Abarth Australia prices its first EV

BY MATT BROGAN | 22nd Sep 2023

ABARTH Australia has this week detailed pricing for its forthcoming 500e Turismo and Scorpionissima twins, the all-electric hot hatch duo in showrooms from later this year priced from $58,900 and $60,500 plus on-road costs respectively – a massive $27,450 over the starting price of the outgoing petrol model.

According to the Italian importer, the 500e models are the most responsive and exciting in the brand’s celebrated history, each equipped with a front-mounted electric motor delivering 114kW and 235Nm, or enough to accelerate the vehicle from 0-100km/h in 7.0 seconds. Driving range is listed at 252km.

Abarth says that “electric is the perfect technology to enhance the driving experience by bringing better acceleration, greater balance, better handling, more stability, and better roadholding” – all massive claims given the competence of the much-loved turbocharged petrol predecessor.

Featuring a reproduction of the iconic Monza exhaust ‘roar’, via a cleverly engineered Sound Generator, the characterful hatch will be available in five vivid paint hues: Acid Green ,Poison Blue, Antidote White, Venom Black and Adrenalin Red.

Later this year, Abarth will introduce the limited edition 500e Scorpionissima to local showrooms – just 219 examples will be made available locally of the 1949 produced – with the ‘standard’ Turismo trim to follow in early 2024. Additional features include unique decals and a digital certificate of authenticity.

Each supports three different charging modes and is equipped with a CCS Combo Type 2 socket that enables both AC and DC charging. The maximum (DC) charge rate is listed at 85kW meaning it should be possible to charge the 500e’s 42kWh battery from zero to 80 per cent in around 35 minutes.

Highlights of the local specification include 18-inch diamond-cut titanium grey alloy wheels, Alcantara upholstery, and sports seats with contrasting double stitching.

As was the case previously, the Abarth versions of the 500e will top the Fiat derivative, which is available locally soon from $52,500 drive-away.

Longer and wider than before, the Fiat 500e La Prima will be offered in a single three-door hatch variant priced at more than double its petrol-powered sibling (the entry-grade 500 Lounge starts at $23,100 plus on-road costs).

Fiat’s four-seat 500e will be offered with a 42kWh battery pack, equivalent to the long-range variant available in Europe where a more affordable short-range offering with a 28kWh battery pack is also available.

The 500e is powered by an 87kW/220Nm electric motor driving the front wheels and is said to offer a driving range of 320km (13.0kWh/100km) based on the European WLTP standard and is said to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9.5 seconds.

With fast charging capabilities up to 85kW, the Fiat 500e may be charged from zero to 80 per cent in 35 minutes.

Like the Abarth range, the Fiat 500e rides on an all-new platform that has enabled Fiat to offer more technology than before, including Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, speed limit recognition, blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree camera technology and driver attention monitoring.

Parent company Stellantis has also endowed the 500e with its fifth generation Uconnect multimedia array with a significantly larger 10.25-inch touchscreen and wireless connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Visit GoAuto again soon for our local launch review of the all-new Fiat 500e.

2023 Abarth 500e pricing*: