Electric Abarth 500e hot hatch priced for NZ
Words: Harrison Wade | Photos: Supplied
The local distributor for Abarth has announced pricing and specification for its first fully electric model, the 500e, and stated that it will arrive in New Zealand by Christmas.
There will be two variants, the standard 500e ($74,990 plus ORCs), and the limited edition Scorpionissima ($76,990).
The latter will feature a choice of two distinct paint colours, Acid Green and Poison Blue. Expect ‘Abarth’ decals on either side of the car and 18-inch diamond-cut wheels.
In addition, the Scorpionissima features an Alcantara interior, a ‘racing’ steering wheel, sports seats with integrated headrests, and Acid Green or Poison Blue stitching to match the exterior.
As for the standard 500e, customers can select from three exterior finishes, being Antidote White, Venom Black, and Adrenaline Red.
No matter which variant you opt for, they’ll each feature a single electric motor up front producing 114kW and 235Nm of torque, fed by a 42kWh battery. Range comes in at 253km, while the battery can charge from 0 to 80 per cent in 35 minutes when using a DC fast charger.
As standard, the electric hot hatch features Abarth’s new Sound Generator which can replicate the sound of an internal combustion engine at the touch of a button.
The Abarth 500e will arrive in New Zealand by the end of 2023, just in time for customers to capitalise on the Clean Car Discount rebate before the scheme ends.
