Abarth Archives - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

SA’s latest hot hatch, the Fiat Abarth 595, just got a new sting

vuyi on October 18, 2021

Written by H&H Admin

South Africa’s hottest hatch has been refreshed, updated, and is more exciting than ever with the addition of a special edition model.

The Abarth 595 range features new interiors, new colours, and new details for the Abarth 595 Turismo and Competizione hatch and cabriolet models with an exciting new Abarth Yamaha Monster special edition.

Distinctive but accessible, the Abarth 595 offers as standard all the equipment needed to guarantee the fun and driving enjoyment associated with Abarth, including a flat-bottomed steering wheel, updated instrument panel and the pressure gauge now lit in white to ensure better legibility, while polyelliptical headlights and LED daytime running lights are fitted as standard on the Competizione.

Sport’ mode has been renamed ‘Scorpion’ mode throughout the new range aligning it with the Abarth logo and in recognition of the brand’s founder, Carlo Abarth.

Pressing the button on the dashboard alters peak torque delivery, power steering calibration and engine response to the accelerator pedal, making them sharper and increasing driver engagement.

The 595 is also equipped with a high-performance braking system specific to Abarth, providing maximum safety courtesy of the 284mm front ventilating discs and the 240mm rear discs.

The Abarth 595 Turismo features refreshed interiors, including exclusive diamond-embossed leather seats available in a number of colour options, including the new heritage brown.

Engines, transmission, mechanics

The new Abarth 595 range is equipped with the 1.4 T-jet engine, available in two output levels.

The 595 Turismo features 121kW, while the 595 Competizione enjoys a power rise to 132kW, providing the highest performance output in the Abarth range. All variants of the 1.4 T-jet engine are paired with a five-speed manual transmission and both the Turismo and Competizione can be fitted on request with an Abarth robotised sequential transmission with shift paddles.

Abarth 595 Monster Energy Yamaha

The new Abarth 595 Monster Energy Yamaha special series is designed especially for young customers and motorsport fans, with a thrilling while exclusive product, as well as the ultra-high performance of any Abarth.

Produced in a limited edition of 2,000 units worldwide, the new special series celebrates the partnership between the two brands – a bond based on shared values: performance, racing, technology and fun.

On the inside, the model features the special new Abarth sports seats with blue finishes and the “Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP” logo on the head restraints. The blue lining stands out from the black dashboard. Thus mirroring the dual colour livery, while the numbered plate is placed on the central tunnel.

The Abarth 595 Monster Energy Yamaha is equipped with a 1.4 T-jet engine with Euro6B homologation, with manual transmission, but it can be fitted with an Abarth robotized sequential transmission with shift paddles on demand – delivering 117 kW.

As standard, it includes a racecar inspired flat-bottom steering wheel and centering stripe on the top part of the steering wheel rim, particularly useful for sports car driving.

The “Sport” button controls the maximum torque delivery, power steering system calibration and throttle response, last but not least followed by the rumble of the Record Monza exhaust with active valve.

The braking system – designed especially for Abarth – provides maximum safety when decelerating via the 284mm front and 240mm rear ventilated discs. Also standard is the Koni rear suspension, with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology to increase road holding, handling and stability, making it a unique driving experience.

Abarth 595 Pricing
Abarth 595 Turismo 1.4L FWD 5MT	R399,900
Abarth 595 Turismo Cab 1.4L FWD 5MT	R439,900
Abarth 595 Competizione 1.4L FWD 5MT	R479,900
Abarth 595 Competizione Cab 1.4L FWD 5MT	R519,900
Abarth Yamaha Monster 1.4L FWD 5MT	R469,900
Abarth Yamaha Monster Cabriolet 1.4L FWD 5MT	R509,900

Stellantis South Africa scoops first ever Most Admired Car Company Award

vuyi on July 14, 2021

Stellantis South Africa has been recognized as the most-admired car company in the country by the South Africa Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ).

Stellantis South Africa has been recognised as the most-admired car company in the country by the South Africa Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ). The accolade was announced at the media group’s Annual General Meeting on 26 June.

Awarded for the first time in the SAGMJ’s 59-year history, the accolade recognises Stellantis’ professionalism and commitment to customers and media alike across all its brands.

Stellantis is the result of a historic merger of equals (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Peugeot S.A. ‘Groupe PSA’) in one of the largest motor industry deals in the last decade. Combining two strong business entities with diverse backgrounds, wide-ranging talents, and inspiring heritage has created a broad-based platform of iconic brands to exceed customer expectations.

We’re delighted by the South African media’s recognition and admiration of Stellantis
– Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa

As a result, Stellantis is now a major motor industry force in the South African landscape. Representing 72 dealerships across the country selling eight brands (Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Opel and Peugeot) and there are growth plans to open 12 new facilities by the end of the year.

“We’re delighted by the South African media’s recognition and admiration of Stellantis,” said Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa. “Not only is the media an important constituency for us, enabling us to get our story out to South African consumers and industry stakeholders, but it is a proud endorsement for us of the efforts that go into creating the ultimate customer experience across our brands.”

All the brands in the global Stellantis stable

Speaking at the SAGMJ’s AGM, Chairman Carl Wepener cited Stellantis’ professional managerial style and incredible knowledge displayed during all launches, the company’s commitment to journalists and customers alike, and passionate commitment to all the brands in the group amongst the criteria considered for the award.

“Stellantis’ vision to become a globally recognised entity in South Africa and their management’s commitment to going the extra mile to ensure that journalists are informed of the long-term strategies envisaged, contributed to the success of the Stellantis brand introduction into the local market,” said Carl Wepener, Chairman, SAGJM. “The professional conduct and attention given by senior management to every journalist, irrespective of stature and seniority, when attending vehicle launches as well as granting interviews is a sign of their dedication.”