► We live with the Abarth 500e
► CAR’s long-term test diaries
► Read month 1 here
My last two long-termers neatly bookend the electric car scene and they briefly overlapped: the Abarth 500e newcomer is a tiny tearaway of an EV, while our recently departed Volkswagen ID. Buzz is one of the largest, roomiest battery buses going. Chalk and cheese, you might say, but I find similarities too.
Stylistically, they both draw on their respective heritage, though the Fiat group’s silhouette is perhaps less overtly retro. Both are unthreatening designs laced with a streak of happiness, although the Italian tot is a push for any more than two passengers. I’m having to juggle family duties and prioritise shorter trips in the Abarth, where the Volkswagen could swallow any load of limbs or luggage we threw at it.
Still, the compact dimensions of the 500e are much easier to park and I love the sheer chuckability that comes with downsizing from an MPV to a mini. Small is simple.
Read month 1 here
Logbook: Abarth 500e Turismo hatchback
Price: £38,195 (£38,795 as tested)
Performance: 42kWh battery, single e-motor, 152bhp, 7.0sec 0-62mph, 96mph
Efficiency: 3.3 miles per kWh (official), 3.4 miles per kWh (tested), 0g/km CO2
Range: 158 miles (claimed), 143 miles (tested)
Energy cost: £48.59
Miles this month: 590
Total miles: 3170