2021 Abarth 595 Scorpioneoro coming to Australia, due second half of 2021

While timing for the limited-run 595 variant has yet to be officially locked in, Drive understands the hi-po Abarth will touch down in Australian showrooms in the second half of 2021.

Unveiled in Europe in August 2020, the 595 Scorpioneoro pays tribute to the Autobianchi A112 Abarth Targa Oro hot hatch of 1979, thanks to a bespoke livery that sees gold body stripes and 'ABARTH' and scorpion decals placed over black, Podium Blue, Racing White or Record Grey exterior paint.

A matte black chequered roof pattern adorns the roof, while the door handles, mirror caps and front and rear lower fascias are finished in 'Tar Cold Grey'. Gold 17-inch wheels are standard-fit, though black units with gold centre caps can be had as an option.

Inside, sports seats trimmed in black leather and 'technical' cloth headline the upgrades, with the seat headrests embroidered with gold 'Scorpioneoro' lettering, an Italian flag and the Abarth nameplate.

There's also a Scorpion Black finish for the dashboard, joined by matte black accents, unique floor mats and a gold commemorative plate on the central tunnel.

A 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. Android Auto, satellite navigation and DAB+ digital radio is fitted as standard in Europe (and likely Australia as well), paired with a 480-watt, seven-speaker Beats premium sound system.

Breil has also created a limited-edition watch featuring a gold scorpion logo to accompany the Scorpioneoro in has been created by Breil, dedicated to the new special Abarth 595 Scorpioneoro series, which includes an incision of the golden Scorpion logo.

Under the bonnet is the same 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that powers the wider Abarth 595 range, though Australian government documents confirm the Scorpioneoro will peg outputs at 121kW of power and 230Nm of torque – 14kW/26Nm up over the 'base' 595, but 11kW/20Nm down on the flagship Competizione.

Abarth claims a 7.3-second sprint from zero to 100km/h.

Drive is sent to the front wheels through a choice of five-speed manual or 'robotised manual' automatic transmissions. Both hatch and convertible body styles are understood to be in the plan for Australia.

Drive understands the 2021 Abarth 595 Scorpioneoro will go on sale in Australia in the second half of 2021, likely alongside an update for the wider 595 line-up revealed earlier in January 2021.

Just 2000 Scorpioneoro examples will be built globally – it's unclear how many cars will make it Down Under.