Latest news with #Abarth500e
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Electric Fiat, Abarth 500e prices slashed by upwards of $20,000
Fiat has slashed thousands off the prices of its electric city car lineup amid slow sales. The Fiat 500e is now being offered for $38,990 drive-away nationwide, compared to $52,500 before on-road costs before. Taking into account on-road costs, the 500e is almost $20,000 cheaper in Victoria. The Abarth 500e Scorpionissima has been slashed to $43,990 drive-away, down from $60,500 before on-road costs – a saving of over $20,000 compared to the usual drive-away price. The $38,990 drive-away offer is for both new and demonstrator examples of the Fiat 500e La Prima in Ice White delivered until September 30, 2025. The 500e La Prima comes with a single electric motor making 87kW/220Nm, driving the front wheels. Electric driving range from the 42kWh lithium-ion battery pack is officially 311km on the WLTP cycle, with 85kW charging capability meaning an 80 per cent top-up in around 35 minutes. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. As well as its iconic shape, the 500e La Prima also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and 'eco-leather' seat upholstery. The hotter Scorpionissima version from Abarth – Fiat's high-performance tuning division – can be had in Acid Green or Poison Blue for its $43,990 drive-away price until September 10, 2025. The Scorpionissima sits above the Turismo in the two-variant Abarth 500e lineup. Fiat announced only 219 Scorpionissima would be coming to Australia when the punchier 500e was launched in 2024. There's more grunt – and a painstakingly tuned synthesized 'engine' note to match – with outputs of 113kW/235Nm, and a 0-100km/h sprint in 7.0 seconds but with the same 42kWh battery reducing driving range to 253km. For the sacrifice, the Abarth brings 18-inch alloys, unique digital instrument graphics and Alcantara trim among its upgrades. In the first half of 2025, 500e sales totaled 72 across both Fiat and Abarth versions, compared to 135 examples of the petrol-powered Fiat/Abarth 500 lineup. This means Fiat/Abarth 500e sales are down 45.9 per cent compared to the first half of 2024. While small numbers, the 500e made up 34.8 per cent of total 500/500e sales, making the seventh-highest penetration of electric for models also offered with internal combustion engines. Production of the 500e was halted in 2024 amid slow global sales, with a hybrid version now in the works with production planned to start at the end of 2025. MORE: Explore the Fiat 500e showroom MORE: Explore the Abarth 500e showroom MORE: Australia's best-selling EVs in the first half of 2025 Content originally sourced from: Fiat has slashed thousands off the prices of its electric city car lineup amid slow sales. The Fiat 500e is now being offered for $38,990 drive-away nationwide, compared to $52,500 before on-road costs before. Taking into account on-road costs, the 500e is almost $20,000 cheaper in Victoria. The Abarth 500e Scorpionissima has been slashed to $43,990 drive-away, down from $60,500 before on-road costs – a saving of over $20,000 compared to the usual drive-away price. The $38,990 drive-away offer is for both new and demonstrator examples of the Fiat 500e La Prima in Ice White delivered until September 30, 2025. The 500e La Prima comes with a single electric motor making 87kW/220Nm, driving the front wheels. Electric driving range from the 42kWh lithium-ion battery pack is officially 311km on the WLTP cycle, with 85kW charging capability meaning an 80 per cent top-up in around 35 minutes. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. As well as its iconic shape, the 500e La Prima also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and 'eco-leather' seat upholstery. The hotter Scorpionissima version from Abarth – Fiat's high-performance tuning division – can be had in Acid Green or Poison Blue for its $43,990 drive-away price until September 10, 2025. The Scorpionissima sits above the Turismo in the two-variant Abarth 500e lineup. Fiat announced only 219 Scorpionissima would be coming to Australia when the punchier 500e was launched in 2024. There's more grunt – and a painstakingly tuned synthesized 'engine' note to match – with outputs of 113kW/235Nm, and a 0-100km/h sprint in 7.0 seconds but with the same 42kWh battery reducing driving range to 253km. For the sacrifice, the Abarth brings 18-inch alloys, unique digital instrument graphics and Alcantara trim among its upgrades. In the first half of 2025, 500e sales totaled 72 across both Fiat and Abarth versions, compared to 135 examples of the petrol-powered Fiat/Abarth 500 lineup. This means Fiat/Abarth 500e sales are down 45.9 per cent compared to the first half of 2024. While small numbers, the 500e made up 34.8 per cent of total 500/500e sales, making the seventh-highest penetration of electric for models also offered with internal combustion engines. Production of the 500e was halted in 2024 amid slow global sales, with a hybrid version now in the works with production planned to start at the end of 2025. MORE: Explore the Fiat 500e showroom MORE: Explore the Abarth 500e showroom MORE: Australia's best-selling EVs in the first half of 2025 Content originally sourced from: Fiat has slashed thousands off the prices of its electric city car lineup amid slow sales. The Fiat 500e is now being offered for $38,990 drive-away nationwide, compared to $52,500 before on-road costs before. Taking into account on-road costs, the 500e is almost $20,000 cheaper in Victoria. The Abarth 500e Scorpionissima has been slashed to $43,990 drive-away, down from $60,500 before on-road costs – a saving of over $20,000 compared to the usual drive-away price. The $38,990 drive-away offer is for both new and demonstrator examples of the Fiat 500e La Prima in Ice White delivered until September 30, 2025. The 500e La Prima comes with a single electric motor making 87kW/220Nm, driving the front wheels. Electric driving range from the 42kWh lithium-ion battery pack is officially 311km on the WLTP cycle, with 85kW charging capability meaning an 80 per cent top-up in around 35 minutes. