When I was younger, I adored playing with slot cars. Small electric vehicles with a high power-to-weight ratio can slingshot them around the track with enough force to make you smile.
Truth be told, I still enjoy playing with them, but a new electric model at 1:1 scale, the Abarth 500e, may unseat my current favorites. Its designers claim that its electronic architecture offers improved handling dynamics through better weight distribution, increased torque, and a wider stance. But can an electric version of the Abarth maintain its gas-powered counterparts' undeniable charm?
- Drivetrain : Single electric motor / FWD
- Battery capacity : 42kWh
- Battery type : Lithium-ion
- Range : 265km (WLTP)
- Plug Type : CCS Type 2 combo
- DC charge rate : 85kW
- AC charge rate : 11kW
- Motor output : 114kW/235Nm
- Efficiency : 17kWh/100km
We were invited to a first drive program in Abarth's home country of Italy to find out about the vehicle that is expected to arrive here later this year.
Price and features: Is it a good deal for the money? What characteristics does it have?
Although the Abarth 500e is available in other markets, there is not a cabriolet-style convertible version for Australia. Local pricing for the Abarth 500e has not yet been confirmed, but we do know that only the top-spec Turismo coupe will be coming our way. Our best estimate for the entry-price, before on-road costs, is about $65,000 for the UK, the largest RHD market in the world. This estimate is based on a like-for-like comparison of existing Abarth models.
Climate control, a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7.0-inch digital driver's display, keyless entry and start with a wearable key, seven-speaker JBL premium audio with a subwoofer in the boot and a 320-watt eight-channel amp, wireless charging, and Alcantara synthetic suede on the seats are all included for that price. Pedal covers made of alloy, a leather and Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and the dash and doors.
Sat-nav, LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree reversing camera, and a panoramic glass sunroof are additional features.
There isn't anything quite like this three-door EV hot hatch on the Australian market, but if pricing is close, the top-spec 'Mini Yours' Mini Cooper Electric, the five-door Cupra Born, the base Tesla Model 3, as well as the production version of the Alpine A290, although that one won't be available for a few more years, will all be competitors.
Is there anything intriguing about the way it was designed?
Despite being brand-new, the Abarth 500e doesn't significantly differ in appearance from the Abarth models based on Fiat 500 that we've been familiar with for almost a decade. The tiny Fiat 500s and 750s are dwarfed by it. Although this car was tuned in the 1960s and 1970s by Carlo Abarth's company, it is still small by today's standards.
However, the car's performance intent is obvious thanks to a deep front bumper that features a splitter-style insert below the honeycomb grille.Large 18-inch wheels amp up the sporty appeal, and the micro-macho appearance is enhanced by side skirts, a diffuser under the rear bumper, and a sizable roof spoiler.
Car-spotters should also take note that the distinctive split headlight design from the Fiat 500e has been modified here with the upper DRL replaced by a curved solid black insert. According to François Leboine, head of Fiat/Abarth design, it's a crucial component of the car's more aggressive expression.
The hero's "Acid Green" and "Poison Blue," which join "Antidote White," "Venom Black," and "Adrenaline Red," are new eye-catching hues. They are clearly visible in the parking lot. Furthermore, the exterior and interior are both decorated with the cool repeating graphic of the iconic scorpion logo, which has been electrified with a lightning bolt running through it.
Speaking of, the interior exudes a suitably racy cockpit vibe thanks to the high-back Alcantara-trimmed sports seats, the flat-bottom Alcantara and leather steering wheel, and the use of contrast colors for accents and stitching on the upholstery. The dash and doors are also covered in Alcantara, which adds to the confined, concentrated atmosphere.
On the 10.25-inch central media screen, there is even a set of auxiliary instruments that can be found in the "Performance Pages" that monitor power, battery status, temperature, and 12V battery voltage.
How useful is the interior space and technology?
It should be noted that this is a four-seater only, and that despite having a longer (2322mm) wheelbase and wider tracks than the combustion-engine Abarth 695, the hatchback is still distinctly small at just over 3.6m long, just under 1.7m wide, and just over 1.5m tall. Although there is plenty of room up front, storage is rather limited. There is a tray between the front seats that has a roll-top lid, another storage box or armrest above it, a small glove box, and door bins that have just enough room for a large bottle. As you move to the back, you'll notice that it's incredibly tight. Even then, those in front will need to move over to make room for more legroom because they are more akin to "+2" seats and are essentially a kids-only area. A 12V socket is located in the center storage tray and another is located in the boot for connectivity. There are also USB-A and USB-C ports for power and media.
The boot, keeping with the theme of limited space, is tiny at 185L (VDA). Enough space for a few soft bags, but the rear seat splits in half to create 550 L of additional space. Given the front-drive configuration and lack of a trunk, it's not surprising that the Abarth 500e is a no-tow zone. If you need a spare of any kind, your only choice is a repair/inflator kit.
What are the important motor statistics under the hood?
This tiny rocket ship is propelled by a traction electric motor that sends 114kW/235Nm to the front wheels through an automatic transmission with a single reduction gear. It is powered by a 42kWh lithium-ion battery, and the system utilizes a 400-volt electrical system. Efficiency: How far can it travel? How long does it take to charge?
