Used Abarth 595 for sale nearCardiff

CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 180
Average Price: Around £9,500

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 feature a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine. The 595 manual reaches 62mph in 7.3 seconds, whilst the 695 achieves it in 6.7 seconds. However, practicality is limited, with cramped rear seats offering less room than rivals like the Ford Fiesta ST, and a modest 185-litre boot. The ride is unforgiving, even on milder versions, and all models are notably noisy.

Running costs are moderate but not exceptional, with real-world fuel economy around 40mpg for entry-level models and lower for more potent variants. Servicing intervals are frequent at 18,000 miles, and maintenance costs are higher than Ford's but less than MINI's. The timing belt requires replacement every five years or 75,000 miles at a cost of £250–£300. For daily driving, especially with children or luggage, the less powerful 595 manual is the most sensible choice. The Abarth 595 is best suited to enthusiasts prioritising style and fun over practicality and comfort.

Best for: Drivers seeking a stylish, fun hot hatch with strong performance, those who value fashion and individuality, and enthusiasts willing to compromise on practicality.

Not ideal for: Families with young children, those needing rear-seat space or boot capacity, buyers seeking a comfortable daily driver, or those prioritising fuel economy and low running costs.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Abarth 595 if: You prioritise style and fun over practicality, seek a fashionable hot hatch with strong performance, and are willing to compromise on comfort and space for daily driving.

Consider alternatives if: You need rear-seat space or boot capacity, have young children, require a comfortable daily driver, or prioritise fuel economy and lower running costs.

Competitive Position: The Abarth 595 is a stylish and fun hot hatch that combines fashion with performance, but it isn't the most well-rounded option in its class. Whilst it offers direct handling and strong acceleration, rivals like the Ford Fiesta ST provide superior practicality, comfort, and driving involvement. The Suzuki Swift Sport is also a more sensible alternative with better space and value. The Abarth 595 excels for enthusiasts prioritising individuality and style, but those seeking a more versatile hot hatch should consider alternatives.

Read our full Abarth 595 Review

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