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. As well as its iconic shape, the 500e La Prima also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and 'eco-leather' seat upholstery. The hotter Scorpionissima version from Abarth – Fiat's high-performance tuning division – can be had in Acid Green or Poison Blue for its $43,990 drive-away price until September 10, 2025. The Scorpionissima sits above the Turismo in the two-variant Abarth 500e lineup. Fiat announced only 219 Scorpionissima would be coming to Australia when the punchier 500e was launched in 2024. There's more grunt – and a painstakingly tuned synthesized 'engine' note to match – with outputs of 113kW/235Nm, and a 0-100km/h sprint in 7.0 seconds but with the same 42kWh battery reducing driving range to 253km. For the sacrifice, the Abarth brings 18-inch alloys, unique digital instrument graphics and Alcantara trim among its upgrades. In the first half of 2025, 500e sales totaled 72 across both Fiat and Abarth versions, compared to 135 examples of the petrol-powered Fiat/Abarth 500 lineup. This means Fiat/Abarth 500e sales are down 45.9 per cent compared to the first half of 2024. While small numbers, the 500e made up 34.8 per cent of total 500/500e sales, making the seventh-highest penetration of electric for models also offered with internal combustion engines. Production of the 500e was halted in 2024 amid slow global sales, with a hybrid version now in the works with production planned to start at the end of 2025. MORE: Explore the Fiat 500e showroom MORE: Explore the Abarth 500e showroom MORE: Australia's best-selling EVs in the first half of 2025 Content originally sourced from: Fiat has slashed thousands off the prices of its electric city car lineup amid slow sales. The Fiat 500e is now being offered for $38,990 drive-away nationwide, compared to $52,500 before on-road costs before. Taking into account on-road costs, the 500e is almost $20,000 cheaper in Victoria. The Abarth 500e Scorpionissima has been slashed to $43,990 drive-away, down from $60,500 before on-road costs – a saving of over $20,000 compared to the usual drive-away price. The $38,990 drive-away offer is for both new and demonstrator examples of the Fiat 500e La Prima in Ice White delivered until September 30, 2025. The 500e La Prima comes with a single electric motor making 87kW/220Nm, driving the front wheels. Electric driving range from the 42kWh lithium-ion battery pack is officially 311km on the WLTP cycle, with 85kW charging capability meaning an 80 per cent top-up in around 35 minutes. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. As well as its iconic shape, the 500e La Prima also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and 'eco-leather' seat upholstery. The hotter Scorpionissima version from Abarth – Fiat's high-performance tuning division – can be had in Acid Green or Poison Blue for its $43,990 drive-away price until September 10, 2025. The Scorpionissima sits above the Turismo in the two-variant Abarth 500e lineup. Fiat announced only 219 Scorpionissima would be coming to Australia when the punchier 500e was launched in 2024. There's more grunt – and a painstakingly tuned synthesized 'engine' note to match – with outputs of 113kW/235Nm, and a 0-100km/h sprint in 7.0 seconds but with the same 42kWh battery reducing driving range to 253km. For the sacrifice, the Abarth brings 18-inch alloys, unique digital instrument graphics and Alcantara trim among its upgrades. In the first half of 2025, 500e sales totaled 72 across both Fiat and Abarth versions, compared to 135 examples of the petrol-powered Fiat/Abarth 500 lineup. This means Fiat/Abarth 500e sales are down 45.9 per cent compared to the first half of 2024. While small numbers, the 500e made up 34.8 per cent of total 500/500e sales, making the seventh-highest penetration of electric for models also offered with internal combustion engines. Production of the 500e was halted in 2024 amid slow global sales, with a hybrid version now in the works with production planned to start at the end of 2025. MORE: Explore the Fiat 500e showroom MORE: Explore the Abarth 500e showroom MORE: Australia's best-selling EVs in the first half of 2025 Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
6 days ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Electric Fiat, Abarth 500e prices slashed by upwards of $20,000
