Fiat has totally redesigned its iconic 500 and it’s fully-electric to boot! Massimo Pini reports from the UK launch.
The new 500e was developed as an electric car from the ground up – as opposed to the electrified version of the previous model, launched in 2013 but not sold in Europe – and it really is a significant step forward in every way.
While petrol-powered versions of the ‘old’ 500 will continue to be produced at Fiat's factory in Poland, the new zero-emission model is rolling off the line at the Mirafiori plant in Turin where the original versions were produced and the 500e proudly proclaims as much with discreet ‘Made in Torino’ detailing in the door pulls as well as a Turin skyline in the centre of the dash on the phone charging pad.
The 500e’s design is clearly recognisable as a subtle and sophisticated evolution of the 500. Its stance is more sporty and ‘planted’, especially when fitted with the 17-inch rims that come as standard on the range-topping models. Although every panel has been changed, it’s the details that really stand out, especially the ‘eyelids’ on the two-part headlights. Some say they give the car a sleepy or grumpy expression but I see determined and purposeful.
The new car is longer and wider and that means a little bit more space for passengers and the interior quality has also improved with four trim levels to choose from: Action, Passion, Icon and the fully-loaded launch edition called La Prima. Push-button, electronic door locks are a neat touch of luxury but back-up manual releases are also integrated lower down on the door panel if needed. External door handles are something of a weak point on the previous model so the 500e has done away with them altogether, favouring cut-outs in the doors that conceal push-button releases similar to the type you find on a typical hatchback tailgate – a very neat solution.
As before it's available as either a hatchback or a cabriolet as there are no current plans to market the ‘Trepiuno’ 3+1-door version in the UK.
There are two battery options - a 23.7kWh pack aimed more at city use and a 42kWh version with a longer range. The smaller battery is only fitted to the entry level Action model and delivers a range of up to 112 miles on a full charge, while the larger unit extends that to 199 miles (Fiat’s Marketing Manager, Andrea Lo Presti said that they tried everything to make it 200!) and offers more zippy performance.
In fact, when it comes to standing start acceleration, the 42kWh electric 500 is the quickest of all 500 versions, barring Abarths, with a 0 to 62mph time of nine seconds. Top speed is a more than adequate 93mph or 84mph for the lower powered model.
Prices start from £19,995 including the Government grant for electric cars but I sampled the Icon version (expected to be the top seller) in hatchback form, which starts at £27,995, although the optional Eye Park Pack and Transport Protection for special paint pushed the OTR up to £29,845.
On the move, the 500e felt a lot more refined than any other 500 I’ve driven. Ride quality is a vast improvement and the combination of better cabin insulation, comfortable seats and effortless power delivery, left me with the distinct impression that I’d been upgraded. Of course, the upgrade does come at a price as the 500e is far and away the most expensive Fiat 500 you can buy, but in the context of other small electric cars, eg: the Honda e, its pricing is competitive.
The 500e has three drive modes to enable you to squeeze the best out of its performance: Normal, Range and Sherpa. Normal will suit drivers who are used to a standard petrol- or diesel-powered automatic, while Range mode allows single pedal operation with plenty of regenerative braking from the motor as you lift off to ultimately bring you to a complete standstill, if required. It takes a bit of getting used to but works very well once mastered. Drivers who suffer with range anxiety will probably prefer the Sherpa mode, which maximises range by switching off ancillary functions such as air conditioning and restricting your speed to 50mph.
The steering is light and the turning circle tight, so manoeuvrability is a strong suit and just what buyers will be looking for in a car that’s likely to spend much of its time in urban landscapes.
Recharging up to 80 per cent takes around half an hour from a fast charger although a full charge from a domestic supply can take over fifteen hours (or around eight for the smaller battery).
All models have a seven-inch TFT instrument cluster and the information displayed is clear and easy to read. Our Icon-spec test car also came with the 10.25-inch display screen fitted to the La Prima but not the fancy eco-leather upholstery – we made do with fabric.
The new 500e is a significant car for Fiat. Replacing the badge on the front for a 500 logo takes them further down the road in fully separating the 500 as a sub-brand, so it’s absolutely crucial that the new car is deemed a success.
Rivals could match or even better the technology that underpins this electric Fiat, but in retaining the essence of what makes the 500 uniquely appealing – it’s iconic Italian style – I’m sure Fiat is onto a winner.