Fiat launches Abarth in the Philippines

MANILA:  It seems like its the time for the introduction of iconic brands in the Philippines. After Alfa Romeo, its now the turn of Abarth to be introduced in the Philippines. Petromax Enterprises is the distributor for all Fiat products in the Philippines. So, now you know where to head to. The vehicles that Abarth has launched in the Philippines are all from the 595 range. These include the 595, 595 Competizione, 595 Turismo and the 695 Rivale. All of these are iterations of the popular Fiat 500. All the vehicles use the same 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine but in various states of tune. One can check the vehicles out at Bonaventure Plaza as well as Connecticut corner Ortigas Avenue in San Juan.

1) Abarth 595

This is the basic model and the engine here uses a 145 PS configuration. One can order the car with a manual or automatic transmission options. The Abarth 595 is available only in a coupe format and gets lightweight 16-inch alloy wheels. Price for the manual transmission variant is Php 2,690,000 whereas, that of the automatic transmission is Php 2,760,000.

2) Abarth 595 Turismo

This one is one up above the base model. The Abarth 595 Turismo produces 165 PS and the Italian carmaker claims a 0-100 kmph time of under 8 seconds. There are leather elements that enhance the overall look of the car inside. As far as the exterior or visual difference from the 595 is concerned, the car gets 17-inch lightweight alloys as well as many carbon fibre bits. These help with the performance and provide better aerodynamics. Prices of the Abarth 595 Turismo start from Php 2,990,000 for the AMT and Php 3,190,000 for the Convertible AMT version.

3) Abarth 595 Competizione

This is an upmarket version of the Abarth 595 Turismo. Abarth says that this is their highest selling version of the 595 everywhere. The 1.4-litre engine makes 180 PS here. Abarth also offers a convertible option with the Competizione. Again, there is a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT. To put all this power effectively to the ground, there is a self-locking differential as well as a Record Monza Attivo exhaust to enhance the aural pleasure. Koni shock absorbers, as well as higher grade 4-piston calipers, have been added for added performance. An additional Sport button has been added to the mix to liven things up. This button alters the engine characteristics thereby optimising torque delivery. The seats have been developed by Sabelt and are claimed to be very comfortable as well. The Abarth 595 Competizione manual is priced at Php 3,230,000, the automatic is priced at Php 3,300,000 while the Competizione C Convertible is for Php 3,490,000. The latter can only be ordered with an AMT.

4) Abarth 695 Rivale

Abarth says that this is a special model and it is available in a select few countries. Lucky us, then! The Abarth 695 Rivale is built in association with an Italian coachmaker Riva. A two-tone paint scheme, nautical design elements on the inside and outside are the key highlights. The engine is the same 180 PS version and one can order it with an AMT version only. Prices for the Abarth 695 Rivale start from Php 3,560,000 while the top end model convertible version is priced at Php 3,750,000.