Fiat has slashed thousands off the prices of its electric city car lineup amid slow sales. The Fiat 500e is now being offered for $38,990 drive-away nationwide, compared to $52,500 before on-road costs before. Taking into account on-road costs, the 500e is almost $20,000 cheaper in Victoria. The Abarth 500e Scorpionissima has been slashed to $43,990 drive-away, down from $60,500 before on-road costs – a saving of over $20,000 compared to the usual drive-away price. The $38,990 drive-away offer is for both new and demonstrator examples of the Fiat 500e La Prima in Ice White delivered until September 30, 2025. The 500e La Prima comes with a single electric motor making 87kW/220Nm, driving the front wheels. Electric driving range from the 42kWh lithium-ion battery pack is officially 311km on the WLTP cycle, with 85kW charging capability meaning an 80 per cent top-up in around 35 minutes. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. As well as its iconic shape, the 500e La Prima also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and 'eco-leather' seat upholstery. The hotter Scorpionissima version from Abarth – Fiat's high-performance tuning division – can be had in Acid Green or Poison Blue for its $43,990 drive-away price until September 10, 2025. The Scorpionissima sits above the Turismo in the two-variant Abarth 500e lineup. Fiat announced only 219 Scorpionissima would be coming to Australia when the punchier 500e was launched in 2024. There's more grunt – and a painstakingly tuned synthesized 'engine' note to match – with outputs of 113kW/235Nm, and a 0-100km/h sprint in 7.0 seconds but with the same 42kWh battery reducing driving range to 253km. For the sacrifice, the Abarth brings 18-inch alloys, unique digital instrument graphics and Alcantara trim among its upgrades. In the first half of 2025, 500e sales totaled 72 across both Fiat and Abarth versions, compared to 135 examples of the petrol-powered Fiat/Abarth 500 lineup. This means Fiat/Abarth 500e sales are down 45.9 per cent compared to the first half of 2024. While small numbers, the 500e made up 34.8 per cent of total 500/500e sales, making the seventh-highest penetration of electric for models also offered with internal combustion engines. Production of the 500e was halted in 2024 amid slow global sales, with a hybrid version now in the works with production planned to start at the end of 2025.
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Electric Fiat, Abarth 500e prices slashed by upwards of $20,000
Fiat has slashed thousands off the prices of its electric city car lineup amid slow sales. The Fiat 500e is now being offered for $38,990 drive-away nationwide, compared to $52,500 before on-road costs before. Taking into account on-road costs, the 500e is almost $20,000 cheaper in Victoria. The Abarth 500e Scorpionissima has been slashed to $43,990 drive-away, down from $60,500 before on-road costs – a saving of over $20,000 compared to the usual drive-away price. The $38,990 drive-away offer is for both new and demonstrator examples of the Fiat 500e La Prima in Ice White delivered until September 30, 2025. The 500e La Prima comes with a single electric motor making 87kW/220Nm, driving the front wheels. Electric driving range from the 42kWh lithium-ion battery pack is officially 311km on the WLTP cycle, with 85kW charging capability meaning an 80 per cent top-up in around 35 minutes. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert As well as its iconic shape, the 500e La Prima also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and 'eco-leather' seat upholstery. The hotter Scorpionissima version from Abarth – Fiat's high-performance tuning division – can be had in Acid Green or Poison Blue for its $43,990 drive-away price until September 10, 2025. The Scorpionissima sits above the Turismo in the two-variant Abarth 500e lineup. Fiat announced only 219 Scorpionissima would be coming to Australia when the punchier 500e was launched in 2024. There's more grunt – and a painstakingly tuned synthesized 'engine' note to match – with outputs of 113kW/235Nm, and a 0-100km/h sprint in 7.0 seconds but with the same 42kWh battery reducing driving range to 253km. Supplied Credit: CarExpert For the sacrifice, the Abarth brings 18-inch alloys, unique digital instrument graphics and Alcantara trim among its upgrades. In the first half of 2025, 500e sales totaled 72 across both Fiat and Abarth versions, compared to 135 examples of the petrol-powered Fiat/Abarth 500 lineup. This means Fiat/Abarth 500e sales are down 45.9 per cent compared to the first half of 2024. While small numbers, the 500e made up 34.8 per cent of total 500/500e sales, making the seventh-highest penetration of electric for models also offered with internal combustion engines. Production of the 500e was halted in 2024 amid slow global sales, with a hybrid version now in the works with production planned to start at the end of 2025. Supplied Credit: CarExpert MORE: Explore the Fiat 500e showroom MORE: Explore the Abarth 500e showroom MORE: Australia's best-selling EVs in the first half of 2025
The Independent
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Best small electric cars 2025: Top 11 affordable compact EVs to buy
