The Fiat New Abarth 500e is a highly anticipated electric hot hatch that has made waves in the automotive industry. As the electrified version of the iconic Abarth 500, this compact powerhouse promises to deliver an exhilarating driving experience while embracing the shift towards sustainable mobility.
We had the opportunity to thoroughly test and review the Fiat New Abarth 500e, and we’re excited to share our findings with you. Let’s dive into the key specifications and uncover what makes this electric vehicle a true standout in its segment.
Fiat New Abarth 500e Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Launch | 2022, November 22 |
| Status | Available to order. Released 2023, June |
| Base Price | £34,200 / €39,000 / $42,000 |
| Power | 114 kW (152 hp), Front-Wheel Drive |
| Torque | 235 Nm (173 lb-ft) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 km/h (96 mph) |
| Battery Capacity | 37.3 kWh usable, 42 kWh total |
| Range (WLTP) | 264 km (164 miles) |
| Consumption (WLTP) | 17.2 kWh/100 km |
| AC Charging (0-100%) | 4 hours 15 minutes (11 kW) |
| DC Charging (0-80%) | 35 minutes (85 kW max) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 3,673 mm x 1,683 mm x 1,518 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,322 mm |
| Unladen Weight (EU) | 1,380 kg |
| Trunk Capacity | 185 liters |
Performance
We were thoroughly impressed by the Fiat New Abarth 500e’s performance capabilities. Powered by a single, front-mounted electric motor that delivers 114 kW (152 hp) and a generous 235 Nm (173 lb-ft) of torque, this compact hot hatch accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 7 seconds.
The instant torque delivery of the electric powertrain provides a thrilling and responsive driving experience, allowing you to dart through city traffic or tackle winding roads with ease. The Abarth 500e’s top speed of 155 km/h (96 mph) ensures that you can keep up with the flow of traffic on the highway without any issues.
We particularly enjoyed the three driving modes on offer: Turismo, Scorpion Street, and Scorpion Track. Each mode tailors the vehicle’s performance characteristics to suit your driving preferences, from a more relaxed and efficient Turismo setting to the more aggressive and dynamic Scorpion Track mode. The Abarth Sound Generator, which adds a signature roar to the driving experience, is a unique feature that further enhances the emotional connection with this electric hot hatch.
Battery and Charging
Powering the Fiat New Abarth 500e is a water-cooled lithium-ion battery pack with a total capacity of 42 kWh and a usable capacity of 37.3 kWh. This battery setup provides an estimated range of 264 km (164 miles) on the WLTP cycle, which should be more than sufficient for most daily commutes and urban driving.
We found the battery’s performance to be quite impressive, with the vehicle’s efficiency rating of 17.2 kWh/100 km (WLTP) ensuring that you can make the most of the available range. The three-level regenerative braking system, accessible through the driving modes, further enhances the energy recuperation and extends the vehicle’s range.
When it comes to charging, the Abarth 500e offers a variety of options to suit your needs. The on-board charger supports up to 11 kW of AC charging, allowing you to fully replenish the battery in around 4 hours and 15 minutes. For those times when you need a quick top-up, the vehicle’s CCS charging capability supports up to 85 kW of DC fast charging, enabling you to charge from 10% to 80% in just 35 minutes.
We appreciate the convenience of the charging options, as it allows you to easily integrate the Abarth 500e into your daily routine, whether you’re charging at home, at the office, or on the go.
Design and Dimensions
The Fiat New Abarth 500e’s design is a harmonious blend of the iconic Abarth 500’s signature styling cues and the modern, electric-focused aesthetics. The compact hatchback body style, with its distinctive Abarth-inspired front grille, sporty bumpers, and alloy wheel options, immediately catches the eye and conveys a sense of playful performance.
Measuring 3,673 mm in length, 1,683 mm in width, and 1,518 mm in height, the Abarth 500e maintains the compact and agile dimensions that have made the Abarth 500 a favorite among urban drivers. The 2,322 mm wheelbase provides a stable and responsive handling character, while the 1,380 kg unladen weight (EU) ensures that the vehicle remains nimble and engaging to drive.
