The Abarth 500e is a car that defies expectations. It is not just another electric car that sacrifices fun for efficiency. It is a car that combines the best of both worlds: the zero-emission and low-cost benefits of an electric car and the thrilling performance and distinctive style of a hot hatch. It is a car that has already won the hearts of many car enthusiasts. Now it has also won its first award: the prestigious Autonis design award by Auto Motor und Sport, one of the most influential car magazines in Germany.
The Autonis award is an annual recognition of the best design innovations in the automotive industry, based on the votes of more than 14,000 readers of Auto Motor und Sport. The award covers categories such as compact cars, sports cars, SUVs, and electric cars. The Abarth 500e was chosen as the best new design of 2022 in the compact SUV category, beating its competitors with a 30.2 percent share of the vote. This is a remarkable achievement for a car that has not yet been launched on the market but has already captivated the public with its distinctive and dynamic look.
The Abarth 500e is based on the all-electric Fiat 500e, launched in 2020 as the third generation of the iconic Italian city car. The Fiat 500 was already a popular and successful model, with more than two million units sold worldwide since its debut in 2007. The electric version added a new dimension to the Fiat 500, making it more eco-friendly and technologically advanced while preserving its charm and personality.
However, the Abarth 500e is not just a rebadged Fiat 500. It is a completely different beast, enhanced by the experts of Abarth, the brand that has been making Fiat cars faster and more exciting since 1949. Abarth is known for its motto: "Small but wicked." It applies this philosophy to every car it produces, transforming ordinary cars into extraordinary machines that deliver high performance and emotion.
The Abarth 500e features a more powerful electric motor that delivers 153 hp, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 7 seconds. This makes it faster than any other electric car in its segment and comparable to some petrol-powered hot hatches. It also has a sportier suspension, wider wheels and tires, and rear disc brakes for improved handling and braking. And, of course, it has the unmistakable Abarth styling cues, such as the scorpion badge, the red accents, and the dual exhaust pipes.