500-595-695
The Abarth 500, launched in 2008, is a small performance car derived from the Fiat 500. Its identity comes from the 1.4 T-Jet engine, distinctive Abarth styling and a lively city-car character. During its career, the same basic platform and concept evolved into the 595 and 695 names, which were used for higher-performance specifications, richer equipment or limited editions. The range was also offered with a fabric-roof 500C body, later renamed 595C in some markets. Between 2008 and 2016, the family developed in stages: the original 500 gained equipment and performance revisions, the 595 Turismo and Competizione arrived in 2012, and the 695 Biposto introduced a far more extreme interpretation of the formula. Together, these cars represent one of the most compact and recognizable expressions of modern Abarth performance, combining a small footprint with turbocharged power and motorsport-inspired detailing.
Variants by year
2016
2008
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
The Abarth 500, launched in 2008, is a small performance car derived from the Fiat 500. Its identity comes from the 1.4 T-Jet engine, distinctive Abarth styling and a lively city-car character. During its career, the same basic platform and concept evolved into the 595 and 695 names, which were used for higher-performance specifications, richer equipment or limited editions. The range was also offered with a fabric-roof 500C body, later renamed 595C in some markets. Between 2008 and 2016, the family developed in stages: the original 500 gained equipment and performance revisions, the 595 Turismo and Competizione arrived in 2012, and the 695 Biposto introduced a far more extreme interpretation of the formula. Together, these cars represent one of the most compact and recognizable expressions of modern Abarth performance, combining a small footprint with turbocharged power and motorsport-inspired detailing.
History
The modern Abarth revival began within the Fiat Group, following the presentation of the Grande Punto Abarth in 2007. The Abarth 500 became the key model of this new era when it appeared in 2008. Based on the contemporary Fiat 500, it received a dedicated performance treatment and initially used a turbocharged 1.4 T-Jet engine rated at 135 hp. The optional esseesse conversion provided a stronger performance focus, with additional chassis, braking and wheel upgrades depending on the specification. A fabric-roof 500C soon broadened the range. In 2012, Abarth introduced the 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione, using a 160 hp version of the 1.4 T-Jet in the UK-market announcement. The Turismo was positioned as the more refined and equipment-focused choice, while the Competizione emphasized braking hardware, sports seats and a more aggressive exhaust system. Revealed in 2014, the 695 Biposto took the concept in a much more extreme direction. It used two seats, 190 hp and a claimed 997 kg kerb weight, alongside race-inspired equipment. The 2016 facelift and model restructuring helped establish the 595 and 695 names as the principal successors to the original Abarth 500.
Generations
This family is not divided into several completely separate generations. Instead, it represents a continuous development of one modern Fiat 500-based performance platform. The first phase is the Abarth 500 introduced in 2008, identifiable by its dedicated bumpers, widened bodywork, 1.4 T-Jet engine and sports-focused cabin. The related 500C retained the same basic concept while adding a sliding fabric roof. A second phase emerged from 2012 with the 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione names. The change involved more than branding: suspension settings, braking equipment, seats, exhaust systems and standard trim could differ substantially between specifications and markets. The 695 Biposto should be understood as a specialized derivative rather than a separate generation. Introduced in 2014, it focused on lower weight and more direct track-inspired performance, using a two-seat layout and a 190 hp engine. The 2016 model year brought a significant modernization, including revised exterior details and a range structure centered more clearly on the 595 and 695 names. Exact equipment, output and body-style availability depend on the market, production year and special edition, so identification should rely on the full vehicle specification rather than the badge alone.
Key differences
The differences between the Abarth 500, 595 and 695 are mainly related to tuning level, equipment and positioning rather than to a completely different mechanical architecture. The Abarth 500 is the original name and could be ordered with different performance configurations, including the esseesse conversion. The 595 Turismo generally added a more comfort-oriented presentation, specific wheels, upgraded trim and revised chassis equipment. The 595 Competizione took a sharper approach, with more focused seats, stronger brakes and a dedicated exhaust system depending on the model year. The 695 name was commonly associated with more exclusive or more extreme derivatives. The 695 Biposto is especially easy to separate from the mainstream cars because of its two-seat cabin, weight-saving measures and 190 hp engine. Limited editions could also introduce unique paint finishes, upholstery, wheels, brakes or exhaust systems. Because Abarth changed naming and equipment between markets and production years, the badge by itself does not always establish the exact engine output or specification. A complete build sheet, registration record or period brochure is preferable for precise identification.
Photo recognition
An Abarth 500, 595 or 695 can first be identified by its wider and more aggressive bodywork compared with a standard Fiat 500. The bumpers use sportier air openings, the side skirts are model-specific and the scorpion emblem appears on the grille, front wings or tailgate. Twin exhaust outlets, Abarth alloy wheels and colored brake calipers are useful clues, although their designs changed with the model year and trim level. Inside, look for a sports steering wheel, supportive seats, a dedicated instrument display and Abarth-branded trim. The 500C and 595C versions use a sliding fabric roof while retaining the basic proportions of the hatchback. Competizione cars may feature Sabelt seats, a Monza exhaust and larger or more specialized brakes. The 695 Biposto is easier to distinguish because it has a strictly two-seat cabin and a distinctly competition-inspired specification. Special-edition paint schemes, stripes and badges can help, but they should be checked against period brochures or vehicle records because similar visual details were sometimes available as options or accessories.
Important versions
Key versions include the launch Abarth 500, originally fitted with a 135 hp 1.4 T-Jet, and the esseesse conversions developed to raise performance. Introduced in 2012, the 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione became the main pillars of the range, separating a more equipment-focused specification from a sharper sporting one. The 2013 595 50th Anniversary paid tribute to the historic 595 with limited production and a 180 hp engine. In 2014, the 695 Biposto became the most extreme member of the family, combining a two-seat cabin, 190 hp and a claimed 997 kg weight. The 500C and 595C versions provided the open-air alternative, using a sliding fabric roof while retaining the core Abarth character.
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Abarth 500-595-695 produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 2008 - 2016.
- How many Abarth 500-595-695 examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 7 published scans from 7 members, with the latest photo added in August 2026.