One of the standout design features is the panoramic glass roof, which floods the cabin with natural light and enhances the sense of spaciousness. The fixed glass roof not only adds to the vehicle’s visual appeal but also contributes to the overall sense of openness and airiness within the cabin.
Infotainment and Displays
The Fiat New Abarth 500e’s infotainment system is centered around a 10.25-inch touchscreen display that seamlessly integrates with your smartphone via wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. This intuitive and user-friendly interface allows you to access your favorite apps, navigation, and media controls with ease, ensuring a seamless and connected driving experience.
Complementing the central touchscreen is a 7-inch digital instrument cluster that provides a clear and comprehensive view of the vehicle’s vital information, including speed, battery level, and driving mode selection. The absence of a head-up display is a minor drawback, but the well-designed instrument cluster more than makes up for it.
We appreciated the responsiveness and intuitive layout of the infotainment system, which made it a pleasure to use during our test drives. The integration of wireless smartphone connectivity further enhances the convenience and connectivity of the Abarth 500e.
Comfort and Convenience
Despite its compact dimensions, the Fiat New Abarth 500e offers a surprisingly comfortable and well-equipped cabin. The front seats are heated, providing a welcome touch of luxury and warmth, especially during colder months. The panoramic glass roof, as mentioned earlier, creates a bright and airy atmosphere within the cabin, adding to the overall sense of spaciousness.
The vehicle’s parking aids, including 11 front and rear sensors, a 360-degree camera, and a reversing camera, make maneuvering and parking the Abarth 500e a breeze, even in tight urban environments. The inclusion of these advanced features demonstrates Fiat’s commitment to enhancing the everyday usability and convenience of this electric hot hatch.
In terms of storage and practicality, the Abarth 500e offers a respectable 185 liters of trunk space, which can be expanded by folding the 50:50 split-folding rear seats. While the lack of a frunk (front trunk) is a minor drawback, the overall cargo capacity should be sufficient for most daily needs.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for the Fiat New Abarth 500e, and the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to provide a secure and confident driving experience.
The Abarth 500e features six airbags, including side airbags and a head airbag system, to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The front radar and camera systems enable a range of safety features, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Centering Assist, Blind Spot Alert, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with Attention Assist, which monitors the driver’s behavior and alerts them if signs of drowsiness are detected, and High Beam Assist, which automatically adjusts the headlights to provide optimal visibility without blinding other road users.
While the Abarth 500e has not yet been officially tested by Euro NCAP, the closely related Fiat 500e received a 4-star safety rating, which provides a good indication of the Abarth 500e’s overall safety performance.
Conclusion
The Fiat New Abarth 500e is a remarkable electric hot hatch that seamlessly blends the iconic Abarth DNA with the latest advancements in electric vehicle technology. With its thrilling performance, impressive battery and charging capabilities, distinctive design, and comprehensive suite of features, the Abarth 500e is poised to captivate the hearts of driving enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers alike.
As we’ve experienced firsthand, the Abarth 500e delivers an exhilarating and engaging driving experience, while also offering the practicality and convenience expected from a modern electric vehicle. The vehicle’s compact dimensions, combined with its nimble handling and instant torque, make it a joy to pilot through urban environments and twisty roads.
The Fiat New Abarth 500e’s impact on the electric vehicle market is undeniable. By offering a truly driver-focused electric hot hatch, Fiat has demonstrated that electrification need not come at the expense of driving enjoyment. This vehicle serves as a testament to the fact that the future of performance-oriented cars can and will be electric, paving the way for even more exciting developments in the years to come.
Whether you’re a long-time Abarth enthusiast or simply seeking a compact and dynamic electric vehicle, the Fiat New Abarth 500e is a compelling choice that delivers on both performance and sustainability. With its captivating design, impressive specifications, and comprehensive feature set, the Abarth 500e is poised to leave a lasting impression on the electric vehicle landscape.
