Abarth 500e: what the critics say

Abarth’s first pure-electric car, the 500e “pocket rocket” is a sportier version of the Fiat 500 electric, said Sunday Times Driving.

It comes in five bright colours, including Acid Green and Poison Blue, and in standard or range-topping Turismo spec with 17in and 18in wheels respectively; there are hard top and cabriolet versions of each. Abarth has even added a sound generator to mimic a petrol engine for city “poseurs”.

Abarth is out to prove that electric cars can be as much fun as their petrol counterparts, said What Car?. The 153bhp 500e can do 0-62mph in 7secs – just below the top-of-the-range petrol Abarth 695 (6.7secs). But bespoke suspension gives this hot hatch better agility; wider wheels and tyres maximise grip; special rear disc brakes increase stopping power; plus it has sharper steering and better body control than the 695 too.

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Range is comparatively meagre at 164 miles WLTP and a 0-80% charge takes 35 minutes at a 85kW “rapid” charger, said Top Gear Magazine. The interior is more muted than the exterior, with hard plastics. The bolstered seats steal space from the back, where there’s only room for two (children ideally). Boot space is equally limited. On the plus side, the central touchscreen is easy to use, with smart graphics.