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Performance is one of the strengths of Abarth 595 Competizione.
After several failed attempts in the recent past, Fiat has now barged in the first model under its performance boosted brand Abarth dubbed the Abarth 595 Competizione.
Known for its performance, Abarth 595 Competizione is a stoutly built hatchback that has a sporty appearance.
The outer nuances have been worked upon well that in turn make the hatchback look chic and robust despite its small size. But does it have the potential to satiate India’s growing hunger for luxury? Let us find out.
As you lay your eyes on it first it may appear as a blob of mass metal, but as you give a closer look it is much more than that.
Suavely designed, Competizione looks cheerful, frankly despite being an Italian make, it has a strange tinge of a Japanese make for some reason.
Engine hood isn’t long enough, it is short and descends into the front bumper. The hood lines are evident and appear sporty. Up front, Abarth has fitted the iconic round shaped HID head lights that steal your attention. 
Absence of a prominent radiator grille is tangibly conspicuous, but there is a lower grille featuring graphite inserts. Also, the under spoiler and skirting in the front render sporty flair to the exteriors.
The 17 inch alloy wheels shod with the Pirelli PZero 205/40 tyresand featuring Abarth Scorpion badge appear swanky.
Side character lines, side body decals and rear mounted spoiler add to the sporty character of the exteriors. Rear gets simplistic tail lights, dual tail pipes and chrome garnish right above the license plate. A sun roof is also provided on the premium hatchback.
Peep through the not so spacious door to get disappointed by the sombre interior styling. Cabin space is restricted, which means head, shoulder and leg space is not lavish. 
Interiors are dull, the dark colour theme does not go with the sporty image of the hatch, though the upholstery does feature contrast stitching on the seats but it fails to overpower the dark monotone colour theme enveloped inside.
Feature wise too, Abarth lags behind compared to competition, the equipment list is not very impressive, among the comfort goodies stuffed inside an audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, six-speakers, automatic climate control, sports seats, steering mounted controls are included.
Instrument cluster is all digital, whilst the pressure gauge and shift indicators have been positioned slightly higher than usual. Chrome garnishing is evident on the steering wheel and inside door handles.
Abarth 595 Competizione is driven by the athletic 1.4 litre T-Jet petrol engine. The engine is capable of churning out pinnacle power and torque of 158 Bhp at 5500 RPM along with 201 Nm of torque at 2750 RPM in normal mode and 230 Nm of torque in sports mode.
Five-speed automated manual transmission with a manual override system is mated to the petrol engine.
Fuel efficiency is not something to look out for that said, the mileage numbers delivered (claimed) are unimpressive.
Although, the automated manual transmission usually hints at increased mileage but in this case it fails to push the bar any further. The claimed fuel economy for the premium hatchback is 12.75 kmpl.
Performance is one of the strengths of Abarth 595 Competizione, Fiat quotes to achieve 100 kmph mark from rest within 7.6 seconds. Top speed attained by the model is around 197 kmph which is slightly less than 200 kmph.
Brought to India as a completely built unit, the premium hatchback has been priced a tad higher. Priced at Rs 29.85 lakh, Abarth 595 Competizione will fight it out with Mini Cooper S in the arena.
Although, Mini Cooper S is a pricier option in comparison to the new Fiat hatchback, it certainly has more to offer in terms of looks, cabin space and luxury gadgets.
It will be interesting to see whether Fiat manages to impress luxury and performance enthusiasts or turns out to be another failed attempt to lure customers.
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