The 2016 facelift brings the 595C smarter bumpers, a more modern face and a range that is easier to understand between 145, 165 and 180 hp. More importantly, Abarth sharpens the split between Turismo and Competizione without sanding away the car's exuberant character. Roof down, the little Italian still feels louder and more demonstrative than a comparable MINI.
The most interesting versions pair the 1.4 T-Jet with Koni dampers, the Record Monza exhaust and, on some trims, Brembo brakes. The short body and folding roof impose a compromise: lots of sensation at medium speed, but limited filtering on poor roads. The MTA still exists, without becoming essential, and really needs a proper test drive because it changes the whole day-to-day feel.