CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 180
Average Price: Around £11,000

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 variants, the 595 and 695, both feature a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 163bhp and 178bhp respectively. The standard 595 manual accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, whilst the 695 achieves this in 6.7 seconds. With nimble handling and a gutsy engine that rewards spirited driving, the Abarth delivers genuine fun behind the wheel, though it falls short of the fluency and flexibility offered by rivals like the Ford Fiesta ST.

Practicality is a notable weakness, with rear seats offering less room than competitors and a modest 185-litre boot. Ride quality is unforgiving, particularly on faster variants, and all models are quite noisy, making daily use potentially tiresome. Fuel economy hovers around 40mpg for entry-level versions, with more potent models dropping lower. Servicing intervals are frequent at 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 practicality and comfort, alternatives like the Suzuki Swift Sport or Ford Fiesta ST offer superior all-round capability.

Best for: Drivers seeking a stylish, fun hot hatch with strong performance and distinctive design, and those who value handling and character over practicality.

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


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the 595 if: You're seeking a stylish, fun hot hatch with strong performance and distinctive design, and you value handling and character over practicality.

Consider alternatives if: You have young children, need spacious rear seats or boot capacity, require a comfortable daily driver, or prioritise fuel economy and low running costs.

Competitive Position: The Abarth 595 is a surprisingly robust way to combine fun and fashion in one cute package, but it isn't the most well-rounded hot hatch available. Whilst it delivers strong performance and direct handling, its cramped interior, unforgiving ride, and higher running costs make it less practical than rivals. The Suzuki Swift Sport offers superior all-round ability and better value, whilst a used Ford Fiesta ST is superior on virtually all counts, providing better practicality, comfort, and driving dynamics alongside more affordable servicing costs.

Read our full Abarth 595 Review

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