Balocco, located between Turin and Milan, is the out-of-the-way test facility owned and operated by Fiat Chrysler Automotive. It used to be the secret Alfa Romeo proving ground. Protected by high security fences and typical, armed Italian guards, it is where Fiat, Alfa Romeo, occasionally Ferrari, Lancia, Iveco (vans) and Abarth carry out on-track and off-road testing, as well as technical certification of all its products.
Present to sample the latest Fiat models, also on its testing, undulating but smooth tarmac was the latest Abarth variant. While original Abarth products, the manufacturing of which commenced in 1949 like most tuning shops from a backwater industrial unit, were based on a now defunct Italian brand, Cisitalia, Carlo also made tuning kits and exhaust systems for various Fiat products. However, with a factory relocation from Bologna to Turin, a closer relationship was established with Fiat. By the early-1960s, the Abarth name was linked to several race-developed Fiat road cars.
Carlo sold his company to Fiat in 1971. Although the brand was responsible for many of its race and rally models, it only appeared as a trim designation on some sportier road cars. However, in 2007, the Abarth company was re-established and, more recently, has been central to the success of models such as the Fiat Grande Punto and the 500 in various forms. In fact, known as the 595 series, the Abarth modified 500s are the Italian equivalent of the Mini Cooper S Works and carry as much kudos.
Powered by the 1.4-litre T-Jet engine, the power takes an upwards hike for the new Pista model (Pista is Italian for track) from 145 to 165bhp. While not an extraordinary amount of power, it is engineered to be as ‘racy’ as it can be, with an aural soundtrack, from its four Record Monza exhaust tailpipes, that resonates around the Balocco facility less noisily than a Ferrari also on the track but no less attention grabbing in its pitch.
Brand new Koni dampers and fresh suspension and steering geometry settings are elements of a package that is designed to improve the roadholding, traction levels and the 595’s overall stability. A larger Garratt turbocharger is partly responsible for the extra urge and assists in reducing the engine speed at which 170lbs ft of torque is developed (around 2,250rpm).
Depress the ‘Sport’ button on the dashboard and all electronic settings are sharpened, including both steering and throttle responses. The twin-clutch automated-manual gearbox features paddle shifters and an enhanced management system to provide rapid-fire gearshift times and even a rev-blip when downshifting.
Recognisable by its matt grey livery and vivid green highlights, with lightweight sports seats and uprated brake discs, its pricing starts (pre-discount) at £19,135, which seems like great value for such a sporty contender. It can cover the 0-60mph sprint in 7.4s, with a top speed of 135mph.
