High-performance brand Fiat Abarth recently updated its aging previous generation, the petrol-fueled 500 for 2023, but this bold little hatchback is a completely different car. Based on the latest iteration of the popular Italian model, that means there’s no combustion engine under the hood. Instead, an electric motor drives the front wheels and offers more power than a typical EV that wears the parent company badge.
While the Fiat 500 offers 117 horsepower and an almost instant 162 pound-feet (220 Newton-meters), the equivalent Abarth version ups the ante to 155 hp and 173 lb-ft (235 Nm). The extra 38 hp and 11 lb-ft (15 Nm) might not seem like a huge jump, but the electric hot hatch does 0 to 62 100 km/h (62 mph) in seven seconds or a full two seconds quicker than the regular. EV.
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Abarth ran several tests to see how fast the electric hatchback would be compared to the 695 and its 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine. They claim speeds from 20 to 40 km/h (12 to 25 mph) one second quicker. Track comparisons show the EV is second faster around Alfa Romeo’s Misto circuit than the Abarth 695.
The Spicy 500e has been equipped with a battery that is the bigger of the two available for a cute EV. This is a 42 kWh package that can be charged up to 85 kW. A range of around 40 kilometers (25 miles) is available after the car is plugged in for five minutes while charging for 35 minutes recharges the battery to 80 percent.
The full launch edition called Scorpionissima will be limited to 1,949 units as a nod to the year Abarth was founded. It can be had with these eye-catching Acid Green or Poison Blue paints, both teamed with side graphics. The feisty electric hatch rides on exclusive 18-inch wheels and gets an assortment of upgrades: fixed glass roof, tinted rear window, sporty metal pedals and steel door sill plates.
The body-hugging front seats are heated and clad in Alcantara combined with double stitching. The seats have integrated headrests with the modern Abarth logo laser engraved in Acid Green, which is also found on the steering wheel. A 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is located to the right of the seven-inch digital driver display.
Although classified as a small car, the Abarth 500e is loaded with features. These include automatic headlights and windshield wipers, keyless access, wireless smartphone charger, 360-degree camera, JBL sound system and automatic climate control. A fake noise generator to mimic a gasoline engine is included, and luckily, it can be turned off.
The 2023 Abarth 500e isn’t just a hatchback as it can also be had as a convertible with the same black cloth roof and two body paint options.
