First seen at last year’s Frankfurt motor show, the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari – a highly exclusive version of the Abarth 500 – is coming to Britain in right-hand drive. Only 152 RHD examples will be for sale over here, so you’d better get your £29,600 to one of Abarth’s 17 UK dealers as soon as possible.

The punchy little car’s Ferrari-inspired exterior features carbon wing mirrors, with Corsa Grey wheels and front air intakes. The 1368cc turbocharged engine develops 180bhp at 5500rpm and 250Nm torque at 3000rpm, thrusting the 695 Tributo Ferrari from 0-62mph in a mere seven seconds and on to a top speed of 140mph – yet fuel consumption is a rather good 43.3mpg on the combined cycle.

As with the Abarth 500C we test-drove last month, the 695 Tributo Ferrari features ESP and TTC, a paddle-operated electro-hydraulic Abarth Competizione gearbox and a Sport button – plus much of the upgraded equipment that’s likely to be included in the esseesse version of the 500C, when it appears, including 17-inch alloys. The main difference, of course, is the 180bhp (even the esseesse only boasts 160bhp).

“Abarth and Ferrari are both iconic names in Italian automotive history,” says Ivan Gibson, head of Abarth in the UK. “Their passion and dedication helped to create a reputation for sporting excellence in Italian cars around the world, and this new Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari upholds that tradition with some style.”

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Abarth