Fiat’s Bold Entry into Electric Family Cars: The Stylish Fiat 600e
Italy’s renowned automaker, Fiat, is ready to make its entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market with its latest creation, the Fiat 600e. Built to compete with formidable rivals like the Volkswagen ID.3, MG 4, and Kia Niro EV, Fiat expects this new family EV to turn heads and open wallets when it becomes available for order in the autumn of 2023.
Redefining Fiat’s EV Offerings
Fiat’s previous EV offering, the 500e, was appreciated for its urban agility. However, it fell short due to the success of automotive rivals Volkswagen and Tesla, who are already very well settled in the EV market. Now, Fiat is stepping into the family EV scene with the 600e, utilizing the common Stellantis architecture, unlike the 500e’s bespoke platform.
The Stylish Solution: Fiat 600e
Fiat refuses to join the EV family car competition with a mundane offering. Relying on Stellantis’s engineering prowess, Fiat poured its resources into creating a car rich in style and blessed with Italian charisma.
What Powers the Fiat 600e?
The Fiat 600e’s engineering backbone comes from the e-CMP platform, shared with the Jeep Avenger. This platform is also set to feature in upcoming models like the Vauxhall Mokka Electric and Peugeot e-2008. However, the 600e has managed to get there first.
The 600e draws its power from a 54kWh battery, propelling a 154bhp electric motor. This allows the hatchback to achieve 0–62mph in just nine seconds, which is very comfortable, especially for new drivers. Fiat claims a maximum range of 250 miles under WLTP combined conditions, but this impressive figure can leap to 372 miles in urban environments.
Equipped with 100kW DC rapid charging, the Fiat 600e’s battery can regain 80% of its charge in less than half an hour. It’s also compatible with 11kW fast charging, offering a full charge in about six hours.
A Celebration of Colors
True to its design ethos, Fiat is foregoing grey for the 600e, citing that it’s inconsistent with its ‘Dolce Vita’ philosophy. Fiat believes their customers deserve better than ‘dull and depressing’. Hence, the 600e will be available in four vibrant colourways, named: Sun of Italy, Sea of Italy, Earth of Italy, and Sky of Italy.
An Inviting Interior
The Fiat 600e’s interior is attractive, delicate, and appointed with stylish materials. While it may not boast the storage capabilities of rivals like the Kia Niro EV or Hyundai Kona Electric, the 600e’s interior is a delightful environment to drive in.
The interior borrows elements from the 500e and Jeep Avenger, featuring a shared steering wheel and climate controls with the 500e and a center console and a 10.25-inch touchscreen from the Avenger. Even though the dashboard is more curvaceous, vent and mount positions remain unchanged.
The Fiat 600e is equipped with a wide variety of technological features, including a hands-free tailgate, automatic air conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic lights, alongside a connected navigation system.
Boot Space and Price
Boot space of the 600e is reasonable at 360 liters, with a convenient under-bonnet storage area for charging cables—a thoughtful addition that gives it an edge over competitors. With the rear seats folded flat, boot space expands to a respectable 1,231 liters.
Fiat has yet to reveal the 600e’s price, but it’s reasonable to anticipate it will align closely with the Jeep Avenger’s price range of £36,000 to £40,000. The 600e will be available in the (RED) specification and the La Prima model, each offering its unique flair and feature sets.
The unveiling of the Fiat 600e signifies the brand’s commitment to redefining its image in the electric vehicle sector. With its unique Italian charm, this family EV stands ready to shake up the market when it hits the roads in winter 2023.