CAN AN EV BE A REAL HOT HATCH? FIAT 500E ABARTH FULL REVIEW

EV Channels Review

The Abarth 500e is presented as the electric hot hatch contender, and the reviewer largely agrees, praising its frisky performance, capable chassis, and engaging handling on B-roads. The reviewer notes it's a significant improvement over its petrol counterparts, offering a more compliant ride and better weight distribution thanks to its bespoke EV platform. However, the car is not without its flaws. The synthesized exhaust sound is widely criticized as annoying and unnecessary, especially when it doesn't mimic gear shifts. While the Turismo model offers 18-inch wheels and improved grip, the interior quality is deemed slightly less premium than the Mini Electric and less characterful than the Honda e. The reviewer also points out that the Mini Cooper Electric is a more compelling proposition due to its lower price point and comparable performance and quality. Despite these drawbacks, the Abarth 500e is considered a fun, well-sorted electric hot hatch, particularly suited for shorter journeys and spirited driving.