2023 Abarth 500e confirmed for Australia
A car brand known for its fire-breathing performance and crackling exhaust note is about to release a new model that will defy expectations.
A feisty new electric car is on the way.
Fiat has announced the Abarth 500e will arrive in Australia at the end of this year.
Abarths are known for their raucous demeanour, spitting exhaust notes and crackling engine sounds, but this model will let its performance do the talking.
It shares much of its bones with the recently launched Fiat 500e, including the 42kWh battery.
Power is bumped from 87kW and 220Nm in the Fiat to 114kW and 235Nm in the Abarth.
Driving range drops dramatically from 311km to 252km and the benchmark 0-100km/h time falls by 2 seconds to 7 seconds.
Prices also increase from $52,500 (before on-road costs) for the standard Fiat 500e to $58,900 for the Abarth 500e Turismo and $60,500 for the limited edition Scorpionissima.
This puts the Abarth in the same ballpark as quality electric car options such as the Cupra Born and base Tesla Model 3.
Abarth claims a wider wheelbase, higher torque figures and better weight distribution will make it more enjoyable to drive than the petrol versions.
Fans of the brand can be assured that it’ll still sound like an Abarth thanks to the “Abarth Sound Generator” that reproduces the noise of the petrol versions and their Record Monza exhaust.
The Abarth looks the part with vivid green or blue paintwork and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside buyers can expect Alcantara wrapped sports seats with green scorpion logos and green and blue contrast stitching throughout.
The battery can accept a max charge rate of 85kW via a DC fast charger, which can replenish the battery from zero to 80 per cent in 35 minutes.
You can completely fill the battery in a little more than four hours via an 11kW home wallbox charger.
Fiat and Abarth only cover their vehicles with a three-year/150,000km warranty, which is well below the industry standard five-year/unlimited km guarantee.
Originally published as 2023 Abarth 500e confirmed for Australia
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