2024 Abarth 500e here this year

The high-performance version of the all-new, all-electric Abarth 500e will arrive in Australia later in 2023 with a bit of extra sting in its tail.

Fiat Australia has confirmed a small batch – just 219 units – of the limited-edition 2024 Abarth 500e Scorpionissima will be the first electric Abarth cars to kiss the road Down Under late this year.

It will be followed by the full-time Abarth 500e, which will be offered in just one high-spec Turismo model grade and is tipped to arrive in Australia shortly after the Scorpionissima in late 2023.

Both are powered by the same modest 42kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is good for a 252km range according to Abarth – slightly better than its direct three-door EV rival, the $55,650 Mini Electric (222km).

However, a new MINI EV is set to be renewed soon, bringing a bigger battery with a 390km range.

The front-mounted electric motor (114kW/235Nm) propels both versions of the Abarth 500e to 100km/h in 7.0 seconds, making it quicker than the MINI Electric (7.3sec) and on par with the slight larger $59,990 Cupra Born, which has a much longer claimed range of 511km.

The Abarth 500e twins will be offered exclusively as hatchbacks here, meaning no cabrio versions will be available in Australia for the time being.

Pricing for the Abarth EVs has not been confirmed, but the more aggressive, fast and wider hot hatches will command a suitable premium over their donor car, the $52,500 Fiat 500e, which is set for mid-2023 release in Australia.

The limited-run Abarth 500e Scorpionissima is understood to be sold out overseas and, while it doesn’t gain extra oomph over the standard electric hot hatch (114kW/235Nm), buyers will get unique exterior decals that set it apart – along with a digital certificate of authenticity.

Scorpionissima models will only be available in the two hero colours: Acid Green (with black decals) and Poison Blue (with white decals).

Otherwise the Abarth 500e Turismo models sold in Australia will be essentially the same, with a high level of standard equipment including 18-inch alloy wheels, a fixed panoramic glass roof, heated titanium grey mirror caps, a six-speaker JBL audio system, wireless charging pad, full LED lighting, electrified scorpion logos, premium sports seats with Alcantara accents, a sleek interior design with Alcantara dashboard inlays and plenty of tech too.

As well as twin digital screens, including a 10.25-inch central touch-screen, Abarth reckons the vehicles will offer Level 2 autonomous driving capability thanks to adaptive cruise control and active lane centring.

As the Italian brand’s first-ever EV, the Abarth 500e models ostensibly replace the Abarth 595 and 696 hot hatches.

Stay tuned for full pricing on the new European pocket rockets, and our first drive of both the Fiat 500e and Abarth 500e next month.

2024 Abarth 500e standard equipment:

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