Abarth 695 70° Anniversario arrives from $44,950
AS A 70th birthday present to itself, Abarth has launched a limited run of 1949 ‘70° Anniversario’ 695s, 40 of which will make it to Australian shores priced from $44,950 plus on-roads.
Based on the current 595 Competizione hot hatch, the 695 70° Anniversario turns the aesthetic wick all the way up to 11 with a classic bold two-tone ‘Monza 1958’ livery harking back to the record-setting Abarth 500 of 1958 while an adjustable rear spoiler adds an extra element of aggression and dynamic capability.
Dubbed ‘Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile’, the new spoiler has 12 different incline settings ranging from zero to 60-degrees depending on the intended use and driver preferences.
Specifically, Abarth says it “refines vehicle performance, achieves aerodynamic optimisation and improves stability at high speeds”, fitting given the brand quotes a 225km/h top speed.
Other visual cues include unique black 17-inch alloy wheels, red Brembo brake callipers, ‘70° Anniversario’ badging and a grey Abarth scorpion decal on the bonnet, complementing the classic green-and-grey livery.
Under said bonnet resides the same turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine as in the 595 Competizione, which thanks to a new ‘Monza’ exhaust system, produces 134kW of power and 250Nm of torque – 2kW more than its donor car.
The primary role of the new exhaust is not to increase power however, but rather upping the aural stakes to match the more exuberant exterior.
Drive, as ever in a 500-derived Abarth, is sent to the front wheels via either a five-speed manual transmission or five-speed ‘dualogic’ automatic, with the manuals scoring a limited slip-differential.
Inside the cabin are exclusive Sabelt Tricolore seats and an individual build plate unique to each vehicle.
Standard equipment meanwhile includes a 7.0-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system, satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, LED foglights, automatic Xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers.
When all is said and done, the 695 70° Anniversario commands a hefty $12,960 premium over the regular 595 Competizione in manual guise while the margin between the automatics is slightly lower at $10,960.
According to Abarth brand and product strategy director Guillaume Drelon, the 70° Anniversario is a tribute to Abarth’s racing past and “provides customers with the opportunity to own a piece of history”.
FCA Australia has sold 288 examples of the 500 city car – and all Abarth derivatives – accounting for 10.5 per cent of the micro car segment.
2020 Abarth 695 70° Anniversario pricing*
| 70° Anniversario | $44,950 |
| 70° Anniversario (a) | $44,950 |
*Excludes on-road costs
