The return of the ‘esseesse’ flagship will head up Abarth’s refreshed range of Fiat 500-based hot hatches in 2019.

The esseesse provides the most power and poise of any variant in the 595 line-up. It has an Akrapovic exhaust system, sports seats and a limited-slip differential, which helps distribute the power across the front wheels evenly, delivering 177bhp from its 1.4-litre turbocharged engine.

The esseesse also features high-performance Brembo front brakes with perforated, ventilated front brake discs and distinctive red brake calipers, as well as 17-inch Supersport alloy wheels with a new Racing White finish. Other distinctive styling cues finished in Racing White include Abarth side stripes and mirror caps.

The 595 range – including esseesse – includes navigation on a seven-inch Uconnect HD touchscreen system. The screen also plays host to Abarth Telemetry, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as standard.

As a part of Abarth’s 70th anniversary year, the 595 range as a whole will be sold with commemorative badging, and some models benefit from new as-standard equipment as part of the celebrations.

Other variants include the Turismo, which comes with an Urban Pack as standard. This pack comprises tech such as parking, rain and dusk sensors.

The base version of the 595 – which has a 143bhp version of the 1.4-litre turbocharged engine in the esseesse – starts at £16,495. The esseesse itself is on sale from £25,295.

Check out the latest deals on Abarth 595.