Fiat has revealed the new 600e, a successor to the 500X crossover which will offer hybrid and electric power.
First arrivals in Italy will begin in September, though it’s unclear if it’s coming to Australian showrooms.
“We’re always examining new opportunities to bring exciting models to our customers, but we have nothing to announce at this time,” said a Stellantis Australia spokesperson.
By using the 600 nameplate, the crossover is reviving a nameplate last seen on a three-door hatchback from the late 2000s that served as the brand’s entry-level model.
This time, however, the new model is being referred to as the “bigger sister” to the Fiat 500e.
600e La Prima
Initially there will be two electric variants of the Fiat 600e, with an entry-level RED trim and a flagship La Prima. The latter of these variant names translates to ‘the first’.
Fiat says there will be a “hybrid powertrain” for the 600e that will “complete the range offer” by mid-2024. It’s expected this hybrid engine will be a mild-hybrid of some variety.
Both initial Fiat 600e variants are powered by a single electric motor producing 115kW of power. Fiat claims the 600e can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.0 seconds.
600e RED
This electric motor is mated to a 54kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It has a claimed WLTP range of 400km.
The 600e has a maximum AC charging rate of 11kW and a maximum DC fast-charging rate of 100kW. Fiat claims it takes less than 30 minutes for the battery to reach 80 per cent when charged at the quickest DC charging rate.
Compared to the 500e, the 600e has a “sharper and more assertive face” and different LED lighting signatures. It’s also larger at 4170mm long and has seating for five people.
600e La Prima
The Fiat 600e can be had with alloy wheels up to 18 inches in diameter, matte black side skirts and wheel arches, as well as an Italian flag on the rear bumper.
It will be offered in eight different exterior paint colours, though don’t expect to see a grey as the brand recently announced it will focus on colours inspired by nature.
On the inside the 600e has a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, wireless phone charger, and a six-speaker sound system.
There’s a power tailgate, Ivory synthetic leather upholstery with Fiat monogramming, heated front seats, and velour floor mats.
On the safety front, the Fiat 600e comes with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitoring, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera.
While the Fiat 500X is still offered in markets like Europe and the US, it was axed locally in 2021 as the brand “refocused towards consumer preferences”.
Fiat now sells only the ageing 500 city car and larger Ducato van locally. However, the local lineup will gain the electric 500e in the third quarter of 2023.
The Italian brand is focusing on its electric expansion, confirming earlier this year it will reveal two new electric vehicles (EVs) this year, possible under the Panda and Punto nameplates.
Keyword: The Fiat 500e has a big sister, but it's not a lock for Australia