Electric cars aren't as expensive as you think. The EV market is rapidly evolving, and owning a brand-new EV is now more accessible than ever. You can drive away in a fully electric car for under £15,000, and a range of well-equipped models sit comfortably below £30,000, offering impressive range and features as standard. While high-end EVs grab all the headlines, there are plenty of options when it comes to budget-friendly electric cars. We've gathered our selection of our favourite compact EVs that make going electric surprisingly affordable, whether you're buying outright or leasing. In the £30k arena we have the stylish Volvo EX30 and the reliable Ford Puma Gen-E. But you can spend even less with ultra-affordable options like the Dacia Spring (starting at a remarkably low £14,995 – a bargain for any new car, especially an EV). No matter your budget, there's a small electric car to meet your needs. Our list also features the playful Abarth 500e and the surprisingly compact Jeep Avenger, which packs rugged SUV styling into a smaller footprint, sharing its platform with other well-regarded EVs like the Vauxhall Mokka. While these smaller EVs may have shorter ranges than their larger counterparts due to their battery size, many still deliver over 200 miles on a single charge, and their smaller batteries mean quicker charging times and lower running costs. Keep reading to explore our top 10 picks for the best small electric cars on the market. How we tested Every car featured in this article has been driven extensively and reviewed by The Independent before its inclusion in the top 10 is considered. We test electric cars in real-world situations, including car parks and charging stations, as well as in town and city streets, country lanes, A-roads and motorways throughout the UK, and often across Europe and around the world. To pick the best small EVs we considered their size, of course, but also their value for money, how they drive and what key features they have. This includes their battery size and range, but also their efficiency and how quickly they charge, plus an assessment of must-have features like smartphone connectivity and semi-autonomous driving technology. The best small EV isn't necessarily the smallest or even the most affordable. We consider a range of factors that, when combined, can elevate a car above its rivals. The best small electric cars 2025 Independent rating: 7/10 Pros: Premium design, strong performance, good value Cons: Touchscreen frustrations, limited rear space, short range of smaller battery Volvo EX30 specs Dimensions: 4,233 long x 1,838 wide x 1,550 mm tall Price range: £32,850 to £42,350 Battery size: 51 kWh or 69 kWh Maximum claimed range: 296 miles Miles per kWh (claimed): 3.68 Maximum charging rate: 158kW The Volvo EX30 is a stylish EV that proves small electric cars can still offer a great range. In this case the little Volvo has a maximum range of almost 300 miles when bought with the larger of two battery options. Although small by Volvo standards, the EX30 is still big enough to work as a young family's only car, and it benefits from fast charging, a premium design inside and out, and good performance even in the base model. It drives well and is properly quick if you splash out on the dual-motor version. The five-seat cabin is minimal in its design, but makes good use of recycled materials to keep things interesting. Volvo has clearly spent an admittedly tight budget in the right places to keep the EX30 feeling premium. Clever storage, frameless mirrors and nicely sculpted door handles all elevate the ownership experience, but the lack of a driver display takes a bit of getting used to, since the speedometer (and the car's entire user interface) is on the central touchscreen. That said, the Android Automotive system works better than most, and there's always Apple CarPlay integration if you prefer. The EX30 is an impressive small EV that offers plenty of range and the trappings of a premium badge at a competitive price. 2. Dacia Spring: From £14,995, Best: For value Independent rating: 8/10 Dacia Spring specs Dimensions: 3,701 long x 1,583 wide x 1,519 mm tall Price range: £14,995 to £16,995 Battery size: 26.8 kWh Maximum claimed range: 140 miles Miles per kWh (claimed): 4.4 Maximum charging rate: 30 kW The Dacia Spring isn't just good value for an EV. It's one of the cheapest new cars on sale, period. And since it's already proven to be a smash hit in Europe, there's no reason to think the Spring won't do very well in the UK too. The small battery and slow charge rate means the Spring isn't a car well-suited to long journeys, but for a town centre runabout it could be the perfect EV for a lot of people. Charge at home – or even top it up using solar power – and the Spring will give you very cheap local motoring, whether it's the school run, the weekly shop or as a commuter car to get you to the train station. Although not massive, the Spring has enough space for two adults and two children, plus the boot is big enough for a week's worth of groceries. You shouldn't expect plush materials in the cabin, or any extra safety tech beyond what is legally required, but there's still a helpful amount of tech on board, especially if you go for a higher trim level. Renault-owned Dacia provides a seven-year warranty on cars services at its own dealerships. In a world that has quickly become accustomed to spending at least £30,000 on even a small EV, the Dacia Spring offers fantastic value for money. Best: For boot space Independent rating: 7/10 Pros: Familiar Puma charm, loads of storage, decent standard tech, composed handling Cons: Modest range, only one battery option, cabin quality decent but not premium Ford Puma Gen-E specs Price range: £29,995 to £31,995 Battery size: 43kWh Maximum claimed range: 233 miles Miles per kWh: Up to 4.7 Maximum charging rate: 100kW Ford entered the competitive small electric SUV market in 2025 by electrifying its UK best-seller, the Puma. The Puma Gen-E successfully retains the core appeal of its petrol sibling