Reviewed: All-electric Fiat 500e compact hatch

The Fiat 500e comes  in two variants, The Pop and Icon (above). Photos: Liz Dobson

As the range of electric cars in New Zealand now covers from A (for Audi) to Z (for Renault Zoe), there’s one vehicle that has to be the cutest, and that’s F for Fiat’s 500e.

Produced in its birthplace, Mirafiori, Italy, the 500e has the same inherent Italian Design as its petrol Fiat 500 predecessor but its similarities end there. The 500e is equipped with a front-mounted electric motor, delivering 87kW with a peak torque output of 220 Nm and 0-100km/h  in 9 seconds.  

Back here in New Zealand, our 500e features the highest specification battery pack of 42 kWh, capable of 320km of driving range in a single full charge with a charging speed of 80% in 35 minutes. 

Dimensions-wise the 500e is 56mm wider and 61mm longer than the petrol 500, making for a  roomier interior. The round instrument hood invokes the typical 500 styles, while the 7’’ TFT  full digital cluster fills it with colour and technology. The 500e interior includes features made with SEAQUAL marine plastic, a raw material made from marine litter, making it even more environmentally friendly.

The Fiat 500e  is 56mm wider and 61mm longer than the petrol 500.

The 500e is available in two variants. The Pop, priced from $59,990, features a plethora of safety, comfort and convenience features as standard including attention assist, lane control,  AEB, L2 autonomous driving, traffic sign recognition, heated seats, keyless entry-and-go, rear sensors and a rear-view camera.  

The striking interior includes Fiat monogram seats, a body-coloured dash and a host of tech features including wireless Apple CarPlay/android auto, a 10”25 infotainment system, a 7” TFT  display and a wireless charger.  

The 500e Icon, priced from $64,990, also features a fixed glass roof, and a more premium interior including ice-beige, Fiat eco-leather trim, and premium dashboard accents.  

Exterior enhancements include chrome exterior accents, infinity LED headlights and impressive 17” diamond-cut alloy wheels. There are 360 parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise with lane centring, and traffic jam assist round out the additional Icon offering.  

Both are eligible for the Clean Car Rebate of $8625 that ends on Friday, but there will be a lesser rebate.

The Fiat 500e is capable of 320km of driving range.

Sarah Williams, Fiat New Zealand Marketing Manager says, “The Fiat 500e  embodies the distinctive Fiat Cinquecento look and now offers unmistakable electric styling and driveability that we know New Zealanders will love. We are excited to finally bring the new sustainable phase of the Fiat brand to NZ.”  

For those after something a little sportier, the newly launched Abarth 500e will be in New Zealand later in 2023.

The original Fiatl 500 (known as the Bambina in New Zealand) was an attainable and practical car for the 1950s buyer. It had a cult-like following here thanks in part to its sunroof and overall appealing design. But it was not known for its speed!

That came with the updated version, launched in 2007, that did things a little differently but kept the spirit of the Bambina. It  was hugely successful globally but it was time for Fiat to electrify it – and it’s been done so successfully that I prefer it over the petrol version

The Fiat 500e Icon has eco-leather trim, and premium dashboard accents.

AutoMuse had the Fiat 500 e Icon and yes, it may look like something that Noddy would drive in the 21st century thanks to its round front lights. It made me smile every time I looked at it, be it in the reflection of shop windows or in situ in my garage.

It is nippy off the line but you don’t have that whiplash-like rush that sees you hit over 100km/h before you get onto the motorway – instead, it’s a smooth and prompt acceleration. That’s opposed to the petrol Fiat 500 which has an awkward automatic gearbox that takes a while to get used to. But as the 500 is electric and doesn’t have a gearbox, you get that effortless increase in speed.

The 500e has agile handling and is a comfortable ride. The regenerative braking system helps to recharge the battery while driving. 

The small size of the car makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and park in small spots. It’s a fun car to drive and is great for short commutes and city driving. Plus there is the benefit of fitting into tight carpark spaces.

I’m looking at buying an apartment and some of the basement parking spaces wouldn’t fit a medium SUV (and forget getting your Ford Ranger into the spot). But the 500e would slip into low and small spaces with ease.

And yes it’s small but it fits a full car seat in the rear and has enough boot space for a weekly shop. 

Its competition in the small European segment is the Mini electric, Peugeot e-208 and Renault’s Zoe

The four-seater also fits a child’s car seat in the ear.