This 42kWh battery is coupled with an 85kW DC charging system, and according to Abarth, it can reach 40% of its range in 35 minutes and 40 km in five minutes. The CCS Type 2 combo charging port has an AC maximum of 11kW and takes four hours to fully charge. The maximum range is 265 km, and the WLTP cycle uses 17 kWh of energy per 100 km. We were unable to obtain a significant test figure during our relatively brief steer. That will have to wait until local soil conditions are assessed.
What's it like to drive, exactly?
Abarth claims that the 500e will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds, outpacing the Abarth 695. For instance, it accelerates from 40 to 60 km/h in 1.5 seconds faster, and the car feels typical of an EV in a straight line. Finally, traditionalists can tune a "Sound Generator" to what Abarth describes as "the unmistakable Abarth roar, faithfully reproducing the sound of an Abarth petrol engine," right down to the Record Monza exhaust note, so the vehicle isn't just your average, eerily quiet EV.
It reportedly took two years to develop and pairs the accelerator with the audio representation of a gasoline engine's rise and fall in revs. Additionally, each time the car is started or stopped, you can turn up a rock guitar tone inside the cabin. When the engine is turned off, the Abarth loses a lot of its personality and feels very similar to any other electric vehicle. The "engine" noise is nearly antisocially loud from the outside and suitably raucous inside. The vast (and stunning) Balocco proving ground owned by Stellantis is located halfway between Milan and Turin in northwestern Italy. We had the opportunity to drive the vehicle there as well as on the town's public roads.
I didn't have high hopes for the Sound Generator when I got in and drove around one of the ride and handling loops at the testing facility, but after a few laps, I couldn't help but smile. The change was noticeable after we turned off the sound for the first half of the outside drive. Although I don't particularly like the idea of a synthetic soundtrack for the engine and exhaust, it significantly alters this car's personality.
Perhaps the more important question is whether this temporary fix for a sporty EV's inherently silent nature can be maintained over time. In my opinion, no. Another problem is that when you reach 70 or 80 km/h with a single ratio transmission, it feels (or sounds?) like the 'engine' is wildly over-revving. Simply shifting into a few higher gears will help you relax. There may be a specific factor on the freeway, in which case silent running may be the best choice. Three drive modes are available. To improve efficiency and provide smooth acceleration, "Turismo" reduces output to 100kW and 220Nm. As the name suggests, "Scorpion Track" is maximum attack mode with few driver aids active, while "Scorpion Street" combines full performance with "single-pedal" regen braking.
We drove in all three modes on both roads and tracks, and we found that Scorpion Street generally offers the best balance.
The front and rear suspension systems are torsion beams, and the big surprise is how well this car rides.
Compared to the Fiat 500e, the Abarth 500e has a different damper tune that makes it feel agreeably comfortable even when driving over fairly standard B-road surfaces. 57% of the weight is in the front, 43% in the back, and a battery pack weighing almost 300 kg is tucked under the floor. Because of the low center of gravity, the car feels stable and predictable when cornering. On the Balocco test track, the Abarth 500e smoothly applied its power as it emerged from hairpin bends. The grippy leather and Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel contributes significantly to the excellent feel and response of the steering.
Despite being small, the Abarth 500e weighs 1375kg, so braking is important in addition to the car's performance. To begin with, it has 281mm ventilated front discs and 278mm solid rear rotors (the Fiat 500e has rear drums). They start out a little abruptly but get stronger and more progressive as they go. But first, a word to the left-foot brakers. When the brake and accelerator pedals are pressed simultaneously, a mild paralysis occurs and the car bogs down. It only takes a quick dab on the brake to restart things. Regen braking is gratifyingly effective, even when driving with just one pedal.
The front seats are extremely supportive and comfortable during extended trips, the configurable instrumentation is a big plus, and the switchgear and digital controls are thoughtfully organized from an ergonomic standpoint. For instance, the placement of buttons to control the transmission's operation in the center of the dash makes sense given that it is a single-ratio automatic.
A small black mark is visible against the door panel's low-lying opening levers. Not exactly accessible.
What safety equipment is installed for protection? What is the rating for safety?
When the Fiat 500e on which this Abarth is based was evaluated by Euro NCAP in 2021, it received four out of a possible five stars, with relatively low ratings in the "Vulnerable Road User" and "Safety Assist" categories.
However, active crash-avoidance technology includes Auto emergency braking (AEB), operational from 5.0 km/h, with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, a reversing camera with 360-degree overhead view as well as proximity sensors front and rear, traffic sign recognition, 'Intelligent Speed Assist', lane-keeping assist, driver fatigue monitoring, cruise control, auto high/low beam LED headlights, and blind spot monitoring.
In extreme maneuvers, a "Electronic Rollover Mitigation System" keeps an eye on the wheels and controls the brakes and engine power to lessen the chance of lift-off. There are six airbags in case of an unavoidable collision: dual front, front side, and curtains. However, the front center airbag, which is becoming more common, is not functioning. The two rear seat positions are equipped with top tethers and ISOFIX anchors as well as a back-to-base emergency call feature that is activated by airbag deployment.
Ownership: What kind of warranty is provided? What are the times between services? How much does it cost to operate?
Fiat Australia's three-year/150, 000 km warranty, which falls far short of the industry standard of five years/unlimited km, will cover the Abarth 500e. Although a separate battery warranty has not yet been confirmed, it is anticipated to be equivalent to the industry standard of eight years or 160,000 miles. Although service intervals are also unknown, they are set at 12 months or 15,000 kilometers in Europe, which is a low number for an electric car. Additionally, we won't be able to determine service costs until closer to launch.