It’s a small car celebrating big boats.
Italian performance brand Abarth are bringing about yet another limited-run, special-edition variant of their well-received, retro-inspired 695 hatchback. This time though, the 695 is paying tribute to the illustrious history of Riva Yachts “and their distinguishable balance of opulence, performance, and sophistication.” With a hatchback. Okay.
“We’re delighted to bring this exclusive design to the Australian market. The Riva lifestyle compliments that of an Abarth owner with exceptional refinement and power, coupled with unique Italian artisan design, and a passionate heritage.” — Fulvio Antonelli, Head of Brand, Abarth Australia
The special edition is dubbed the 695 Rivale Special Edition, even though it’s based on the 595 Competitzione. Only 35 Rivales will come to Australia and they’ll be available in both hatch and cabriolet bodystyles. Regardless, all Rivales will feature an all-new, exclusive two-tone exterior finish that pairs Riva Blue and Tributo Ferrari Grey, which Abarth says recreates the hue of Lake Iseo, where the Riva brand was conceived.
Unique embellishes include things like satin-chrome bumper insert on either bumper, as well as on the hatch. There are 17-inch Super Sport grey alloys, Xenon headlights, and a blue soft-top for Cabriolet models to ensure the Riva treatment is never interrupted. There are also a generous smattering of ‘Rivale’ badges throughout.
Step inside and you get things like a wood dashboard cover and blue leather seats which, mercifully, are dark enough to not be tacky. There’s a badge on the dash too stating what number each vehicle is of the 35 coming to Australia, and the instrument cluster features a dedicated ‘splash screen.’
There are no mechanical changes to report, so every 695 Rivale uses the same 1.4-cylinder Turbo T-Jet engine with 132kW and 350Nm, but manual cars benefit from a limited slip differential.
| Grade | Transmission | Price (Before ORCs) |
| 695 Rivale | 5MT | $44,990 |
| 695 Rivale | 5MTA | $44,990 |
| 695C Rivale | 5MT | $48,990 |
| 659C Rivale | 5MTA | $48,990 |
For the best deals on a new Abarth, check out our Showroom.
