A FRESH level of performance and technology has been introduced to Abarth's sporting 595 Competizione range with a boost in power to 180bhp and extra kit.

It means stuff like a throaty Record Monza exhaust system, 17-inch alloy wheels with titanium finish, Brembo brake system and red brake callipers are all standard features.

That's in addition to leather sports steering wheel, Sabelt sports seats, Xenon headlamps, rear parking sensors and aluminium pedals.

And options include leather sports seats, electric glass sunroof, Interscope audio system with four speakers and two tweeters and several alloy wheel, body colour and stripe kit choices.

Previously offering 160bhp, the new 595 Competizione benefits from a 20bhp boost in power, giving the model a 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 140mph.

Despite the lively performance figures it can still return a potential 48.7mpg fuel economy on the official Combined cycle.

The new hatchback is the first of the new 2015 model year cars to reach the UK and will be followed by a Cabriolet version, available to order later this month. Both come with manual or automatic transmission.

A new colour choice see Campovolo Grey replaced with Officina Red as a no-cost option.

Pricing pitches the Abarth 595 Competizione at £19,890 for the hatchback and £21,890 for the Cabriolet version.

Abarth's UK chief Gerry Southerington said: "Abarth's constant striving for enhanced performance has allowed us to introduce this more powerful version of our popular 595.

"The new, uprated engine, along with the race-bred braking system, lowered sports suspension and Record Monza tailpipes form the basis of a thrilling car to which customers can add their own unique touches."