(Elbil24): Just five years ago there were hardly any electric cars to choose from. The selection was limited, but that time is over. There are now electric cars in all classes and segments. It is almost as if the car manufacturers now have to think in the box to find a new model to launch. They avoid that at Abarth, which has a clear mission for its newcomers.
They should be cheeky and sporty – all as one.
And the Abarth 600e is no exception. For us grown-ups, it is easy to say Fiat Abarth, as previously it was just connected, but Abarth is now a separate brand, in the same way that Cupra is no longer part of Seat, but has also become an independent brand, with its own models.
At the same time, it must be said that the Abarth 600 e is naturally an offshoot of the Fiat 600e, but it will not be well received if you combine Fiat and Abarth, and call the car Fiat Abarth 600e. Be ashamed!
What more?
When Abarth now launches the 600e as a new and fully electric model, it is like a 75-year gift to itself. When we say that the Abarth is also associated with fresh kicks, the 600e is no exception.
This is the most powerful car that has ever come with the scorpion as a logo – their trademark. That’s probably why they also call it the Abarth 600e Scorpionissima.
Over 15,000 used electric cars on Finn: Do not buy until you have read this
Inside, we naturally recognize the main ingredients, which are of course from the Fiat 600e, but in a much fresher version. Both the steering wheel and seats have been stitched in contrasting colours. The seats are also in partial leather, with alcantara in the seat and back cushions. They have also been given extra side support, just to show that they support those who have a more sporty driving style. As for the steering wheel, in addition to the contrast stitching, it has also been given a center mark, just so you don’t have to wonder where the wheels are pointing. The steering wheel has also received details of alcantara.
High up in the middle of the dashboard sits a 10-inch screen where, on the Abarth model, you can bring up instruments that show sporty details – things that are not essential when the family is going on a trip, but which are more suited to a playful speed enthusiast. Here you can also check whether you want the fake sports sound on or off – and this was not meant negatively, because on many an electric car with an artificial engine sound it is actually a good help. Because let’s not be in any doubt that sound is also an important sense when driving.
Rarely have we had more fun behind the wheel!
view more
Most powerful ever
But how much fun is it possible to have with an Abarth 600e then? Well, we don’t know all the specs yet, but driving pleasure is far more than just performance. What we have been told, however, is that it will have 240 horsepower at its disposal, which is far more than, for example, the 155 horsepower its relative Abarth 500e has been equipped with. To keep track of what must necessarily be a high torque, it is also equipped with a mechanical LSD, or Limited Slip Differential, which is the long name. The fact that this is mechanical makes it much more fun to deal with than the electronic ones, which really only cut power, rather than functioning like the mechanical ones, which gradually slow down the wheel that loses grip rather than cutting the power supply.
Test drive: Fiat 600e
We do not yet know how big a battery the car will have, nor what the range will be. The curb weight has not yet been stated either, because the car will not be launched until June.
Unfortunately, there is little indication that it will come to Norway anytime soon. Bertel O. Steen AS is the importer of the Stellantis brands, where Abarth is located. BOS, on the other hand, does not wish to handle more brands than they already have, and in that case it does not currently look bright for Abarth in Norway. But for those who really want an Abarth 600e, the road is not far across the border to Sweden or Germany – or Italy for that matter. A little paperwork and you can hopefully be the happy owner of an Abarth 600e.
