If the big cars that rattle the UAE’s roads have suddenly induced an urge to downsize, Abarth Middle East has launched a pocket rocket in the shape of the 695 70th Anniversario that could be just up your street.
With just 1949 units available, a number which reflects the year the company was founded, this new, limited-edition vehicle has been designed, so the manufacturer says, for “uncompromising performance and sportiness”. Key to this is an adjustable spoiler, which makes its debut on the Anniversario.
The new model comes with a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, which may seem small, but the 180 horsepower the powertrain generates will get what is a lightweight car from 0-100 kilometres per hour in 6.9 seconds.
With sporty cars of this size, tearing in and out of corners at high speeds is key to their appeal, but Abarth says maximising stability at high speeds was also a requirement during the design process. Which is just as well, as the 695 will reach 225kph with the driver’s foot to the floor.
Looks-wise, the car is characterised by style cues from the past. It has been kitted out in classic green hue with grey detailing, which is a tribute to the first 500 Abarth that set six international records at Italy’s Monza circuit in 1958.
Inside, the seats have been decked out in a style the manufacturer is calling ‘sabelt tricolore’, while the cabin is adorned with badges and dials deigned to reflect the brand’s racing pedigree.
The new model was first presented at the 2019 Abarth Days, the largest European gathering of enthusiasts of the brand.
The Anniversario is available in the UAE now, at a price of Dh139,995.
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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Brett Anderson
Little Brown Book Group
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs
Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
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