Abarth 500e Turismo Review

Power Stats

As with the Fiat 500e, power goes to the front wheels. Talking of power, you get 154bhp on tap, which is good for a 0-60mph time of around 7 seconds. You can juggle how that power is delivered by selecting different modes: Turismo, Scorpion Street or Scorpion Track.

The big difference is that Turismo reduces the amount of power, so you adopt a more relaxed style. Scorpion Street gives the car one-pedal driving. The suspension has been uprated as have the brakes.

The steering feels heavier and the car now sits on bigger tyres.

All in all, it makes the Abarth feel sporty but not at the expense of ride quality. Yes, it's edging onto the firm side, but once you're onto quicker roads, everything settles nicely. The stiffer suspension allows you to chuck the car into a corner and then power your way out, so you'll be trying to travel on as many country lanes on a quiet morning as possible.

Trim Levels

There are two trims available and both use the same power unit.

There's the entry level 500e which kicks off at GBP34,195 (Nov 24) or for another GBP4k you can get the Turismo. The extra dough gives you 18-inch alloys instead of 17-inch; you also get a glass sunroof (I had the Turismo rollback canvas roof model which looks a tad punchy at GBP41,195), heated sports seats, leather trim, 360-degree parking sensors, powered and heated mirrors, rear view camera and wireless phone charging. The 10.25-inch central touchscreen works well, as do the handy row of buttons underneath which allow climate adjustment.

There's a clear 7-inch digital screen in front of the driver.