Italian sporting brand Abarth has made its first step into the EV era with a performance variant of the Fiat 500 Electric, which it claims to be the most engaging, responsive and dynamic model it has ever created.
Fitted with a host of technical upgrades, including a more responsive motor, the Abarth 500e sends 152bhp and 173lb ft – increases of 35bhp and 11lb ft over the Fiat – to the front wheels, and draws power from the same 42kWh battery as the car on which it’s based.
This extra kick only gives the hot hatch a 7.0sec 0-62mph time, 2.0sec faster than its sibling – and only slightly slower than the petrol-powered 180bhp Abarth 695 (6.7sec).
But Abarth says blistering standing acceleration – a hallmark of electric cars – was not the outright aim, instead opting for better mid-range power: the new EV hot hatch gets from 12-25mph in just one second and from 25mph-35mph in under 1.5sec (compared with the 695’s 2.5sec).
With a wheelbase 24mm longer and track 60mm wider than the Fiat, coupled with a lower centre of gravity afforded by the under-floor battery, the 500e also promises improved handling over its petrol sibling, with a boost in turn-in response and higher corner exit speeds.
Another highlight will be its artificial petrol engine-aping soundtrack, Abarth claims. The firm says “sound has always been important” to the brand as a “distinctive” characteristic. The feature, which is equipped as standard, can be switched off for silent running.
Olivier François, CEO of both Fiat and Abarth, said: “The new Abarth 500e is one of the most exciting launches in the history of the brand: a great new addition to the Abarth line-up. I like to think of it as family, so our fanbase will be involved in every step of our electrification journey.”
He added: “You may ask ’why electric?’. Well, basically, performance made us do it: in fact, every change made in the Abarth is about getting the best driving performance. That’s exactly how our founder, Carlo Abarth, always went at it.”
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Coolest EV since the E. Might buy one for my girlfriend. If she's nice to me.
Yet another overpriced, compromised offering from an established manufacturer that makes Chinese companies like MG rub their hands with glee, knowing they're going to clean up in the EV market.
Especially when interest rate hikes make replacing that rented European car far too expensive to even pretend to own.
"Get real". I know plenty of people that either test drove or bought a Fiat 500 on a whim that were then disappointed with it so bought something more practical that was also better to drive. Aside from that, MG are about to launch sportier models like the hot hatch version of the 4 and the MX-5 rival next year, so my original comment still holds true.