If getting an Abarth 595 was part of your New Year’s resolution, then you’ll be happy that you waited a few months before walking into a showroom.

As it turns out, Abarth has given the 595 Competizione range a boost in performance as well as standard equipment levels in the UK.

You’ll now be able to enjoy the throaty Record Monza exhaust system, 17″ alloys, Brembo brakes, red brake calipers, leather sports steering wheel, Sabelt sports seats, Xenon headlights, rear parking sensors and aluminum pedals as standard.

Options do include leather sports seats, electric glass sunroof, the Interscope audio system (4 speakers 2 tweeters) and multiple alloy wheel, exterior color and stripe choices.

Power-wise, you’re looking at a 20 HP upgrade which raises the total output from 160 HP to 180 HP. This means you’ll be able to accelerate considerably faster.

Whereas before it would have taken you 7.4 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph), now you’ll need just 6.7 seconds. The top speed has also been raised from 210 km/h (130 mph) to 225 km/h (139 mph) – it’s no Lamborghini, but it will definitely do.

This car is the first of the 2015MY cars to reach the UK and it will be followed shortly by the Cabriolet version. You can have them with either a manual or an automatic transmission – though we recommend you stick with the manual since it’s quicker, in this case.

The Campovolo Grey has been replaced by a new standard (at no cost) color called Officina Red which does look a bit more dynamic, though not necessarily better.

So if you want to drive off in an Abarth 595 Competizione, you’ll have to pay £19,890 OTR (£21,190 MTA version) if you go for the hatchback, while the Cabriolet model will cost you £21,890 OTR (£23,190 MTA).

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