Abarth 595C

Overview

The Abarth 595C arrived in 2014 alongside the expanded 595 range, offering the complete 595 specification — from 145 hp base to 180 hp Competizione — in open-top form. The C stands for Cabrio, and the retractable fabric roof slides rearward in the same landaulet style as the 500C, preserving the B-pillars for structural rigidity while opening the cabin above the front seats to the elements. The result is an Abarth that combines all the performance credentials of the 595 hatchback with the sensory delight of open-air motoring.

The 595C Turismo represents the optimal choice in the range — its 165 hp brings the Record Monza exhaust, Koni FSD suspension, and Sabelt seats to the cabriolet body, and the combination of that crackle and rasp heard unfiltered through an open roof is genuinely intoxicating. The Competizione variant adds Brembo brakes and LSD to the mix, creating an open-top performance car that can hold its own on track day events despite its compact dimensions. The electrically operated roof takes less than ten seconds to open or close and can be operated at speeds up to 50 km/h.

In Azerbaijan, where the climate offers reliable sunshine for six to seven months of the year, the 595C is a compelling proposition. Baku’s Bulvar seafront promenade, the Absheron coastal roads, and the mountain routes toward Shemakha are all ideal backdrops for open-top Abarth motoring. Parts follow the same supply chain as the 595 hatchback — mechanical items from local Fiat-connected suppliers, Abarth-specific parts via European importers. The fabric roof is the one additional variable: roof seal and fabric replacement requires European parts supply, so preventive care is the best approach.

Abarth 595C in Pictures

The 595C with its roof retracted reveals a beautiful open-top silhouette that makes the already-striking 595 body even more dramatic. Here it is from all angles.

Abarth 595C — Front View

Abarth 595C — Open Top Profile

Abarth 595C — Rear View

Abarth 595C — Interior

Abarth 595C — Fabric Roof Open

Abarth 595C — T-Jet Engine

Key Specifications

• Engine: 1.4-litre T-Jet turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Power: 145 hp / 165 hp (Turismo) / 180 hp (Competizione)
• Torque: 206–250 Nm depending on specification
• Transmission: 5-speed manual; AMT available on Turismo and Competizione
• 0–100 km/h: 7.3 s (Competizione; slightly slower than hatchback due to roof mechanism weight)
• Top speed: 218 km/h (Competizione)
• Roof: Electrically retractable fabric sunroof; landaulet style; 10-second operation
• Roof operation speed: Up to 50 km/h
• Suspension: Koni FSD adjustable (Turismo/Competizione)
• Brakes: Brembo 4-piston (Competizione)
• Exhaust: Record Monza dual-outlet (Turismo/Competizione)
• Fuel consumption: 7.0–7.5 L/100km (WLTP)

Variant Comparison

What Makes the 595C Stand Out

The 595C achieves something no other car in its price bracket can: it combines genuine Italian hot-hatch performance with the sensory pleasure of open-top motoring in a compact, stylish package perfectly suited to Baku’s climate.

• Unfiltered exhaust soundtrack: The Record Monza’s crackle heard through an open roof on a Baku morning drive is one of motoring’s most sensory pleasures; the 595C amplifies the 595’s best quality
• Complete specification parity: Unlike some cabriolets that compromise on performance to compensate for structural changes, the 595C offers full 595 specification including Competizione-level hardware
• Baku climate match: The Absheron Peninsula’s climate offers more open-roof driving days per year than virtually anywhere in Europe; the 595C is designed for exactly this kind of use
• Quick roof operation: At 50 km/h operation speed and under 10 seconds to open or close, the 595C’s roof responds to changing weather as quickly as Baku’s unpredictable autumn conditions require
• Italian convertible tradition: Open-top Italian sports cars are a tradition stretching from the 1960s Alfa Romeo Spider to the Fiat 124 Spider; the 595C continues that heritage in miniature
• Rarity in Azerbaijan: The 595C is rarer than the hatchback in the Azerbaijani market; standing out from other Abarth owners is possible in a way it is not with the more common 595

Maintenance & Repairability in Azerbaijan

The 595C shares all mechanical components with the 595 hatchback. The fabric roof is the only unique element requiring additional care and specialist parts supply.

• Mechanical servicing: Identical to 595 hatchback; oil, timing belt, brake, and suspension service intervals and costs are unchanged
• Roof mechanism care: Lubricate the roof rail guides every 12 months; inspect rubber seals for cracking or separation at each service
• Fabric UV protection: Apply fabric protector spray twice annually; Baku’s intense summer UV will bleach and degrade untreated fabric in 2–3 seasons
• Roof seal replacement: Seals must be sourced from European Fiat/Abarth suppliers; allow 2–3 weeks lead time and factor this into planned maintenance scheduling
• Timing belt priority: The 1.4 T-Jet timing belt must be changed at 60,000 km; on a cabriolet used as a summer vehicle this milestone may arrive slowly but must not be deferred
• Winter storage: Store the 595C in a dry, covered location during winter months; keep the roof fully closed and leave window gaps for air circulation to prevent moisture buildup in the fabric
• Battery health: The roof’s electric motor can drain a marginal battery during prolonged periods of non-use; connect to a battery tender if storing for more than four weeks

Abarth 595C vs. Competitors

Cost-of-Ownership Calculator (Azerbaijan)

The 595C’s running costs mirror the 595 hatchback, with a modest additional allowance for roof maintenance. Its lower annual mileage typical of cabriolet use reduces fuel and tyre costs relative to year-round commuter vehicles.

