ABARTH 500E - THE EV WITH A STING IN ITS TAIL

EV Channels Review

The Abarth 500e successfully captures the essence of the brand, proving that an electric vehicle can indeed possess the 'brio' and charisma expected of a hot hatch. While based on the Fiat 500e, Abarth has significantly differentiated it with aggressive styling, a sporty interior featuring Alcantara and unique graphics, and a focus on driving engagement over practicality. The reviewer highlights the car's fun factor, responsive acceleration, and the engaging, albeit artificial, sound generator. Key criticisms include the steering lacking a bit of weight at higher speeds and the ride being on the choppier side, though this is acknowledged as characteristic of the Abarth ethos. The range is noted as acceptable at 164 miles WLTP, but the price, especially for the convertible Turismo model, can exceed £40,000, which is a significant consideration for a small EV. Despite these points, the reviewer concludes that Abarth has created a true electric Abarth, deserving of its scorpion badge.