Fiat earns strongly from tuned variants of its 500, now in another 695 form
BMW set a trend with its version of the Mini, states Iain Robertson, but ‘fashionistas’ were always going to be drawn to 2007’s Fiat 500, launched as a 50th Anniversary celebration of Dante Giacosa’s original sub-10ft city car and its many offshoots.
There’s something rather special about a jaunty angle. Top Belgian cycling ‘god’, Eddy Merckx, in the years prior to improved rider cranial safety standards, when snapped wearing his team cloth cap, would bend its peak into a seriously jaunty angle, for greater, head-down, forward visibility, of course. Thanks to his international appeal and unbeatable winning ways, the Merckx ‘peak’ is standard fayre, even today, among the cycling set.
When Lancia was winning Rally Championships with its hottest ‘wide-boy’ Delta Integrale, its adjustable upper rear spoiler was worn invariably at a steep, jaunty angle. Designed to provide massive downforce on the rear of the car, its tail-down, high-speed, roll-free cornering stance was seldom less than impressive.
Adjustable aero-kits have formed part of the Abarth package, Italy’s version of Cooper S, forever. If Abarth was not concentrating on huge front air intakes, for Fiat’s teeniest 500, he would ensure that the rear engine cover was raised on an intricate thin tube support structure, to achieve more efficient cooling. It was so successful that both Simca (French) and NSU (East German) racing models would adopt similar tactics.
Much like Cooper’s relationship with the Mini, Abarth’s link to Fiat has vacillated between basic badge engineering to a measure of more serious intent, although both (almost) sub-brands do appear to be very content in their tailor-made tuners’ clothes these days. Yet, it can be a dangerously devaluing route to follow, as respected German marque, Mercedes-Benz, has found with expanding its AMG connection. Quite how much impact Stellantis will have on Fiat, as its latest parent company, remains to be seen but I personally hope that Fiat will not have to spend too much justification time slipping more little ‘hotties’ into its line-up than it does presently.
Fiat recognises the historical relevance of 695 and ‘esseesse’, as a tuning pinnacle. The zestiest of the ‘500s’ continues to play the thin supply game, restricting available numbers to a total of 1,390 695SS’s; 695 units in Scorpion Black and 695 units in Campovolo Grey. Powered by the punchiest 1.4-litre T-jet engine, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, delivering 180bhp and 184lbs ft of torque at 3,000rpm, it offers a top speed of 140mph (with the spoiler adjusted to 0-degrees attack angle), while its acceleration from 0-60mph occupies a mere 6.4 seconds. With the tailgate ‘spoiler ad Assetto Variabile’ adjusted to its maximum 60-degrees Italian peak, it provides an additional increase in aerodynamic load up to 42kg, which results in improved stability and responsiveness on track, even though it lops 16mph from the car’s top whack.
Demonstrating the company’s commitment for Abarth to provide the finest components for exemplary dynamics, Koni FSD dampers are fitted all round together with four-piston, red-enamelled Brembo brake calipers just visible behind the front alloy wheel spokes. On the technology and connectivity front, the Abarth 695 Esseesse is equipped with Fiat Group’s Uconnect infotainment system, complete with satellite navigation, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as DAB digital radio.
Other distinguishing features include a new ‘dual-hunched’ aluminium bonnet that reduces the component weight by 25% per cent over a conventional steel panel. Including the Akrapovič exhaust system, the 695SS’s overall weight is reduced by 10kg less than an Abarth 595 Competizione model. It does not sound like much but it complies with a competition-biased weight reduction policy.
The exterior design merges the car’s past and present, with exclusive white details on the front and rear spoilers, mirror caps and side stickers, white 17.0-inch diameter alloy wheels, complete with red centre caps, the aforementioned red Brembo brake calipers, a 695 logo on the flanks and 695 Esseesse badge on the rear. The twin titanium Akrapovič tailpipes complete the look delivering pure, foot down emotion in sound both on the road and on the track.
There is no surprise that the interior detailing also engages with Fiat’s fun side. Its Sabelt branded sports seats include the wording ‘one of 695’ on the headrest, to highlight its low numbers exclusivity. Each of the car’s two body colours matches the stitching on the seats, with red seat belts and the contrasting white lightweight shells. The customisation also continues on the Alcantara-clad dashboard, where the laser-cut wording ‘695 Esseesse’ stands out in the lower right corner. To emphasise the car’s racing soul, real carbon fibre adorns the gear lever and steering wheel inserts.
The modern team of Abarth engineers and designers drew inspiration from the 1964 original model, the Cinquino tuned up as a 695 Esseesse with its twin-cylinder displacement raised to 690cc and 38bhp, so it could reach 87mph. It was designed for everyday use and as a sporty city car but it was aimed at those happy-go-lucky souls of the period, who sought the best performance on regular routes away from the city. It was an immediate success and stood out for its distinctive monogram ‘SS’, in capital letters on the bonnet and ‘esseesse’ script on the dashboard. Only 1,000 units were ever produced.
The new car is a stiff-riding, taut handling and slightly nervy hatchback and, even though I would find an example very unforgiving to live with, to the lover of Italian objets d’automotive art, who cares less about loose fillings and regular visits to the chiropractor, it will play its desirability hand to perfection. Yet, low availability, or not, the buyer will receive very little change from £31,000, which is a conspicuously chunky price tag for such a cramped city car. As a perfect accompaniment to sling-back racing gloves, Gucci leather loafers (or perhaps Sparco race boots), Italian sunglasses and slicked back hair, the Fiat 695SS might be precisely what the doctor ordered.
