Although the petrol hot hatch is dying a slow death, electric alternatives are becoming ever more numerous. Does the Abarth 600e count? Well, the regular Fiat 600e ‘small SUV’ its based on is no towering giant, and the Abarth version sits 25mm lower to the ground, so we’ll allow it.

There are two versions of the Abarth 600e available, one with 240hp and a range-topping but limited Scorpionissima model that pushes out 280hp. That’s the same as the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce. Both also feature a game-changing limited-slip differential which we’ll get into later.

Apart from the Veloce, what are the Abarth 600e’s rivals? A MINI Cooper SE or Aceman SUV may appeal, as might the Renault 5-based Alpine A290. There’s also the Cupra Born to consider, while the old-fashioned Ford Focus ST is similar money, too.

We drove both the standard Abarth 600e as well as the limited-edition flagship Scorpionissima model in and around Stellantis’ Balocco proving ground, on road in the UK, and even on a kart track. Scroll down to read our impressions and verdict. And if you’d like to learn more about how we reached our verdict on the car, check out our how we test cars explainer page.

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Even though this car is based on the much slower Fiat 600e, Abarth has changed quite a lot about it to achieve its performance goals. On the outside, it gets a blockier, more aggressive front end that’s reminiscent of classic Abarths, and there’s also a fresh wing and diffuser on the back. It sounds garish, but the whole thing ends up looking well-proportioned and sporty in person. Sadly, those sleepy headlights remain, though.

Both models get the sporty body kit and it’s wrapped over a wider track than the base Fiat; the Abarth is an additional 30mm wider at the front and 25mm at the rear. 20-inch wheels complete the look, giving the Abarth even more presence. The tyres around them are 20% quieter than the standard car’s too, and feature a softer compound and stiffer central structure.

The cheapest Abarth 600e can be painted in Acid Green, Antidote White, Shock Orange, and Venom Black. The Scorpionissima comes in Acid Green or an exclusive Hypnotic Purple colour. Think Barney the dinosaur and you’re pretty much there.

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What’s it like inside?

Both models feature a similar interior to the 600e, but both have slightly more focused cabins – with varying results. The range-topping Scorpionissima gets sporty, figure-hugging seats and Alcantara, but it also gets creature comforts such as floor mats, wireless charging and a cover for the central-mounted storage bin.

There’s more technology in the top-spec car, too, such as lane positioning and traffic jam assists. And there’s even a faux-engine noise (like you get on the Abarth 500e) for those Abarth petrolheads that need the sound of combustion. In practice it sounds a bit like an old arcade racer, though.

In contrast, the base-level Abarth feels stylish if not bare. Like the Fiat 600e, the cabin is dominated by an oval-shape and glossy plastic dashboard panel. It’ll almost certainly get covered in fingerprints, but it does the job and gives the Abarth a very different feel to other Stellantis products on the same architecture.

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You’ll find all the usual Stellantis switchgear for the air conditioning and gear selector, but they serves their functions well enough. Even we are getting tired of seeing them. The quality dips in some areas such as the door cards. The base version also feels significantly more basic but, overall, the Abarth is a sporty and snug place to be.

Interior space is if anything even worse than the regular 600e. The bulky sports seats are great for front seat occupants who’ll have enough room, but rear headroom is merely OK and legroom is tight, or non-existent with someone tall driving. The boot is average for the class, but does get a two-level floor which is good for hiding the charging cable.

Abarth 600e electric motors

Both the base Abarth and the Scorpionissima use the same 54kWh battery (51kWh useable) and produce the same 345Nm of torque (pulling power). Top speed is also 124mph for both. However, where the standard car produces 240hp, the limited-edition Scorpionissima puts out an Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce-matching 280hp.

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That means a 0–62mph sprint of 6.2 seconds for the standard car and 5.9 seconds for the range-topper. Range is rated at 207 miles for both models, and when you do run out of charge, a 100kW top-up from 20–80% will take 27 minutes. Expect more like 150 miles in the real world, or less if you’re enjoying yourself.

What it’s like to drive?

On challengingly undulating Fenland roads Abarth 600e feels stiff (due to a new, rear anti-roll bar and a 41% stiffer suspension setup), but it’s well-damped too. You’re very aware of road imperfections passing beneath you yet all sharp edges are rounded off so it’s never jarring, just purposeful. If you can live with a MINI’s ride, you’ll happily live with this.

Whichever car you’re in – base or Scorpionissima – the seats are comfortable enough and the cabin is quiet, especially on smooth motorway roads. Take the 600e to something more demanding, however, and the Abarth formula soon presents itself.

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On twisty roads the top spec’s 280hp and 5.9-second 0–62mph sprint feels faster than you’d expect. In Track mode, the throttle feels precise and responsive and punches the 600e out of corners with plenty of help from the clever limited-slip diff. It really helps prevent the nose from washing wide under power, giving far more traction than a MINI Cooper SE or Alpine A290.

You’ll feel the diff working as the steering wheel twists slightly in your hands as you accelerate hard on uneven roads. This torque steer doesn’t ever pull you way off line though, and merely acts as a cheeky reminder of what’s going on between the front wheels. Precision from the steering is good, as is the weighting in the sportier modes, and there’s a bit of feedback, too.

Braking is powerful but predictable too thanks to new Alcon four-piston 380mm brakes on the front axle. Plus, in hotter modes, the car doesn’t combine hydraulic braking with regen-braking, so the overall feel is much purer and enjoyable. The downside is that you won’t recover any energy when you’re slowing down, worsening the range further. They did start to get weak after four fairly hot laps of a kart track, but shouldn’t prove an issue on the road.

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The stiff suspension and performance tyres comes into their own when you’re pushing on. There’s not much body roll despite lots of grip that allows you to corner quickly. Brake deep into a corner and you can feel the rear moving a few degrees to help tuck the 600e’s nose into a bend. It’s classic hot hatch stuff, and although you can’t turn off the stability control entirely, the sportier modes allow a little slip without the fear of it going fully sideways like an Alpine A290.

What models and trims are available?

Abarth is offering in the 600e in two distinct flavours: a ‘standard’ and Scorpionissima. The range-topping Scorpionissima model gets bespoke 20-inch alloys and exclusive ‘Hypnotic Purple’ paint, in addition to a power hike. It’s limited to just 1949 units and will cost £39,875.

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Move down to the standard model, and prices for the regular Abarth 600e kick off at £36,975. That’s halfway between the bog-standard 156hp Fiat 600e and the Scorpionissima. You get a little less power – which you rarely feel on the road – but the interior is a level below the range-topper, as is the kit list.

What else should I know?

Abarth has said the Scorpionissima will be limited to just 1949 units worldwide to celebrate the 75-year anniversary of the brand. However, Parkers understands a version with more power and a plusher interior will be a permanent member of the range.

What’s more, we’re expecting to see the same top powertrain in a third car; a new Lancia Ypsilon HF. It probably won’t come to the UK, but it might pave the way for a hot Vauxhall Corsa Electric or Peugeot e-208.