IF you reckon the exhaust on your new Abarth F595 is a little understated, a push on a dashboard button will release more sporty decibels.

The feature comes as part of the specification of the Abarth F595, a punchy version of the Fiat 500-derived urban runabouts that this time acts as tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Formula Italia single seater by Carlo Abarth, the man who made his reputation by making small Fiats go faster.

The Abarth's 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine produces 163bhp and takes this little car to a top speed of 135mph.

Costing from £20,305, the Abarth F595 offers a Record Monza Sovrapposto active exhaust with four pipes - two on each side and stacked vertically. Drivers can control the active exhaust valve by a simple press of the Scorpion button on the dash - this increases the sound of the F595 as required.

Available in hatchback and convertible versions, the Abarth F595 features Rally Blue design cues as highlighted in the rear view mirror caps and the front and rear bumpers. The sporty look is further enhanced by the Sport 17-inch Formula alloy wheels, the F595 identification badge on the rear and fog lamps.

Inside, a leather steering wheel and leather Abarth sports seats complement black design cues such as the new infotainment display frame and the new matt black dashboard.

The new Rally Blue design cues will be available in combination with the following colours: Race White, Campovolo Grey, Track Grey, Scorpion Black, Record Grey and Tarmac Grey.

On the new F595, Koni rear shock absorbers with frequency selective damping (FSD) technology is standard in order to improve performance, ensure better road holding and simultaneously improve handling and stability, says Abarth.

Alongside activating the active exhaust valve, the Scorpion mode selector also acts on peak torque (pulling power) delivery by re-calibrating the power steering and engine response to the accelerator pedal, making them more responsive.

Among the newcomer's standard specification are a 7-inch HD Uconnect system with DAB radio, built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.