with engaging handling and impressive 523 litre boot capacity thanks to the so-called 'GigaBox' underfloor storage– a major advantage for families needing space. Standard equipment is decent, featuring large screens with wireless smartphone integration, and its sub-£30k starting price is competitive, further enhanced by Ford's appealing 'Power Promise' package which offers a free home charger, charging credits and more. To retain the Puma's shape and character, Ford has had to compromise on the battery size. The modest 43kWh capacity translates to a real-world figure often below 200 miles, trailing even cheaper rivals that offer 250-300 miles. It's efficient however (expect up to 4.7 mi/kWh), and the limited range makes it best suited for urban duties or shorter commutes rather than regular long journeys. It's a competent electric conversion of a popular car, especially strong on practicality and fun, and while it's ideal for most Puma fans its range limitations place it behind the curve compared to the best purpose-built small EVs. Independent rating: 7/10 Pros: Fun to drive, revamped interior, attractive OLED touchscreen Cons: Limited range in Cooper E guise, slow charging, steep software learning curve Mini Cooper SE specs Dimensions: 3,858 long x 1,928 wide x 1,460 mm tall Price range: £30,000 to £34,500 Battery size: 36.6 kWh or 49.2 kWh Maximum claimed range: 182 to 249 miles Miles per kWh (claimed): 4.2 to 4.4 Maximum charging rate: 75 to 95 kW Ever since the British brand was relaunched by BMW at the start of the century, the Mini Cooper has been known for providing style and fun in a compact package at a premium price. That same recipe holds true for the latest model, which starts at £30,000 but packs a high-quality interior that's more spacious than ever (despite the car being no larger than its predecessor), and with a healthy dose of high-end tech. Nowhere is this more apparent than with the all-new infotainment system, which runs on a striking, circular OLED touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard. The user interface has a fairly steep learning curve, but persevere and you'll soon enjoy the characterful little Cooper. The new electric Mini is as fun to drive as ever, with extra performance if you pay for the pricier Cooper SE, and an improved range of up to 249 miles. All that fun comes at a cost though, as the ride is quite firm, the rear seats are still best reserved for children on longer journeys, and at just 75 kW the charge rate of the entry-level Cooper E isn't what it should be, especially given the price. That said, if you understand the Cooper's limits when it comes to range and charge speed, this is a seriously fun EV that's loaded with character. Best: For families Independent rating: 8/10 Citroen e-C3 specs Dimensions: 4,015 long x 1,755 wide x 1,577 mm tall Price range: £21,990 to £23,690 Battery size: 45 kWh Maximum claimed range: 199 miles Miles per kWh (claimed): 3.6 Maximum charging rate: 100kW The Citroen e-C3 stands for everything we like about small, affordable cars. Not only is it a relatively cheap EV, but that affordability comes without any obvious trade-offs. It's just a sensible, practical and comfortable small car that just so happens to be electric, and is terrific value all at the same time. Only the incredibly low price of the Dacia Spring can undercut the Citroen. And for that extra cash – but remember, it's still comfortably under £25,000 – you get more range, much quicker charging (quicker than a Mini Cooper), and a roomy cabin. We found the e-C3 to be really comfortable around town, yet quick enough when required. And while the interior materials aren't particularly luxurious, there's enough space for four adults – more so than the smaller Dacia – and a decent boot, too. Citroen has sensibly kept the e-C3 lineup nice and simple, with just two options to consider. Our pick would be the more modest Plus specification, which comes with all the kit you'd need yet costs just under £22,000. That represents fantastic value for any car of this size, let alone an EV. Independent rating: 7/10 Pros: Characterful design, easy to drive, well priced Cons: Small in the second row, feels slightly underpowered, cheap interior plastics Jeep Avenger specs Dimensions: 4,084 long x 1,797 wide x 1,536 mm tall Price range: £34,999 to £38,899 Battery size: 54 kWh Maximum claimed range: 248 miles Miles per kWh (claimed): 4.0 Maximum charging rate: 100kW It might look like a big, off-roading 4x4 but the Avenger is actually pretty small. Instead of a mud-plugging SUV it's a compact city car with bags of character and Tonka toy styling that fans of the Jeep brand will love. It shares the same electric platform as the Peugeot e-2008, Vauxhall Mokka and Citroen e-C4, but clothes it in a body that is distinctly Jeep, and even capable of a little bit of light off-roading, despite only being front-wheel-drive. If you need more, a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Avenger will be along later. We like the practicality of the Avenger, inside and out. The interior has plenty of thoughtful storage options and there's a decent amount of tech in flagship Summit trim level, including wireless phone charging and LED lights all round. A quoted range of up to 250 miles should be enough for most drivers, and at 100 kW the Jeep charges fairly quickly for a car that starts at about £35,000. Although cleverly designed, the interior has slightly too many