There’s nothing wrong with starting the New Year off with a car that brings a smile to the face. We all know the legend that is the diminutive and entirely charming FIAT Cinquecento (500) which is currently available as an electric vehicle (EV) but did you know that this tiny car has a bigger sibling? Yes, it’s the Abarth 600e and yes, it’s electric and yes, it will be available to order in the Spring of this year. The model offers all the fun and Italian style of the smaller car but in a bigger, more convenient package. There it is in our images; The acid green version is the standard car and the blue model is the gorgeous limited edition ‘Scorpionissima’, a powerful option with real sting that delivers those automotive thrills.
Electric Power
Central to the Abarth 600e is its own e-motor. The new ‘Scorpionissima’ limited edition is equipped with a 207kW (280hp equivalent) power-train; the highest power ever reached by an Abarth car. The ‘Scorpionissima’ offers 0 to 62mph acceleration in just 5.85 seconds, and the standard version (which outputs 240bhp) does the same sprint in 6.24 seconds. Thus both are fast and responsive. In addition, to providing greater power, the Abarth 600e has 345Nm of torque and can reach a 124mph limited maximum speed with a battery range of up to 207 miles, depending on the tyres fitted, making the car a great urban runaround.
Both versions are equipped with three driving modes. ‘Turismo’ mode provides smooth acceleration and 148hp for the Abarth 600e and 198hp for the ‘Scorpionissima’ version, combined with 300 Nm of torque and a maximum speed limited to 93 mph. This configuration also features a sport accelerator pedal and steering calibration plus standard ESP calibration. In addition to these features, the second driving mode, ‘Scorpion Street’, comes with 201hp for the standard version and 228hp for the ‘Scorpionissima’ with 345 Nm of torque, and a maximum speed limited to 112 mph. The third driving mode, ‘Scorpion Track’, includes an aggressive accelerator pedal calibration, sport+ steering and specific ESP tunings. Maximum speed in this mode is 124 mph, with 345 Nm torque, and a higher power of 280hp for the ‘Scorpionissima’ and 240hp for the standard version. To keep the whole package on the road there’s some motor-sport heritage built in with a mechanical limited slip differential, sports suspension and powerful brakes.
The Exciting Exterior
This vehicle looks the part from any angle; you can see the ‘Cinquecento’ lineage in the bold design. Abarth focused on four elements in particular: front and rear bumpers, spoiler, and wheels. On the front, the designers stretched the silhouette, highlighting the so-called ‘shark nose’, improving aerodynamic performance. The front look is enhanced further with a lowered setup and an enlarged track, giving an additional 30mm on the front and an additional 25mm on the back.
Far from being merely aesthetic, the strongly squared shapes of the aero spoiler and the extractor in the bumper were tested in a wind tunnel to improve performance. The 20 inch diamond-alloy wheels present an eye-catching look: The 5-spoke alloys are designed to reclaim the stylised graphics of the Abarth badge with the scorpion’s ‘stinger’ and provide a view of the brakes and painted callipers. In addition to the logos on the mudguards and the Abarth Scorpion badge on the bonnet, the scorpion also appears on the centreline, engraved on the black surfaces of the front and rear bumpers and spoiler. In addition to the Abarth 600e, the Scorpionissima limited edition will feature a gloss black body kit, specific lateral sticker and painted front brake calipers.
There’s a choice of colours: The standard 600e will come in the striking Acid Green or Antidote White, Shock Orange, and Venom Black; meanwhile, the ‘Scorpionissima’ limited edition will be available in Acid Green and the exclusive Hypnotic Purple (both paints included in the price).
The Sporting Interior
The interior complements the exterior design. The sports steering wheel with leather and ‘Alcantara’ inserts, is stylish and maximises grip. The interior theme creates a dark environment, with black A, B, and C pillars, headliner, overhead, and trims. However, the dark trims are brought to life by coloured detail such as the seams or the Scorpion on the steering wheel. The new Abarth 600e’s uniqueness is achieved by specific choices such as dedicated seats, aluminium pedals, footrest, and dedicated floor mats. However, thanks to privacy glass a mysterious and dark atmosphere is maintained. The internal look is also enriched by additional and rather cool bonus features like the Abarth kick plate, the 7 inch cluster colour TFT screen with specific Abarth graphics, the tunnel pad cover (only available on the ‘Scorpionissima’ limited edition) and the dashboard fascia—painted black on the Abarth 600e and matt black for the ‘Scorpionissima’. In the interiors, the two Abarth 600e versions’ seats slightly differ, with two different configurations that reflect the spirit of each version.
The prestige hot model features more aggressive, racing Sabelt seats in ‘Alcantara’ with an integrated headrest, perforated to express lightness and sport. Meanwhile, the Abarth 600e’s Sabelt seats come with an integrated headrest fabric with striped design. Additionally, the ‘Scorpionissima’ limited edition features heated seats.
The Latest Technology
To make driving even more pleasant, the Abarth 600e comes with a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) Both versions feature Adaptive Cruise Control and Electric Parking Brake. Furthermore, every trip aboard the Abarth 600e is supported by its safety pack, available on both versions. Starting with 6 airbags and an E-call emergency response system, the new Abarth provides drivers with Drowsy Driver Detection and Autonomous Emergency Braking system for a safer driving experience. The pack also includes a Lane Departure Warning system and ISOFIX-fitted front passenger and rear seats.
Also, the ‘Scorpionissima’ version comes with Level 2 Assisted Driving giving additional assistance with extra features and systems like Lane Positioning & Traffic Jam assist, 360° parking sensors that combine with a rear view camera to make parking simple. The ‘Scorpionissima’ also offers Urban Blind Spot Monitor, power-folding mirrors, traffic sign recognition, and Automatic High Beam. Additional features (model dependent) include Hands-free Tailgate Opening, Cargo Flex Kit, and wireless mobile phone charging; but the technological endowments do not end there: the Abarth 600e is equipped with the USB type A+C port, rear parking aid, rain and dusk sensors, keyless start, and a CarPlay and Android Auto wireless adapter and, of course, a brilliant infotainment system.
Abarth is a premium brand that turns FIAT mainstream motors into something special. Over the years they have produced some spectacularly good and alarmingly quick versions of the little Cinquecento and now they’ve done it again with the 600. Find out more about the MHH International export service by browsing our website. We export many premium brands from the UK to destinations as far afield as Kenya, Ireland, Cyprus and New Zealand as well as many other global destinations. Please get in touch to find out how we can help you into the driving seat.
