latest update which is probably what was causing the crash)
Mechanically the car hasn’t missed a beat so far.
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