hard and scratchy plastics to be perfect. It's also a bit cramped in the second row, and can feel a little underpowered on quicker roads. That said, we're still big fans of the Avenger's characterful design, how easy it is to drive – it really is one of those cars that puts a smile on your face after just a few miles behind the wheel – and the sub-£40,000 price tag. Independent rating: 7/10 Pros: Fun to drive, funky looks Cons: Cramped cabin, limited range Abarth 500e specs Dimensions: 3,673 long x 1,682 wide x 1,518 mm tall Price range: £31,195 to £38,195 (after grant) Battery size: 42.2 kWh Maximum claimed range: 150-164 miles Miles per kWh (claimed): 3.6 Maximum charging rate: 84 kW Although not an objectively great electric car on paper – you can blame the slow charging speed, cramped cabin and small battery for that – the Abarth 500e has a sense of fun that few EVs can match. It comes from the performance division of Fiat and is available in hard-top and convertible forms – the latter still a rarity with its ability to provide open-air EV motoring. It has more power than the Fiat, with enough punch to feel quick and chassis modifications that make it more responsive in the corners, but without ruining comfort. Those changes aside, the Abarth is still physically very similar to the Fiat 500e, so the rear seats remain cramped and clamouring into them is still a faff. It's also fairly range-limited, at about 150 miles if you're careful, and the charge speed isn't great for speedy top-ups. But we challenge you not to smile when you're behind the wheel, thanks to the Abarth's ramped up performance, funky styling and artificial sound generator that all help give it a cheeky, playful character that few EVs can get close to. The new Mini Cooper E is a worthy rival and has extra cabin space, but it costs more. Best: For kit Independent rating: 7/10 Pros: Well-equipped, decent range, spacious and nicely designed interior Cons: Active model is underpowered, relatively slow charging, forgettable exterior design BYD Dolphin specs Dimensions: 4,290 long x 1,770 wide x 1,570 mm tall Price range: £26,195 to £31,695 Battery size: 44.9 to 60.4 kWh Maximum claimed range: 195 to 265 miles Miles per kWh (claimed): 3.9 to 4.08 Maximum charging rate: 65 to 88 kW Vying with Tesla for the title of world's largest electric car maker, Chinese firm BYD recently brought its Dolphin to the UK. This is a compact but surprisingly well-equipped five-door family car with a good range and a price that starts just over £25,000. The exterior styling is on the forgettable side, but the interior is nicely designed, with good use of soft fabrics to make it feel less spartan than some rivals, and an attention-grabbing display that rotates electronically between portrait and landscape. There's a good amount of kit included as standard, but we recommend you pay the extra £1,000 for the Boost trim option, as the entry-level Active feels a little underpowered. The Dolphin rides well and is pleasant to drive, with more refinement than you might expect from a car at this price range. It's far from sporty, of course, but for the vast majority of buyers that doesn't matter one bit. The larger battery of the Comfort and Design trims takes the claimed range up to a truly impressive 265 miles, but fairly slow charging means you'll see no more than 88 kW when you plug into a public charger. Inside you'll find more rear legroom than in an electric Mini Cooper or Vauxhall Corsa, and every version of Dolphin comes with electrically-adjustable front seats. Plus there's Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, so you can spend less time dealing with BYD's fiddly infotainment system. Independent rating: 6/10 Pros: Easy to drive, good range, excellent second-hand value Cons: Poor crash safety rating, cramped rear seats, slow charge speed Renault Zoe specs Dimensions: 4,087 long x 1,787 wide x 1,562 mm tall Price range: £29,995 to £31,995 (when new) Battery size: 52 kWh Maximum claimed range: 245 miles Miles per kWh (claimed): 4.6 Maximum charging rate: 46 kW Although no longer in production, the Renault Zoe is a good compact EV with an impressive range and a good amount of kit when treated to the top trim level by its first owner. Some models include heated seats and a rear view camera, while all second-generation examples come with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Late examples with the larger 52 kWh battery had a claimed range of over 200 miles, giving them plenty of real-world stamina. The Zoe charges fairly slowly, however, with a 10-80 percent top-up likely to take around 50 minutes, since its charge rate is limited to 46 kW. A second-hand Zoe might not be enough as your only car, but if you need a second vehicle for school runs, supermarket shops and train station commutes, the little Renault represents fantastic value, with used examples now starting at under £4,000. Even much newer models are now around the £10,000 mark. All that lets the Zoe down is a crash safety rating that was downgraded late in the car's life, partially owing to its lack of modern crash-avoidance technology. 