I have owned an Abarth 595 for about 2 years now – and as it was starting to show its age a little, I thought I would go out and buy the newer version because to be honest I really don’t want to buy anything else when the little Abarth suits me just fine
– also for the simple reason that it happens to be one of the best small cars money can buy.
So when Fiat offered me a test in the Special Edition 695 Biposto Record – I thought ‘oh god it’s going to be a track-focused car that’s brilliant and nothing like my standard Abarth.
Well I am happy to report that it’s just as much fun to drive as my standard Abarth, but the 695 has the addition of ‘bells on it’
So, here is a quick rundown of what you can expect from a limited run of just 133 examples.
Power and Efficiency:
The little 695 is powered by a 1.4 T-Jet engine that has 190hp. Top speed comes in around 143mph and a 0-62 time of 5.9sec. Plus, a large amount of torque, 250Nm of it actually. Of course, this being the 695 – means it is one step away from being a full blown race car – well almost!
Below are some of the features you don’t get. No rear windscreen wiper, or radio, or air-conditioning, or rear seats. OK, it’s a stripped back track-focused car, I get that – but come on – I’m amazed they managed to find the time to fit in a passenger seat if I’m being totally honest.
Then again, that aside, it’s still totally epic in every way.
Fuel consumption – well that’s the best and most pleasing part here. On a combined cycle it returned around 45mpg – I’m not joking either– the little Abarth just sips away saving you bundles of cash until you press the loud pedal really hard – then it all goes totally bonkers.
On the road:
I will keep it simple here; the 695 is the perfect car to scoot about in – because it’s poised thanks to front & rear suspension with hydraulic adjustment and racing springs – all by Extreme Shox. Yes, the ride is like a rock – but how it pins itself to the road is just stunning – which is why you will always have a big smile on your face whenever you drive it.
Design & Technology
So, being the stripped out version – what do you actually get?
Exterior:
Modena Yellow Exterior colour with Anthracite trim and exclusive ‘695 Record Badge’, front suspension with hydraulic height-adjustment with racing engine springs by extreme Shox, rear suspension with hydraulic adjustment with racing springs by Extreme Shox, four-piston aluminium fixed brake calipers by Brembo, mechanical slip differential, self-ventilated oversized 305x28mm perforated front brake discs, 240×11 mm perforated rear brake discs, high performance front brake pads, Lightened 18” alloy wheels with 215/35 (18”) tyres by O.Z, rear bumper with carbon fibre spoiler, oversized roof spoiler, front intercooler with racing configuration, oval trumpet airbox by BMC, dual-stage exhaust with twin titanium tailpipes by Akrapovic.
Interior:
695 Biposto Record badge with unique serial number, leather and Alcantara sports seats with carbon shell by Sabelt, sporty aluminium pedal kit with titanium finish, 7” TFT colour display instrument panel with 695 Record logo animation, leather steering wheel, Internal rear titanium 3-bar roll-cage by Poggipolini, light-weight racing front and rear door panels.
To sum up:
If you remember the good old days of a proper Mini and want to rekindle the art of having fun while driving, then pop down to your local Abarth dealer and order a 695. I promise you that you will not be disappointed. (unless they are all sold out!) Price from: £36,665 By Anthony Yates