• Estimated annual fuel use: 900 litres
• Estimated annual fuel cost: $585
• Total annual ownership estimate: $2605
• Average monthly ownership estimate: $217

Used Abarth 595C Buying Checklist

• Roof operation test: Open and close roof twice; it must operate smoothly without hesitation; any partial stop or motor strain indicates impending failure
• Fabric roof condition: Inspect for UV fading, tears, stitching separation; a replacement roof costs $900–1,500 including fitting
• Water ingress inspection: Check headliner and carpets near the roof line for water staining; deteriorated seals allow moisture into the cabin
• Roof seal condition: Inspect all rubber seals along the roof opening frame for cracks, hardening, or separation from the bodywork
• Mechanical checks: All standard 595 checks apply: timing belt history, turbo health, exhaust condition, suspension wear
• Specification confirmation: Verify the claimed specification (Turismo or Competizione); confirm Koni dampers, Record Monza exhaust, Sabelt seats, and Brembo brakes (if Competizione) are present
• Body structure: The 595C’s reinforced sills and body should show no signs of corrosion or crash damage; inspect the sill reinforcements for any impacts
• Usage pattern: A 595C used primarily as a summer vehicle with low annual mileage and garage storage is significantly more desirable than a high-mileage year-round example

Abarth 595C in Azerbaijan FAQ

Is the 595C significantly less rigid than the hatchback?

The 595C has a reinforced bodyshell to compensate for the absence of the fixed roof, including stronger sills and a braced underfloor. In everyday driving the stiffness difference vs. the hatchback is barely noticeable. On very rough roads — which are present in some areas outside Baku’s main boulevards — a slight shimmy can be felt through the structure. The trade-off is entirely acceptable for the open-air experience gained.

Can the 595C be used as a daily driver in Baku year-round?

Technically yes, but practically the 595C is best used as a warm-season vehicle in Azerbaijan. From October to March, Baku’s weather is wetter and cooler, and while the fabric roof keeps the interior dry, the car’s sports suspension and performance tyres are less suited to cold or wet conditions than a conventional saloon. Most 595C owners in Azerbaijan use a second, more practical car for winter months.

How does the 595C’s fabric roof compare to a hard-top convertible?

The fabric roof is lighter and less complex than a folding hard-top, which is why the 595C handles more like its hatchback counterpart than folding hard-top cabriolets handle like their coupe siblings. The trade-off is that the fabric provides less insulation against wind and road noise at speed, though the 595C is sporty enough that wind noise with the roof up is a minor concern. The fabric’s simplicity also means fewer mechanical components that can fail.

Does Abarth offer any warranty on the 595C roof mechanism in Azerbaijan?

Warranty coverage depends on the car’s purchase history. New Abarths sold through authorised European dealers carry a two-year manufacturer’s warranty transferable to Azerbaijan if the car is imported. Used cars may have remaining warranty if purchased recently. The Stellantis Azerbaijan service centre handles warranty claims for officially imported Abarth vehicles; grey imports from Europe carry only whatever warranty the European seller arranged.

Is the Turismo or Competizione specification better for the 595C?

For the 595C, the Turismo specification is recommended for most buyers. Its 165 hp, Record Monza exhaust, Koni suspension, and Sabelt seats deliver the full Abarth open-top experience without the Competizione’s higher tyre wear and more demanding chassis setup. The Competizione’s LSD and Brembo brakes are genuinely useful on track but add complexity and cost to what is primarily an enjoyment-focused open-top car. If track use is planned, the Competizione is the correct choice; for road driving and coastal touring, the Turismo is the sweet spot.

Should You Buy an Abarth 595C?

The Abarth 595C is the answer when you want all the thrills of the 595 hatchback but refuse to compromise on the joy of open-air driving. In Baku, where the climate generously rewards cabriolet ownership, the 595C makes more sense than anywhere in northern Europe where it was principally designed to be sold. The combination of Italian performance heritage, proper turbocharged grunt, and a retractable roof creates a car that is genuinely irreplaceable in its specific combination of qualities.

The practical limitation is the same as any Abarth cabriolet: it is a two-seat car best suited as a second vehicle. Accept that limitation and the 595C is one of the most rewarding small performance cars available in Azerbaijan. The Turismo specification hits the sweet spot between cost and equipment, and a well-maintained example will deliver years of unforgettable open-air Italian driving. Azerbaijan’s climate simply demands that someone buys one.