10. Ora 03: From £31,995, Best: For range Independent rating: 6/10 Ora O3 specs Dimensions: 4,235 long x 1,825 wide x 1,603 mm tall Price range: £31,995 to £34,995 Battery size: 48 kWh to 63 kWh Maximum claimed range: 260 miles Miles per kWh (claimed): 3.77 Maximum charging rate: 64 kW Briefly known as the Ora Funky Cat, the 03 might have lost the most distinctive name of any EV on sale, but it's still a strong option when it comes to well-priced electric cars. The £32,000 price tag only tells part of the Ora 03's story, since it can be picked up for just £130 a month. We're drawn to the Ora's funky design – although be warned, as it's actually quite a big larger than it looks in photos – and we found it to be well made during our test drive. However, while it's an EV that will make a lot of sense to many drivers on a budget, the Ora 03 doesn't offer fast charging, and is limited to a maximum charge rate of just 64 kW, so it isn't best suited to longer journeys with speedy pit stops. We also feel the 03 has a small foot and the fide can feel fussy over uneven road surfaces. Independent rating: 7/10 Pros: Smart interior, good energy efficiency, decent value Cons: 'Marmite' ergonomics, average range, tight back-seat space Peugeot e-208 specs Dimensions: 4,055 long x 1,745 wide x 1,430 mm tall Price range: £28,200 to £32,850 Battery size: 50 to 51 kWh Maximum claimed range: 248 miles Miles per kWh (claimed): 3.9 to 4.4 Maximum charging rate: 100kW Although it has been around since 2019, a recent update has kept the e-208 looking fresh. It's a smart-looking compact EV with a nice interior, good energy efficiency (you can thank the compact size for that) and decent value. Some drivers might be unsure about the Peugeot ergonomics, complete with the brand's compact steering wheel and angular cabin surfacing, but we think it gives the e-208 a smart, distinctive style. The e-208's battery range is pretty good, and especially so with the newer 51 kWh option; with that you'll see 200 miles or so in real-world conditions, which should be enough for many drivers and is great for a compact car like this. Of equal importance is how the Peugeot supports charging speeds of up to 100 kW – well above some of its similarly-sized rivals, and more even than the latest generation of pricier Mini Cooper SE. Despite its advancing years (in EV terms, at least) the e-208 still feels fresh, thanks to its bold interior that gives the driver a feelgood factor that's sometimes hard to find in this sector of the market. We also found it easy and enjoyable to drive, and it feels right at home in any urban setting. Verdict: The best small electric cars Our favourite small electric car right now is the Volvo EX30. It looks fantastic and will give every owner the feeling that they're behind the wheel of a premium car. It also pairs lovely Scandinavian design with a well-resolved ride, great build quality and a good range, with fast charging too. Although the dual-motor version is properly quick – the quickest Volvo production car ever, in fact – we strongly suggest readers go for the single-motor car, but make sure they upgrade to the bigger battery for a claimed range of almost 300 miles. In the real world that'll be more like 200 to 250, but that's still impressive for the small Volvo. The little EX30 isn't perfect; we wish it had physical controls for steering wheel and mirror adjustment, but the rest of the technology works well, thanks to Google's Android Automotive operating system. This has integrated Spotify for music streaming, Google Assistant for voice control, and Google Maps for seamlessly navigating via charge stations. Second and third places go to the Dacia Spring and Mini Cooper respectively. The former is seriously cheap at just £14,995, while the latter is packed full of character and properly fun to drive.
Forbes
22-03-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Abarth 600e Brings Affordable Fun To Electric Driving
The Abarth 600e feels at home on a go kart track. I was not expecting to like the Abarth 600e as much as I did. The Abarth 500e is lots of fun, but mostly because of the way it looks and the hilarious noise it makes. The Abarth 600e is different. Like the 500e, it's based on a Fiat of the same numerical value. But unlike the 500e, Abarth has done more to bring the 600e in line with its brand values. The result is one of the most amusing electric hatchbacks currently on the market. Abarth has made its name since 1949 taking practical small cars and injecting performance. Many car brands have their 'skunkworks' garages that tune and uprate their regular cars into something that could even be race-worthy but certainly adds appeal for discerning everyday drivers. In the case of the Abarth 600e, the basis is the Fiat 600e, a car I quite liked when I tested it last year. But the latter isn't a fun driver's car – it's a practical small family hatchback. The Abarth 500e had 36hp more than the Fiat 500e it was based on, dropping the 0-62mph sprint to 7 seconds from 9 seconds. However, the Abarth 600e has 345Nm of torque and either 240 or 280hp, depending on which version you go for (the more powerful one is the Scorpionissima, namechecking the arachnid Abarth uses as its logo). Either one is a big leap from the Fiat 600e's 154hp, and the Scorpionissima is in fact the most powerful car Abarth has ever made. The basic Abarth 600e is available with a wider choice of colors. There are many differences in setup between the Abarth 600e and the Fiat version, too. The car has been lowered and the track enlarged by 30mm at the front and 25mm at the back. This provides room for the 20in diamond cut alloys. The suspension has also been stiffened to reduce roll. One feature that gives the Abarth 600e very different handling to the Fiat