Abarth 500e is a pint-sized electric hot hatch that’s faster where it matters

ABARTH has been turning dinky Fiat 500s into loud and proud hot hatches for decades.

The new Abarth 500e is its latest effort, but the angry little turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine Abarth has become known for is gone.

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That’s because the new 500e is now based on Fiat’s fully-electric city car.

In the petrol engine’s place is a 42kWh battery and a single electric motor at the front that produces 151hp.

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There’s slightly less power than the previous petrol Abarths, but more torque, meaning the new 500e is faster where it matters.

That’s not in a sprint from 0-62mph – where the 500e is much the same – but when it’s on the move.

Abarth reckons you’ll be able to overtake more swiftly and fire out of corners with more verve too.

The 500e also has better weight distribution and a wider stance to make sure it corners more keenly, plus bigger brakes for scrubbing off speed.

There are different driving modes too; Turismo for cruising with restricted power or Scorpion Street or Scorpion Track when you want to crack on.

When you take it easy, you’ll manage an electric range of around 140 miles and Abarth says you can top up around 30 miles of range in just five minutes.

A charge from 10-80% takes 35 minutes with the right charger.

But what about the signature Abarth exhaust noise? Well, the 500e plays you noises to replicate the old engine. Hmm.

On the outside the Abarth looks angrier than Fiat’s 500 with upgraded LED headlights, a sporty bodykit with diffusers and a rear boot spoiler.

Inside you’ll find figure-hugging seats, gleaming sports pedals and a sporty steering wheel, plus a widescreen infotainment system.

There’s no word on UK prices just yet, but expect the new Abarth 500e to start from around £35,000.

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