First Drive - EV Review - Abarth 500e

Abarth 500e Review

What is it?

You’ll probably know about Abarth already. Creator of those characterful and rather noisy hot-hatches, it’s a company which has quite a past in creating go-faster models that are designed to put a grin on the face of whoever is behind the wheel.

It has also created quite the following of fans. But, like most manufacturers, it too needs to transfer all of its wisdom into the electrified age, which brings us to this - the Abarth 500e. It’s a battery-powered take on Abarth’s famous hot hatch, but is it any good? We’ve been finding out.

What’s new?

Though it might be electric, Abarth has followed a pretty similar recipe to before - taking a standard Fiat model and fettling it to make things a little sharper and more focused. It’s just what it did previously with Fiat’s petrol-powered 500.

So now, we’ve got a more powerful electric motor than the one you’d find in the electric 500, while design changes have been implemented to give the Abarth a slightly more muscular, performance-inspired feel.

What’s under the bonnet?

The Abarth makes use of the same 42kWh battery that you’ll find in the Fiat 500e. However, its motor has been made more powerful - up to 153bhp from 118bhp - while torque sits at 235Nm of torque. This equates to a zero to 60mph time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 96mph.

However, because of that increased performance - and a battery that remains the same - the Abarth can’t match the 500e’s total range, with its 157 miles between plug-ins some way short of the 200 miles claimed by FIat.

How does the Abarth 500e drive?

You’ve always been in for a fun experience behind the wheel of any Abarth, but how does that translate in an electric version? Of course, without a peppy 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine ahead of you and a burbling exhaust behind it’s not quite as exciting overall, but by EV standards the 500e is still great to live with.

There’s even a sound generator at the back, which creates quite a lively noise which is reminiscent of the barking exhaust of the petrol version. It’s loud, for sure, but it can get a little bit ‘drone-y’ when you’re travelling at motorway speeds.

How does it look?

It’s safe to say that Abarth has managed to keep some of its iconic styling aspects present in this electric version. It’s got plenty of presence, too, despite being a relatively compact car. The eye-catching ‘Acid Green’ exterior colour will also be a great option for people who want to turn heads as well.

There are also modern interpretations of the Abarth ‘Scorpion’ badge (there’s a lightning bolt integrated into it to highlight the car’s battery power) while the painted textured grille is a great feature as well.

What’s it like inside?

The interior of this electric Abarth represents a big step up over the petrol version. Key to that is the 10.25-inch infotainment display which is better in all areas than the smaller screen and system that you’d find in the older Abarth.

Opt for Turismo models and you’ll find plenty of Alcantara used throughout the car’s cabin, giving it a sportier edge in the process. As before, it’s still a very compact car so it’s not able to offer boatloads of space, though the 185-litre boot is still useful enough.

What’s the spec like?

You’re able to get the 500e in one of two specifications - the standard model and ‘Turismo’. If you’re looking to opt for that starter model then don’t be fearful that it’ll come lacking in features - you still get loads of standard kit including automatic climate control, a JBL sound system and a full digital display, as well as the infotainment setup we mentioned earlier.

The Turismo does add some neat features, mind you, including that Alcantara interior, a fixed glass roof, heated front seats and wireless smartphone charging.

Verdict

The new 500e represents an exciting first foray into the electric car world for Abarth. The standard Fiat model is quite accomplished as it is, so Abarth has once again found a great platform from which to spring away from - and extra power, beefier looks and a smart cabin all make this car very appealing.

It’s not quite as ‘hot’ as its hot-hatch petrol-powered stablemate, but it’s still a very enjoyable car to drive. It’s come the closest to nailing the recipe compared with rivals, however, which makes it a very commendable effort.