Fleet preview Fiat 600e
Fiat’s 600e looks all set to further enhance the company’s grip on the compact EV sector says Pete Tullin.
Interior:
Fiat is the undoubted master of budget interior design and is pretty much unrivalled when it comes to taking basic materials and creating a stylish and sophisticated rendition. The 600e is no exception, reflecting its close relationship with its smaller sibling by utilises a similarly vibrant-looking dashboard punctuated by a
10.25in infotainment touchscreen and full-length air vents while things are neatly rounded off with a smart-looking sports steering wheel, stamped with a chrome 600e graphic. Additionally, there are oodles of hidden cubbies, which together provide an additional 15 litres of useful storage space. The boot is also surprisingly large and at 360 litres is almost double the size of what you get in a 500e. That said, the 600e is still more of a two-plus-two than a true family-sized motor, but even so, that shouldn’t stop the kids from enjoying the experience thanks to the airy nature of the cabin.
Powertrain:
The 600e uses the same underpinnings as EVs already established within the Stellantis line-up, such as the Jeep Avenger and the Vauxhall Mokka.
Power is derived from a 54kWh battery, giving a theoretical range of 249 miles while the driving forces are transferred to the front wheels via a single-speed 156hp electric motor. The battery is also capable of accepting charge rates of up to 100Kw, so it is possible to re-energise the battery from a near-flat condition to 80% charged in a frothychino-quaffing 30 minutes. With a 0-62 time of 9.0 secs and a top speed of 93mph, the 600e will not be hustling many hot hatches, but as with all EVs, the instant pick up derived from the electric motor should ensure it feels sprightlier than the bald figures suggest. Additionally, Fiat hasn’t ruled out a performance-orientated Abarth model joining the line-up further down the road.
Costs:
Although not confirmed, pricing for the 600e should begin at around £37,000, which is a significant uplift over the 500e’s £31,195 sticker price. With orders opening this autumn and first deliveries scheduled for early
next year, we’ll have to wait a while before driving the 600e to establish whether it is worth the premium.
Exterior:
You may be surprised to learn that the Fiat 500e is the Stellantis group’s best-selling EV. It’s perhaps not that
surprising though when you consider its city-friendly attributes, zero tailpipe emissions and sassy retro-chichi styling.
Not slow to seize upon an opportunity, Fiat is determined to capitalise on this success by introducing the 600e. Stylistically, it features many of the same urbane cues as the 500e, including the split-headlight motif and nose-centred numeral badge rather than the Fiat icon. Black sills, wheel arches and window surrounds, alongside swish-looking alloy wheels, that can be optioned to an arch-filling 18 inches, are also available to complete the essential ‘street’ look.
Equipment:
The 600e is available to buy in two trim levels called Red and La Prima. In top-rung La Prima trim, the interior gets upgraded niceties such as velour floor mats, ivory- coloured faux leather-clad dashboard and seats featuring etched stitching details.
32 | August 2023 |
www.businesscar.co.uk
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