Test Fiat 500e Icon hatchback 42 kWh, 118 CV and 320 km of autonomy

Fiat celebrates 120 years of history in this 2020 and launches one of the most anticipated models in the brand, his first electric car. The car that most represents the Italian firm is the Fiat 500, so there was no better champion than him to make the leap to the electric world. And so is the new Fiat 500e: the same aesthetics as always, but with totally different technology.

A few days ago we were at the presentation of this new fiat 500e. Fiat explained to us everything about the third generation of this utility vehicle and, later, we were able to take a short urban route with it. But first of all, you should know that this car icon is now will only be sold with electrical mechanics, completely leaving aside the combustion engines.

Logically, Fiat is not at all interested in losing the design essence of his Fiat 500. As you can see, it continues to maintain the main features and forms that gave him so much joy in the 60s and 70s, and in the resurgence, back in 2007.

The usual icon adapted to new needs

It maintains the circular front optics, but using a new composition. If you look closely, the main headlight is in the bumper, leaving a curved line on the hood that has the effect of an eyebrow on it. As it is an electric model, there is no lack of a front fairing almost completely. I cannot deny that the 500 logo with the two horizontal stripes seems to me to be an absolute success.

Probably where it has more similarities with the predecessor is in the side view. It continues to use that characteristic silhouette with the raised hood and slightly arched roof to fall behind. Of course, as a detail, it eliminates the traditional handles, now using hands that are basically an electric button that releases the closure, instead of a mechanical system as usual.

As in the front in the rear the traditional style is maintained but it resorts to a new aesthetic in its pilot lights, which are LED. It now makes a visual impression of greater width, also using a robust bumper. On the right side of the tailgate you can read the new inscription of the model in a bluish tone.

Totally renovated inside and with correct space

Much more changes in the passenger compartment. The previous 500 arrived in 2007 and was progressively updated, but in recent years it already looked very outdated. It has little to do with the new one, which brings a enormous technological level and unusual in segment A.

With this image you can see that the instrument panel eliminates all analog information and becomes a large 7-inch high-resolution screen. For its part, in the center of the dashboard we are greeted by a 10,25-inch touch screen with the UConnect 5 system, which incorporates Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, navigation and digital radio.

Thanks to the greater width, wheelbase and length, the new Fiat 500e offers a slightly more spacious cabin than before. Of course, it is still a small car, but it is true that we enjoy a little more relief.

Meanwhile, the capacity of trunk remains at 185 liters, which are correct considering the very urban approach of this car, especially now that it is 100% electric.

And there was the Trepiuno, or Fiat 500 3+1

Also note that it is available in hatchback and convertible bodywork with canvas roof. But the most interesting thing is that the variant will soon be added Fiat 500 3 + 1, also known as Fiat 500 Trepiuno. We were able to see her in this presentation, but only in static. Logically, due to the current situation we couldn't touch it or get on it.

As you can see in the image, the 500 3+1 has two doors on the right side, the reverse opening rear without center pillar. This facilitates access to the rear seats, as well as, for example, seating a child in their child restraint seat in a more comfortable way. Meanwhile, on the driver's side there is only one door. Yes, surely this reminds many of the Hyundai Veloster.

Fiat 500e mechanical offer: two batteries and two powers

This new Fiat 500e is available with two sizes for battery. The one with the most capacity 42 kWh and homologates nothing less than 320 kilometers in mixed cycle, which in urban routes can comfortably exceed 400. On the other hand, the smallest is 23,7 kWh and homologates 180 mixed kilometers in WLTPS.

With the top battery you use a 118 hp electric motor. On the other hand, and following the logic, a 95 hp engine is equipped with the lower capacity battery. Of course, both develop an instant torque of 220 Nm, which is more than enough to move with great joy in urban environments.

Note that with the most powerful engine, the Fiat 500 is capable of accelerating 0 to 100 km/h in just 9 seconds exact, being able to go from 0 to 50 in 3,1 seconds. Wow, it allows you to dart out of traffic lights. By the way, the top speed is limited to 150 km/h.

Driving with the electric Fiat 500

The contact with this first electric was not too long and the entire route was carried out through the city of Madrid. Although we would have liked to be able to drive it through other routes, the truth is that its main focus is the city and the streets.

In our case, we opted for a Fiat 500e with a hatchback body and in the superior mechanical version. That is, the 118 hp and 220 Nm engine, with the 42 kWh battery.

city ​​oriented

Although with the previous data you can already imagine it, the response of this engine is plenty at all times to move around the city. In fact, and although it is smooth, it comes to surprise “the kick” that it has when stepping on the accelerator forcefully. You do not expect such a response from a utility vehicle like the Fiat 500; something that also happens with the Honda e.

And while we're talking about thrust, we also have three operating modes, Which are “Normal”, “Range” and “Sherpa”, which are managed from a control on the center console, next to the electric parking brake. Although the test has been brief, I have tried all three modes, and the one I have felt most comfortable with is Normal.

And it is that in Range and Sherpa the “One Pedal Driving”, something that I do not like at all because it brakes too much when we lift the accelerator. I prefer a more normal driving: the accelerator to accelerate, and the brake to stop… It is assumed that in these modes greater efficiency is achieved. In addition, the Sherpa limits the maximum speed to 80 km/h and dispenses with secondary systems such as climate control or heated seats.

But in the city, not only does it feel really agile because of the power delivery of the electric motor, but also because of its compact dimensions. To this must be added that the turning angle It's really short, so it's very easy to drive through very narrow streets or park in places with just enough space. Also, steering feels very light.

Also very adapted for the city is the suspension setup. Now it is a less jerky car before potholes like bumps or manhole covers. Honestly, this is usually one of the points less achieved in smaller cars, being well resolved in this new Fiat 500e. As the batteries are in the center and in the lower area, the weight distribution is 52:48, so the behavior is neutral.

And level 2 autonomous driving

An important detail that we cannot overlook is safety and driving assistants. The Fiat 500 has level 2 autonomous driving. Among others, stand out lane centering, blind spot control, adaptive cruise control, sensors that detect if we have our hands on the wheel and eleven sensors to provide instant and constant control of everything that the car has around it.

Equipment Fiat 500e

Action

• 23,7 kWh battery and 95 hp motor
• Fast charge 50kW DC
• Smart Audio Mobile Support
• 15-inch steel wheels
• 7-inch TFT instrument panel
• Air Conditioning
• keyless start
• Wire Mode 2
• LED daytime running lights
• LED taillights
• electronic shooters

Passion (adds)

• 42 kWh battery and 118 hp motor
• Fast charge 85kW DC
• 7-inch center screen

Icon (add)

• Radio with 10,25-inch screen and navigator
• 16-inch aluminum wheels
• automatic climate control
• Keyless entry
• Rain Sensor
• Body color dashboard
• Better fabric seats and two-tone finish

The Prime (adds)

• Full-LED headlights
• Wire Mode 3
• Sunroof
• 17-inch aluminum wheels
• 360 degree parking aid
• Reversing camera
• Adaptive cruise control
• wireless charger for mobile
• Beige "eco-leather" seats

Fiat 500e prices

Gallery Fiat 500

More information about this model

FIAT 500e

• Plazas 4
• Power 95 - 118 hp
• Consumer goods 13 - 14,1l/100km
• Assessment 4,5