The latest Abarth 500e electric hot hatch has a starting price of £34,195.

 The Abarth 500e lineup has been enriched with two new models, introducing a novel and distinctive design.

Back in 2008, the Abarth 500 burst onto the scene as a fiery hot hatch, and over time, its reputation for wildness only grew. But now, with the arrival of the Abarth 500e, the electric version of this hot hatch has become more accessible thanks to two new models that have been added to the lineup.

The first variant of the Abarth 500e to be introduced was the Scorpionissima, a limited edition model that came with a hefty price tag of £38,695. However, the latest additions to the range are more affordable, giving drivers the chance to experience the electric hot hatch for less.

The Abarth 500e is priced at a starting rate of £34,195, but those who prefer a convertible can opt for the higher-priced version at £37,195. Unlike the Fiat, the Abarth boasts a unique bodykit featuring a new set of bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler, diffuser, Abarth branding and 17-inch alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the convertible model comes with an integrated spoiler built into the fabric roof.

Inside the car, Fiat 500e drivers will instantly recognize the familiar interior design. However, Abarth has added sport seats with scorpion patterns stitched into the headrests, as well as a black vinyl steering wheel with the signature Abarth scorpion badge. The dashboard features a 10.25-inch touchscreen that houses Fiat's Uconnect sat-nav system, along with additional 'Performance Pages' that display driving data. The driver also gets a seven-inch screen that shows custom Abarth graphics.

The Abarth 500e comes with the JBL Premium Audio System as standard, although some have criticized the sound generator that emulates a petrol engine.

The Abarth 500e Turismo, priced at £38,195 (or £41,195 for the cabrio version), offers more than the standard version. It comes with 18-inch diamond-cut grey alloy wheels, Alcantara upholstery, heated front seats, a wireless charging pad, a 360-degree rear-view camera, keyless go, a blind spot warning system, and a panoramic roof for the hatchback model.

As the first fully-electric Abarth in history, the new model faces competition from other retro-styled electric hot hatches such as the Alpine R5 and the MINI Electric. Equipped with a front-mounted electric motor that delivers 152bhp and 235Nm of torque, the 500e accelerates from 0-62mph in seven seconds.

While the 500e has less power than its combustion-engined stablemates, the 695 and its 177bhp and 250Nm of torque provide a 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds. Abarth engineers argue that the 500e's wider width, longer wheelbase, and instant EV torque allow it to lap test tracks faster. The car also features a unique sound generator and amplifier that replicates the sound of the petrol 695's exhaust note.

According to Abarth, the 500e's latest platform offers a wider track, longer wheelbase, and better weight distribution than the old combustion-powered 500s, resulting in punchier acceleration figures and quicker lap times at the Balocco test track.

The Abarth 500e offers drivers a range of three distinct driving modes to choose from. Designed to cater to different driving needs, Turismo is the perfect mode for everyday driving, providing a smoother ride through reduced power and torque of 132bhp and 230Nm.

Meanwhile, Scorpion Street enables the powertrain to unleash its complete potential while also optimizing brake-energy recuperation for urban environments that frequently require stopping. Scorpion Track, on the other hand, reduces the brake regen to solely concentrate on performance. Abarth claims that single-pedal driving is feasible in the Turismo and Scorpion Street modes.

As for the battery and charging, the Abarth 500e employs the same 42kWh battery as its Fiat counterpart, but its range decreases from 199 to 155 miles due to the increased motor output. Nonetheless, the company has confirmed that its version will receive the same maximum charging rate of 85kW DC. This rate can provide roughly 30 miles of range in just five minutes and can charge the vehicle from nearly empty to 80% of capacity in a little over 30 minutes.

Regarding future plans for Abarth, during the unveiling, Fiat-Abarth's chief, Olivier Francois, stated that his team was already brainstorming ways to enhance the 500e's performance and noise. "Everyone is already working to make this car even faster, even sportier, even louder," he said. Francois ruled out the possibility of Abarth constructing standalone models or any automobiles based on manufacturers from elsewhere in the parent Stellantis group. However, he mentioned that while Abarth will always have fewer models than Fiat, there is still room for expanding its range.

He mentioned that not all Fiat models are suitable for an Abarth version, although it's possible for them to have one. As an example, he pointed out that building an Abarth variant of the seven-seater MPV Doblo wouldn't be sensible. However, Abarth has historically achieved significant success in Europe when associated with the 500. The 500 is one such model, and other cars within the 500 family could follow suit. This may refer to a larger version of the electric 500, which may be a zero-emissions version of the 500X small SUV, according to Auto Express. Francois revealed that an Abarth version of the existing petrol-powered 500X could have been created and had been designed.