Resisting the temptation to call it the eBarth (wisely), Fiat has announced the company’s first performance electric Fiat 500. It seems clear that Fiat sees a big future for the 500 in a world of EVs – and considering the little car’s popularity and success as a standard engine vehicle, this is certainly good news.
Abarth has its roots ingrained in Italian performance car history, but it might be fair to say that for many, the brand simply goes hand-in-hand with Fiat. Abarth reignited its connection as such, when the new Fiat 500 was released in 2007, swiftly followed by an Abarth version a year later. The decision to push an all-new Fiat Abarth 500e is a wise move, as having the performance arm involved certainly makes the tech specs a little more interesting and boosts appeal.
The front-mounted electric motor will offer up 152bhp for the little car along with a 0-62mph of 7 seconds and with 235Nm of torque. It may appear on paper to be less powerful, but interestingly Abarth say that this Fiat Abarth 500e will produce faster times on test tracks due to the longer wheelbase and added width, plus the immediacy of electric motor torque. Fiat says the new platform is also giving the 500e better weight distribution too. Power comes from the same 42kWh battery as is housed in the regular Fiat, though range is noticeably reduced from 199 miles to 155 miles thanks to the motor’s increased power output. Charging time to 80 per cent full is around 30 minutes with a fast-charge time of 5 minutes able to provide 30 miles of range.
Three driving modes are on offer, with day-to-day driving taken care of by Turismo, which reduces the Fiat’s power down to 132bhp and 230Nm of torque. Scorpion Street maximises the regenerative braking for the urban driver, and Scorpion Track aims to unleash the Abarth 500e’s full potential.
Abarth 500e models tread a fine line between overdoing it and a subtle increase in small car aggressive looks – it’s subtle and it works. On the outside, side skirts and front bumper are given the Abarth look, and the standard non-convertible version gets privacy glass too, while the convertible version will have a rear spoiler built into the traditional ragtop fabric roof. Both versions will enjoy more sport-oriented alloy wheels.
The Abarth 500e will feature a sound generator, allowing users to fine-tune the sound that the car makes if they wish. Engine sound samples are taken from a petrol 695 and will provide a selection of sound choices to give a more authentic exhaust growl to everyday driving. Inside, sports seats and 3-spoke steering wheel are standard, and interior materials are made up of Alcantara trim and leather, while the dash gets a cluster of 7 dials including a 10.25 inch infotainment system.
The Fiat Abarth 500e is due to arrive in 2023, and it looks and sounds like a development that will be worth keeping an eye on. Especially as CEO Olivier Francois has suggested that they are already deep into the process of trying to fine-tune and increase the car’s power. It’s too early for pricing as yet, but rumour has it we might be looking at upwards of £35,000 when the car hits our roads in 2023.
Images: media.stellantis.com
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