It feels like the Abarth 500 has been around forever, because it near enough has, to the point that it’s still being sold alongside the all-electric next-generation Fiat 500. Since 2008 this equal measures scrappy and stylish hot hatch has been a dynamite seller. Now in 2022, the new Abarth 695 Tributo 131 Rally shows that Abarth have no intention of stopping, at least until the new-generation Abarth breaks cover.
A long name for a tribute car, as the 695 Tributo 131 Rally celebrates 40 years since the last time the 131 rallied. Between 1976 and 1981 the 131 Rally was a formidable force in Group 4 of the World Rally Championship. It scored victories at 18 rallies, yielding three manufacturers’ titles in 1977, 1978 and 1980, as well as a Drivers’ title for Walter Rohl.
Marking out a Tributo 131 Rally is the new bicolour Blue Rally scheme, which is a historical callback to the original. There’s also a silhouette of the 131 Rally engraved in the doors, on the dashboard and on the seats. The Sabelt seats have blue inserts and stitching too.
Just 695 of this special series Abarth will be made. Under the skin is the Abarth 695 standard fare – a 1.4-litre T-jet four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 180PS (132kW) and 250NM (184lb ft). It’ll still get to 62mph in 6.7 seconds and top out at 140mph. Suspending the 696 are Koni FSD shock absorbers and stopping it are Brembo brakes. There’s adjustable Asset Variable aero with 12 possible positions, a maximum of 60 degrees of attack and a maximum possible 42kg of downforce at 124mph.
It’s a fun little thing, as always was but there is a catch: it starts from £32,325 in the UK. Ageing as it is, do you think the Abarth 695 is the coolest hot hatch on sale, or would you rather a Ford Fiesta ST for a lot less money?
Keyword: Abarth 695 Tributo 131 is a nod to a rally legend