version is the JTEKT Torsen mechanical limited slip differential (LSD), improving traction as you accelerate out of corners. EVs can get you to high speeds fast, so Abarth has fitted 380mm Alcon-derived disc brakes and calipers to ensure you can stop fast too. Apart from the larger wheels, the Abarth 600e has plenty of changes in its appearance. You can still see the resemblance to the Fiat 600e, but with significant improvements. The body kit is more angular and less round than the Fiat 600e. The default paint color is the same Acid Green as the Abarth 500e, although you can also choose orange and more sober white and black. The Scorpionissima only offers Acid Green and an exclusive Hypnotic Purple, with no extra cost required for either. The latter also has a gloss black body kit. The result is a considerably more aggressive look, although it's hard to obscure the friendliness of the 600e's round headlights. On paper, the Abarth 600e is not that fast for an EV. The base 240hp takes 6.2 seconds to hit 62mph and the Scorpionissimo only drops that a little to 5.8 seconds. This seems pedestrian when compared to an electric supercar like the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore. But this is on par for a hot hatch powered by internal combustion, but straight-line speed is not really what this car is about. The chassis setup means that you can chuck this car into corners with great gusto. It feels entirely at home on windy British A-roads and is very forgiving if you hit a bend a little bit faster than you meant to. Simply turn in, hit the accelerator after the apex, and let that capable LSD pull you round. To hammer home this point, Abarth took journalists at the launch to a go-karting track for a few laps each. The 600e is very much in its element here. In the hands of a demonstrator familiar with this track's tight corners, the car is capable of nausea-inducing changes of direction thanks to its ability to pull 1G laterally. In my less familiar hands, the Abarth 600e was still able to provide huge amounts of cornering enjoyment and luckily those big brakes worked as advertised, slowing the car very capably. Despite being a small hatchback, the Abarth 600e weighs 1,700kg, whereas the 2025 Mk8 Golf GTI, for example, is just 1,454kg. Handling is not quite so nimble for this reason, but the Abarth 600e remains hugely enjoyable. If you loved the silliness of the Abarth 500e's artificial noise box, never fear – the 600e has that available too. The Abarth 600e is great for twisty British A-roads. You can choose how aggressively you harness the Abarth 600e's capabilities via the three power modes – Turismo, Scorpion Street and Scorpion Track. Turismo only gives you 148hp for the basic Abarth 600e and 198hp for the Scorpionissima, with 300Nm of torque. It's aimed more at range and efficiency. Scorpion Street increases these figures to 201hp and 228hp respectively, with the full 345Nm of torque. Scorpion Track then enables all the power. The modes also alter setup, including accelerator pedal setup, ESP and steering. The car was clearly twitchier in Scorpion Street, with ESP not kicking in much and more torque steer. The grip is much more than you'd expect a small four-seater hatchback to have. Because that is the point with the Abarth 600e – it's still a practical car. The rear seats are a bit cramped but still viable for adults (unlike the 500e) and there's a decent amount of luggage space in the rear. You get 360 liters with the rear seats up and 1,231 liters with them down – enough for the daily shop, a short family trip, or a light DIY collection. However, one drawback with the stiffened suspension is that the ride is hard for some British roads. It's swings and roundabouts – you gain in driver engagement but lose in comfort. Pricing is not outrageous either. The basic Abarth 600e costs £36,975 ($48,000), while the Scorpionissima is £39,875 ($51,500). Both these figures fall below the UK Expensive Vehicle tax threshold, so you won't be paying the higher amount for this. The price compares well with internal combustion hot hatches, such as the 2025 Mk8 Golf GTI. So you're not paying anything extra by going electric for your hot hatch thrills. The pricing is also similar to the MG4 XPOWER, which is much faster in a straight line but lacks the handling enhancements of the Abarth. Cornering is tight with the Abarth 600e. Unfortunately, however, the Abarth 600e does have one drawback – that 54kWh battery combined with so much motor power doesn't make for a lot of range. The WLTP rating is 207 miles, quite a lot lower than the Fiat 600e's 250 miles, and you'll get far less than that if you dial up the more aggressive setup modes and drive accordingly. DC charging maxes out at 100kW, too, so replenishing from 10 to 80% takes 27 minutes. Not terrible, but that will be less than 160 miles. So you can really only go around 2 hours on a motorway between stops with the Abarth 600e, making long distances possible but not ideal. The Abarth 600e is therefore not perfect. The hot hatch is meant to be the universal transportation tool – potentially fun on a track at the weekend, but otherwise great for everyday activities like commuting, shopping, trips with friends and family, and visiting people in other cities. The 600e lacks a little for the latter but covers every other area well, making it one of the best electric hot hatches yet, if not the ultimate small all-round EV driving machine just yet.
