ITALIAN hot hatch specialist Abarth is putting even more sting in the tail of its latest model with a new 595 that's quicker and more affordable than before.

The new Abarth 595 is priced from £15,090 with the line up topping out at £22,290 for a convertible in high performance Competizione trim.

Three specifications are available, all powered by a 1.4-litre TJet turbo engine with various amounts of boost taking power from 145 horsepower to 165 in the mid-range Turismo models and up to 180hp for the Competizione.

Open top versions are available in all three grades and carry a £2,000 premium.

The new Abarths have larger front air intakes for greater engine cooling, redesigned rear diffusers and sit on 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels which are designed to provide extra ventilation for the braking system.

Inside, the cockpit of the 595 has also been updated with a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel which on the Competizione is carbon fibre and covered in Alcantara.

Sports seats and colour-coded facias are also included and the new models have revised instrumentation as well as a Beats audio system and a touchscreen which is hooked up to the Uconnect Live information service.

An upgraded version of the Uconnect set up is also available and includes Abarth Telemetry for gauging driving performance as well as preloaded points of interest for fans of the famous Scorpion badge marque.

The Competizione, priced from £20,290, is a true enthusiast's model and comes with a Record Monza exhaust system and can also be fitted with a mechanical limited slip differential to enhance handling.

Other specialist features include Koni shock absorbers and Brembo brakes to accommodate the 595 Competizione's 0 to 60 acceleration time of 6.7 seconds and 140mph maximum.

A Sport mode has also been fitted across the line up which changes throttle response and steering feel as well as switching the instrument read outs to a ‘racing' configuration.

Despite the hot hatch credentials Abarth claims an official fuel return of 47mpg with emissions of 139g/km for all versions of the 595.

Fifteen body colours are now available including a vibrant Modena Yellow which Abarth had previously reserved for its flagship 695 Biposto Record - a model dubbed the world's smallest supercar.

Personal touches can be added with a choice of three custom packs with Abarth side stickers, mirror caps and front and rear bumper inserts in white, black or red.