New Abarth 600e brings 276bhp for £42,000
Abarth has officially launched the 600e – its most powerful model yet.
Based on Fiat’s compact family crossover, the Abarth 600e has been heavily reworked to produce up to 276bhp in range-topping Scorpoinissima specification.
That powertrain is the same one that appears in the Alfa Romeo Junior and is enough to get the 600e from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 124mph.
The £41,975 Scorpoinissima edition is limited to just 1,949 units – reflecting the year of Abarth’s creation – with the more widely available entry-level model – simply called Abarth 600e – packing 237bhp. That is still sufficient to get this sporty SUV to 62mph in 6.2 seconds.
Prices for the Abarth 600e start at £36,975.
Both versions of the car use the same 54kWh battery as the regular Fiat model but the enhanced performance means the Abarth can only manage up to 207 miles on a charge – a 45-mile drop over the Fiat.
They also feature three driving modes which deliver different levels of power and adjustments to the throttle, steering and stability control settings. Turismo limits power to 134bhp for the Abarth 600e and 188bhp for the Scorpionissima, and caps the top speed at 93mph. Scorpion Street unlocks 201bhp/228bhp for the different models and a top speed of 112mph, while Scorpion Track unlocks full power and brings an aggressive throttle calibration, sport+ steering and “fun” (read skiddy) ESP tunings.
Beyond the enhanced motors, the 600e’s chassis has been significantly improved to offer a hot hatch handling experience. Stiffer suspension and a firmer rear anti-roll bar have been introduced to help control in corners, and all versions come with a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential to aid aggressive cornering.
Abarth developed larger bespoke four-piston brakes for the 600e in collaboration with racing specialists Alcon to ensure consistent and fade-resistant stopping power even on track, and the cars come with the option of specially developed Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres.
To reflect its sportier nature, the 600e is lower and wider than the regular Fiat model, with an aggressive body kit including a prominent rear spoiler and a squared-off front bumper that echoes the Abarth 850 TC. All versions come with 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, prominent scorpion badging and an attention-grabbing external sound generator like the 500e. Scorpionissima versions also get painted brake calipers, a gloss black body kit and the option of the exclusive Hypnotic Purple paint finish.
UK orders for the Abarth 600e will open in mid-November.
