Overview
FIAT has launched its 500e Micro phase electrical hatch in Australia, the ‘La Prima’ first version variant a extremely specified tackle the Italian icon priced domestically from $52,500 plus on-road prices.
Provided for now in a single three-door, four-seat hatch physique model, the Turin-built 500e efficiently blends new expertise with retro Cinquecento design cues. It’s an unmistakeable (and decidedly cute) tackle the traditional ‘500’ and is provided with a zesty front-mounted electrical motor delivering 87kW of energy and 220Nm of torque.
Fiat says the 500e will speed up from standstill to 100km/h in 9.0 seconds, which feels pessimistic from behind the wheel.
The Fiat 500e La Prima is powered by a 42kWh lithium-ion battery pack that claims to ship a driving vary of 311km – that, we discovered, is considerably optimistic. Three driving ranges can be found together with Regular, Vary and Sherpa.
Fiat says the chassis of the 500e is designed to make sure each driving consolation and managed dynamics, the broader monitor (+56mm) and size (+61mm) of the car additionally offering better inside house.
The 500e’s flat ground, newly sculptured centre console and reprofiled door trims are mentioned to yield elevated cabin storage, the mannequin additionally claiming a renewed concentrate on high quality of match and end – possible to assist justify the 500e’s premium pricing.
Fiat says homeowners will instantly recognise inside design cues together with the traditional dashboard insert acquainted to early 500 fashions, the two-spoke steering wheel, and rounded 7.0-inch instrument cluster whereas having fun with the La Prima variant’s commonplace glass roof.
Infotainment duties fall to a ten.25-inch tablet-style display which hosts six-speaker sound, DAB+ digital radio reception, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, amongst different high-tech options.
Normal tools for the mannequin consists of attractive 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, daytime working lights and tail-lights, eco-leather upholstery in Ice Beige, 50:50 split-fold rear seats, six-way manually adjustable heated entrance seats, wi-fi system charging, keyless entry and begin, privateness glass, USB-A and -C charging ports, self-dimming rear-view mirror, single-zone local weather management, and automated headlights and wipers.
The 500e additionally affords what’s arguably one of the best commonplace security suite to but be supplied on a brand new Fiat mannequin.
Included as commonplace are autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and bike owner detection, visitors signal recognition, lane assist system, driver consideration help, blind spot monitor, reversing digicam, entrance and rear parking sensors, tyre stress monitoring, and adaptive cruise management with lane centring and visitors jam help.
The 500e scored a four-star ANCAP security ranking when examined in late 2022.
Six exterior colors can be found together with Ice White, Onyx Black, Ocean Inexperienced, Mineral Gray, Rose Gold, and Celestial Blue. Metallic paint choices appeal to a $700 premium whereas Tri-Coat hues ask $1600.
Driving Impressions
Through the late Nineteen Fifties, when American automobiles had been rising bigger, extra highly effective, and thirstier by the 12 months, the European market was targeted on economical and clever packaging, producing automobiles that weren’t solely reasonably priced, however sensible – a perfect mixture within the put up battle market.
Of the various fashions to enter that market was Italian producer Fiat’s “Bambino”, the five hundred named for its diminutive engine measurement – a mere 500 cubic centimetres – only a portion of the towering 327ci (5.3-litre) and 345ci (5.5-litre) V8 monsters on provide throughout the pond.
The five hundred was an endearing and enduring icon of put up battle Italy, and one that’s now recreated for the trendy age as a pure electrical providing.
It’s an all-new design; a smoother, and extra rounded instance of its type. However one that also holds true to the model of its earliest predecessor – and that feels distinctly compact when considered in opposition to the hordes of SUVs that dominate our roads.
The 500e (for electrical) is recognisably Fiat inside and outside, regardless of fashionable touches that embrace flush-mounted door handles, egg-shaped LED headlights, digital in-cabin screens, and naturally an EV powertrain.
Inbuilt Italy, the 500e packs a 42kWh lithium-ion battery and single 87kW/220Nm inside its three-door physique, providing a driving vary of as much as 311km and 0-80 per cent cost time of round 35 minutes. The actual-world driving vary of this compact city-slicker is round 260km, which feels applicable given its inner-urban enchantment.
We discovered Vary and Sherpa mode labored to significantly stretch the remaining cost of the 500e with out considerably dulling efficiency. The 500e stays a gentle and smart performer that works effectively within the hustle and bustle of the large metropolis, and is a cinch to park, becoming simply into these difficult spots the household SUV can’t.
The steering is gentle however correct, and the texture of the pedals fairly pure – one thing not all electrical automobiles succeed at.
That mentioned, the driving place stays paying homage to the outgoing mannequin, with a high-set seating place we suspect will rule out many taller patrons, particularly when there may be solely a cloth cowl between one’s scalp and the glass roof.
It was additionally apparent that the rear-view mirror hindered the view when wanting left. The 500e stays a automobile that it is advisable to “transfer round” in to position precisely, which may detract from its ease of operation.
Additionally apparent is the mannequin’s squeezy cabin. Becoming its measurement, the four-seat 500e is tight throughout the again seat and difficult to get into, the rear bench a greater match for teenagers than teenagers or adults. There additionally isn’t a whole lot of cargo house up again (185 litres), which means weekend street journeys gained’t simply be restricted by the electrical mannequin’s vary… not less than the 50:50 cut up seats assist.
On the street the 500e is fairly taut, giving it a zippy, however at instances uncomfortable experience. The bigger 17-inch wheels and low-profile tyres really feel at odds with the beefy spring price wanted to curtail physique motion when traversing damaged surfaces.
Regardless of its measurement the 500e is heavy little automobile, tipping the size at 1290kg. As a way of comparability, a household sized VR-series Holden Commodore weighed 1362kg again in 1994, exhibiting simply how weighty fashionable automobiles have grow to be.
The car’s regenerative braking is extra smart than others we may identify and is well managed in line with the aforementioned driving modes. It was additionally good to discover a vary of driving assistants that do exactly that – help! Extra producers ought to take a leaf from Fiat’s e book right here.
Whereas we did take pleasure in our time with the Fiat 500e, we should concede that it merely isn’t the perfect city EV.
Sure, it’s an amazing wanting little automobile that’s charming and straightforward to like, however its compromised packaging and appreciable record worth make it a tough buy to justify when measured in opposition to its rivals. Be sure you check drive a BYD Dolphin (from $38,890), GWM Ora (from $39,990), or an MG 4 (from $38,990) earlier than signing on the dotted line.
Your hip pocket will thanks.
