The Abarth 600e, derived from Fiat's model of the same name, marks a significant step up from its cousin, the Abarth 500e. While both models share a foundation, the 600e aligns more closely with Abarth’s performance ethos, positioning it as a notable contender in the electric hatchback segment.
As you might expect, the small body of the 600e Abarth packs a 280hp motor, which will get you to 60mph in a little over 5.8 seconds – on to a top speed of 124mph. However, even with eco-tyres and alight foot in perfect conditions – you won't get more than 207 miles range (WLTP). And there's your only drawback.
The brand itself has a long and illustrious history. Carlo Abarth was born in Vienna, but fell in love with Italy at an early age and was naturalised. In 1927, he joined a coachwork company called Castagna – designing motorbike and bicycle chassis. At the same time, we started racing bikes and won his first race in 1928. While continuing to work as an engineer, he won the European Championship five times – until a serious accident forced him to retire. In 1933, he designed a sidecar for a motorbike and in 1934, created a bike package that could beat the Orient Express over an 810 mile journey. In order to set some of his speed records, Abarth became famous for losing 30kg on a ‘largely only eating apples' diet.
In a nice little intersection of fate, he met Dr Ferdinand Porsche's son-in-law and married his secretary. In March 1949, he co-founded Abarth with fellow racing drive Guido Scagliarini – whose father was quite wealthy. The company logo of a scorpion, which comes from his Scorpio birth sign. In 1971, the company was sold to Fiat. No wonder the launch edition of the Abarth 600e is the ‘Scorpionissima' – with production limited to 1,949 units – in celebration of the company's historical start.
Performance and Design
Unlike the Fiat 600e, a practical family car, the Abarth version boosts performance substantially. The 600e is available in two variants: a standard model with up to 280hp and the Scorpionissima with up to 345Nm of torque, making it Abarth’s most powerful car to date. The latter’s power output significantly exceeds the Fiat 600e's 154hp.
The Abarth 600e also features numerous modifications to enhance its driving dynamics. The vehicle is lowered, and its track widened, accommodating 20-inch diamond-cut alloys. The suspension is stiffened to reduce roll, and it incorporates a JTEKT Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential for improved traction, particularly noticeable during corner exits. To complement its high speed, the car is equipped with 380mm Alcon-derived disc brakes.
Visually, the Abarth 600e sports an aggressive body kit and comes in various colours, including the striking Acid Green and an exclusive Hypnotic Purple for the Scorpionissima. The car maintains the friendly appearance of the Fiat 600e’s round headlights while adopting a more assertive style.
Driving Experience
The Abarth 600e offers a spirited driving experience, particularly evident on tight, winding roads and go-kart tracks, environments where the car’s chassis tuning shines. Despite not being the fastest in a straight line—the base model reaches 62mph in 6.2 seconds—it excels in cornering agility and handling. The car's heavier weight compared to rivals like the 2025 Mk8 Golf GTI doesn’t significantly diminish its enjoyable driving characteristics.
Drivers can tailor the car’s performance with three power modes: Turismo for efficiency, Scorpion Street for a balanced setup, and Scorpion Track for maximum power. These modes adjust various settings, including the accelerator pedal, ESP, and steering, affecting the overall drive feel.
Practicality and Comfort
The Abarth 600e remains practical for daily use. It offers viable rear seating for adults and a reasonable luggage capacity, ranging from 360 to 1,231 litres. However, the firmer suspension setup might compromise comfort on rougher British roads, presenting a trade-off between driving engagement and ride smoothness.
Cost and Value
Priced competitively within the hot hatch market, the Abarth 600e starts at £36,975, with the Scorpionissima variant slightly higher at £39,875. Both models stay below the UK Expensive Vehicle tax threshold, aligning the costs with other performance hatches and offering good value without the premium often associated with electric vehicles.
Range and Charging
The primary limitation of the Abarth 600e is its 54kWh battery, which provides a WLTP range of 207 miles—less than the Fiat 600e's 250 miles. The range decreases further under aggressive driving conditions. With a maximum DC charging rate of 100kW, the battery can recharge from 10% to 80% in 27 minutes, equating to about 160 miles of travel. This makes long-distance journeys feasible but requires frequent stops, which may not be ideal for all drivers.
Conclusion
The Abarth 600e presents itself as a compelling option for those seeking an electric vehicle that offers both fun driving dynamics and practical everyday usability. While it excels in performance and style, its limited range under spirited driving conditions and the compromise on comfort may affect its suitability for longer commutes or travel, highlighting a key area for potential improvement in future models.
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