Sizzling limited-edition ‘Scorpionissima’ electric pocket rocket confirmed for Oz ahead of regular Abarth 500e
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 from early 2024.
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:
- Premium sport seats with Alcantara
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Full LED lighting
- Panoramic fixed glass roof
- Three Abarth driving modes
- Abarth Sound Generator
- Tinted windows
- Heated titanium-grey mirror caps
- Abarth logo, lettering and Electrified Scorpion logo
- Leather and Alcantara sports steering wheel
- Alcantara dashboard Fascia
- 50:50 split foldable rear seats
- Height adjustable driver seat
- Heated front seats
- Sporty metal pedals and kick plate
- Centre armrest and closed centre console
- Abarth driving modes
- Front, side and rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Traffic sign recognition
- Intelligent speed assist
- Lane centring control
- Blind spot monitor
- 7.0-inch TFT instrument cluster
- 10.25-inch infotainment with DAB+
- Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto
- Keyless Entry and Keyless Go
- Adaptive cruise control
- Climate control
- Six-speaker premium JBL audio
- USB-C and USB-C ports
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Wireless charging pad
- Automatic headlights with auto high-beam
- Automatic wipers
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Keyword: 2024 Abarth 500e here this year