► We live with the Abarth 500e
► CAR’s long-term test diaries
► Read month 2 here
First mover advantage is still a thing, right? The first product to launch in a segment can hoover up early adopters – but that window of exclusivity rarely lasts long. So it should come as no surprise that our Abarth 500e is no longer the sole electric pocket rocket. I couldn’t resist comparing it with the new electric Mini SE I drove briefly.
The BMW-era Mini in many ways set the template for the modern-day Fiat 500, launching seven years before the 2007 Italian tot, but the tables are turned here: the Abarth 500e raced to market a whole year ahead of the e-Mini. It’s one of the first electric hot hatches we’ve seen.
The Mini wins on range, its larger 54kWh battery bringing a 241-mile potential to our 500’s 42kWh and 158 miles, and the Brit’s clever central screen knocks spots off the Fiat’s simpler Uconnect touchscreen.
On-paper specs are borne out on the road: the Mini is brawnier (214bhp plays 152bhp) and faster (0-62mph in 6.7sec vs 7.0sec). But that doesn’t tell the whole story. The Cooper scrabbles and lurches around under full throttle where the Abarth’s on-road manners are better resolved. You can drive the 500e flat-out more often without feeling like you’re going to torque steer off the road.
Logbook: Abarth 500e Turismo hatchback (month 3)
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: 7.8p per mile
Miles this month: 647
Total miles: 3817