If a new 500, then the electric version, right? However, anyone who takes a lap with the Abarth 695 could well mourn the old world of combustion engines. Something for nostalgic fans of experience-oriented driving culture – but nothing for everyday life and family. And neither economical nor cheap.
The e-cars currently in demand in Germany drive silently, often effortlessly, in some cases almost as if by themselves. On the one hand it’s enjoyable, on the other it’s boring. A trip with the top-of-the-line Abarth model 695 shows just how random the electric driving experience is. Whether anger and frustration or admiration and joy – a ride on the small riot is also a wild ride in the wave pool of emotions. One would almost like to think: Nice that something like this still exists.
This also applies to the size: With a length of 3.66 meters, the Italo icon is also a blatant alternative to the seemingly unstoppable growth of cars. Next to the many SUV, van and crossover models, the 695 almost seems a bit lost. However, he is not inconspicuous. Our test example, a Tributo 131 Rally, looks almost like paradise with two-tone metallic paint, 17-inch wheels with a diamond-cut finish, four tailpipes and the mighty roof edge spoiler. In this outfit he also makes no secret of what his actual intentions are.
They are also more than clear when looking into the interior. Aluminum pedals, real carbon fiber on the extra-grippy leather steering wheel, Alcantara dashboard and the Sabelt sports seats actually made for racing cars set the mood for a driving experience that is not quite everyday and interspersed with certain hardships. The actual basis is characterized by boring hard plastic worlds, but our 695 is experienced as a visual and haptic gem.
What the many fine extras do not hide: The basis of the Abarth, the classic Fiat 500, has more than 15 years under its belt. Even innovations such as the digital instrument cluster or the 7-inch infotainment screen cannot hide this, especially since the on-board Uconnect multimedia system is no longer up to date in terms of connectivity. In the Tipo, for example, Fiat offers a newer version in which, among other things, the integration of Android Auto is much better.
According to old fathers’ custom, a real key has to be inserted into a lock and turned to start the engine. The 1.4-liter four-cylinder comes to life in a robust manner. Fiat has had the engine in its range for a long time. The Abarth remains the last model in which the turbo brushed on riots can let off steam. In the case of the 695, it can also compete in its highest configuration with 132 kW/180 hp, which is quite enough for a small one-ton vehicle. It’s not overpowered, but it can still convey a certain feeling of sovereignty. The slightly better acceleration during intermediate sprints is particularly pleasing compared to the weaker 595. The displacement is the same, but the 180 hp variant offers the richer feeling of propulsion.
It looks and sounds really poisonous when you press the scorpion button. Then the Abarth hangs even more greedily on the gas and roars around a few decibels more prominently through the area. When out and about in the city, not everyone seems to appreciate the adolescent demeanor. In any case, we registered one or the other not always friendly look.
Even in the 695 itself, we could hear occasional expressions of displeasure from the second row. Some speed bumps brought Sohnemann into forced contact with the headlining, which was then anything but amused. The poison dwarf (meaning the Abarth!) is certainly not suitable for everyday use and for families.
Motorway tours still have their appeal with the 695, because here you can push the dynamic potential, which is extraordinary for a small car, to the limit. After all, 225 km/h are possible, but you don’t really feel comfortable beyond 200. And a look at the fuel gauge reminds you to take it easy. We burned 8.7 liters per 100 kilometers. That’s okay for a sports car, but certainly not a glorious record for a small car. On a long tour, we were amazed at how relaxed the forced posture in the bucket seat is, even after hundreds of kilometers.
In any case, a binding cornering cannot do any harm with the 695, because the little whirlwind is very open to brisk left-right maneuvers. However, here too he shows a lively and experience-oriented nature. Despite the control technology, the front wheels often scrape, the body winds around its own vertical axis and the sporty chassis meticulously communicates even small bumps to the occupants.
All in all, the lively Italian drives a little capriciously, which is why a higher degree of attention cannot hurt towards the turbulent border area. But as mentioned at the beginning: the Abarth 695 is not boring. Not cheap, by the way, because at least 31,000 euros are due for the sedan as a manual switch. For this money you get a well-made e-car.
Abarth 695 – specifications
