Used Abarth 595 for sale nearWatford

CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.4%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 190
Average Price: Around £10,000

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 with 163bhp and the 695 with 178bhp—both feature a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine. The 595 manual accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, whilst the 695 achieves this in 6.7 seconds. It offers nimble handling and gutsy performance, making it an engaging drive when pushed hard. However, practicality is compromised by cramped rear seats and a modest 185-litre boot, making it less suitable for families with children or those requiring regular rear-seat capacity.

Running costs are moderate, with fuel economy typically around 40mpg for entry-level models, though more potent variants achieve lower figures. Servicing intervals are frequent at 18,000 miles, and maintenance costs are higher than Ford's but lower than MINI's. The timing belt requires replacement every five years or 75,000 miles at a cost of £250-£300. Ride quality is notably firm, even on base models, and can be uncomfortable on quicker variants. All models are quite noisy. For daily driving, the less powerful versions are more manageable. The Abarth 595 combines style and performance in a compact package, but it's best suited to enthusiasts prioritising fun over practicality.

Best for: Drivers seeking a stylish, fun hot hatch with strong performance, those wanting a soft-top convertible option, and buyers prioritising engaging handling and fashion appeal.

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


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Abarth 595 if: You're seeking a stylish, fun hot hatch with strong performance, want a soft-top convertible option, or prioritise engaging handling and fashion appeal 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 maintenance 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 excels in style and performance, rivals like the Ford Fiesta ST and Suzuki Swift Sport offer superior practicality, better daily usability, and more involving driving dynamics. The MINI Cooper provides similar style credentials but with better overall refinement. For buyers prioritising fashion and fun over practicality, the Abarth 595 is an excellent choice; however, those needing versatility 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 September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.