Snapshot
- The electric hot hatch accelerates from 0-100km/h in a claimed 7 seconds.
- Sportier sets it apart from the Fiat 500e.
- Confirmed for Oz in late 2023.
After nearly 15 years, Abarth is back with the all-new, pure-electric Abarth 500e hot hatch and cabrio convertible.
Using a modest 42kWh battery pack and an electric motor producing 113kW of power and 235Nm of torque, it can sprint from 0-100km/h in a claimed seven seconds. That’s 26kW and 15Nm more, with a time two seconds quicker than its equivalent Fiat 500e sibling.
For context, the only closest EV rival is the three-door Mini electric output of 135kW/270Nm with a 0-100km/h time of 7.3 seconds, plus the slightly larger Cupra Born – which has a 0-100km/h time of 7.3 seconds. It produces 170kW/310Nm. Abarth-like sprint in seven seconds.
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The Italian carmaker claims that the urban pick-up of 20 to 40 km/h, cruising speed of 40 to 60 km/h, and acceleration from 60 to 100 km/h are all within the range of the petrol-powered Abarth 695. One second faster than the competition thanks to instant electric torque.
Three drive modes are offered, Turismo, Scorpion Street and Scorpion Track (basically Eco, Normal and Sport respectively), with front and rear disc brakes and a pedal-driven regenerative braking setting.
“You might ask ‘why electric?’. Well, basically, performance drove us to do it. In fact, every change made to Abarth is about getting the best driving performance… So, this From a perspective, let’s say nothing has changed. Better acceleration, better handling, more fun. And then there is the legendary signature of Abarth – its sound,” said Olivier Francois, chief executive officer of Fiat and Abarth.
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The Abarth 500e is available with the Sound Generator option, which pumps the regenerative sound of a roaring Abarth petrol engine into the cabin and outside with an EV pedestrian warning sound system.
As standard, all models play a strumming guitar whenever the EV is switched on or off, whenever traveling above 20km/h and via external pedestrian warning speakers.
The electric hot hatch and cabrio are capable of 85kW DC fast charging, capable of reaching 80 percent (from an unknown starting point) in just 35 minutes at a compatible public station. But, the brand says it takes less than the claimed five minutes to top up on an average 40km daily driving distance.
The Stellantis-owned automaker has yet to reveal its driving range figures, but with the same battery capacity the standard Fiat 500e manages a claimed 320km of WLTP range.
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Looks spicier, new tech
Based on the regular Fiat 500e city car that was launched in 2020, the hotted-up Abarth gets a wider track, longer wheelbase, and better between-axle to improve handling and driving dynamics compared to the petrol Abarth 695. A balance has been achieved.
The exterior changes are headlined by the new acid green. (pictured) and toxic blue exterior paint, a more modern Scorpion logo with lightning bolts along the doors, aggressive honeycomb front bumper, contrasting white splitter, sporty lines with side skirts, rear diffuser inserts, titanium gray mirror caps, and available 18 . Diamond-cut titanium gray alloy.
Inside the three-door electric hatch and cabrio, a dark headliner and pillars, a toxic blue belt to advance the front seats, Alcantara dashboard and seats with integrated headrests, embossed acid green scorpion logo and double stitching. , is a three-spoke steering wheel. , an enclosed center console, and a fixed glass roof.
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The Abarth 500e offers new technology features, including a 10.25-inch Uconnect infotainment system with special performance pages and Abarth graphics, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, a 7-inch digital driver display, JBL speaker setup, Qi wireless phone. charger, full LED headlights, keyless entry with a new Abarth wearable key, and a 360-degree camera system.
For the first time, there is an active safety assistance system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, traffic sign information, and autonomous emergency braking with cruise control.
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Will the Abarth 500e come to Australia?
The Abarth 500e electric hot hatch has been confirmed to arrive in Australia in late 2023.
It follows the standard Fiat 500e city car, which is due to arrive in Australia in mid-2023.
The Abarth EV will debut in Europe early next year with a fully loaded Scorpionissima Launch Edition model limited to 1949 in both hatch and cabrio body styles.
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