2022 Abarth 595 Competizione price and features: Update arrives for more powerful Kia Picanto GT and less expensive Mini Cooper S rival

Abarth Australia has updated its 595 light car, with the hatchback and soft-top convertible now exclusively available in range-topping Competizione form.

With the 595’s unnamed entry-level grade no longer available, its starting price has risen by $5960, with the Competizione hatchback now kicking off proceedings from $32,950 plus on-road costs for the five-speed manual. The five-speed robotised automatic costs $2000 extra.

Of note, the Competizione line-up has become $960 dearer, with the convertible body-style now starting from $36,950 and $38,950 for the manual and robotised automatic respectively.

So, what do buyers get for their extra spend? Well, the Competizione’s 17-inch alloy wheels have a new Montecarlo that’s inspired by the Lancia Delta Rally Integrale, while its paintwork options now include Rally Blue, which pays homage to the Fiat 131 Abarth Rally.

Other changes include the addition of dusk-sensing lights and rain-sensing wipers, while the 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system has a new splash screen, and the Sport button has been redesigned.

Standard equipment in the Competizione otherwise includes daytime running lights, red Brembo front brake callipers, adaptive suspension, rear parking sensors, a bi-modal Record Monza sports exhaust system and Tar Gold Grey trim.

Inside, the Kia Picanto GT and Mini Cooper S rival features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, digital radio, a 7.0-inch multifunction display, leather upholstery, carbon-fibre trim and sports pedals.

Hatchback options include the $2500 Premium Pack (Xenon headlights, a sunroof and an antenna with an aluminium roof cap) and $2500 Sport Back (matte-black 17-inch Supersport alloy wheels, Sabelt GT seats and an Alcantara dashboard insert).

Meanwhile, the convertible can level up with the $1700 Visibility Pack (Xenon headlights and matte-black 17-inch Supersport alloy wheels) and $4200 Performance Pack (Xenon headlights, matte-black 17-inch Supersport alloy wheels, Sabelt GT seats and an Alcantara dashboard insert).

As before, the front-wheel-drive Competizione is motivated by a 132kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, which enables a zero-to-100km/h sprint time of 6.7 seconds.

2022 Abarth 595 Competizione pricing before on-road costs