The Stellantis Group is rolling out the new electric drives in more and more vehicles. The best example is the Fiat 600e, which uses the same electric drive system and eCMP2 platform as the Peugeot e-2008 or a Jeep Avenger. A more family-friendly alternative to the Fiat 500 Electric, which is about half a meter shorter than its ancestor. At first you might think that this is an electric version of the 500X, but the compact combustion SUV uses a different platform that it shares with the Jeep Renegade. In addition, the Fiat 600e is almost ten centimeters shorter and more than seven centimeters lower than its segment neighbor without an electric drive.
The 4.17 meter long 600e was developed by a 250-strong team in Turin and has recently rolled off the assembly line in Tychy, Poland. In addition to the pure electric version, there will be a mild hybrid version from the first quarter of 2024, whose 1.2-liter 100 hp engine is supported by a 28 hp electric motor and a 48-volt electrical system. However, the greatest demand is likely to be for the pure electric version, whose 400-volt drive system and a 54 kWh lithium-ion battery ensure a range of just over 400 kilometers. The drive is provided by the 115 kW / 156 HP / 260 Nm electric motor, which was installed in many electric vehicles from the Stellantis Group. The charging speed remains slow, as the 600e can refuel at a maximum of 100 kilowatts at a fast charging station. The standard heat pump provides a range gain of around ten percent. However, there is no system for preconditioning the battery that brings the energy storage device to the best possible temperature when charging begins and thus accelerates the charging process).
Inside, the 600e is typically Fiat. The dashboard is arranged horizontally and contains the gearshift buttons, replacing any type of lever, while physical switches are used for the climate functions. The hard surfaces on the dashboard and door panels dampen the positive overall picture. The seven-inch digital instruments retain their round shape from the Fiat 500 and, in combination with the central 10.25-inch touchscreen, offer a wealth of information. Graphics and software take some getting used to, but the logic is intuitive.
There is enough space for a maximum of four adults in the electric Fiat crossover, as a third adult rear passenger cannot be expected to occupy the second row due to the narrow interior width and the cardan tunnel. Oddly, there are no storage compartments in the rear doors and no direct ventilation openings in the second row of seats, where occupants will appreciate the high seating position. An electrically adjustable driver’s seat with massage function and an electric tailgate are amenities not found on some competitors in the B-SUV segment. In addition, the trunk is a solid size with a volume of 360 liters.
The Fiat 600e prefers to accelerate quickly at low speeds, as 1.5 tons is impressive for a model with barely more than 150 hp and a manageable 260 Nm maximum torque. As befits your status, you are only in the sports program in the Polish Italian, because the Eco and Normal modes reduce the engine power to a narrow 82 HP / 180 or 109 HP / 220. The top speed of a manageable 150 km / h means that you are not alone on German motorways Difficulties can arise if you venture into the left lane. In addition to the normal mode, the driver can also switch on a driving program with permanent recuperation of 45 kilowatts using the B button.
The suspension of the Fiat 600e, which costs at least 36,490 euros, is surprisingly firm and, especially with the 215/55 R18 wheels, the electric SUV appears almost sporty. This has a positive effect on the stability of the vehicle when cornering quickly, while bumps in the road repeatedly find their way into the interior. Here the driver notices that the Fiat 600e uses a torsion beam rear suspension with Panhard rod and does not use a multi-link system like the Fiat 500x, which offers more comfort, especially on the highway. The steering feels too light, and even switching to Sport mode doesn’t change that for the driver. However, it takes a long time to get used to the spongy response of the brake pedal.
