Abarth 600e review

Abarth’s second EV, its most powerful-ever car, and the bigger brother to the 500e... though not in any way more grown up.

It’s been given more bling over the Fiat 600e upon which it’s based, and the numbers have been ramped up accordingly: 235bhp, 255lb ft and 0-62 in 6.2 seconds en route to 124mph flat out. Warm hatch territory.

But that’s only if you go for the base-level Abarth 600e: 1,949 build slots have been allocated for the ‘Scorpionissima’ launch version too, which ups the power to 278bhp and cuts the 0-62mph down to 5.9s. It also gets an artificial sound generator, but (thankfully) with more bass than in the 500e.

Either way, you also get a host of motorsport-focused mechanical goodies thrown in, like a Torsen limited-slip differential, Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres and thick 380mm monobloc brakes.

Do they make it fun to drive?

They do. The LSD makes all the difference when you chuck it head-first into a tight corner, and even with the tyres screeching in understeer, the level of front-wheel grip gives you the confidence to enter sequences at speed. That’s precisely what you want in a car that’s meant to serve as a do-it-all.

Although, it could do with more power. Abarth has made a big song and dance about this car’s figures, but that hype falls flat when you open it up on a straight.

The other big flaw is its range: Abarth quotes 207 miles from a 54kWh battery, but you'll get less in the real world and even less than that if you drive it as intended. Full details on the Driving tab.

What’s all that black plastic-y stuff on its face?

Better aero, innit. That cladding has been used plentifully across the body and is paired up with a wider track, sharp lines and a squat stance to give the 600e some proper muscle. Two-tone 20in hurricane-effect alloys sit at each corner with bright yellow centre caps protruding out too. Nice touch.

On closer inspection, the front bumper vents are partially exposed on one side, which more effectively channels air towards the section where the cooling sits. That rear wing is also vented - and much bigger than we’d originally thought - working alongside a thick shark fin aerial to bring some real aggression to the back.

Does comfort take a hit with all this sportiness?

Nope. The 600e comes with similar seats to the standard Fiat, while the Scorpionissima gets a set of buckets with fancy upholstery. The latter is instantly more appealing and a wee bit more snug. Head over to the Interior tab for more.

What are its main rivals? 

There are only a few, like the Cupra Born VZ and VW ID.3 GTX. They cost more than the Abarth's £36,975 entry figure though. Nearer on price is the MG 4 XPower, but its 400bhp plus gives it status it doesn't really deserve.

The Alfa Romeo Junior is probably closest outright, on account of it being a) Italian, and b) almost identical to the Scorpionissima performance-wise. Both are built by Stellantis too, so much of the switchgear, dials and tech is carried over.

Considering the extra 80bhp, improved mechanical toy box and super aggressive styling, Abarth’s take on the 600e is a good one. It falls short on the everyday basics, but it does the fast stuff well. Which is the whole point.

The Scorpionissima takes an even larger stride forward with more performance and a more attractive interior. But here's the issue: it's a limited-time deal. And once it's gone, everyone else will be left with a car that doesn't differentiate itself enough from Fiat's original blueprint. Come on Abarth, bucket seats should be for the many, not the few.