New fully electric Fiat 600e unveiled in full

Fiat has officially unveiled the fully electric 600e as its latest entrant into the small SUV segment, combining 500e hatchback styling with a longer, wider, and taller package.

Based on Stellantis’ eCMP platform, the Italian runaround shares a close relationship with the Jeep Avenger and Alfa Romeo’s upcoming small SUV.

That means it inherits a 54kWh lithium-ion battery which is said to provide a range of more than 400km and can be recharged with a 100kW fast charger, taking less than half an hour to reach 80 per cent capacity. There’s also an 11kW charger onboard which allows a full recharge of the SUV in less than six hours using a home charger.

The 600e gets a 115kW electric motor, capable of providing acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in nine seconds. Three driving modes are available to choose from, including Eco, Normal and Sport.

Much of the Fiat SUV’s looks closely resemble those found on its smaller sib, such as its circular LED headlights and rectangular taillights. The front fascia wears a big ‘600’ badge, the model name also found on the car’s black side skirts and rear bumper.

Wheels sizes of up to 18 inches are available, while customers can also choose from a range of colours as long as it isn’t grey since the Italian carmaker recently announced it wants to bring back a bit more pizzazz to the road.

More 500e inspiration made it way inside thanks to the SUV’s oblong dashboard design and 10.25-inch infotainment system that features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to blast music out of the six-speaker sound system.

The driver has been given a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, housed in a round binnacle, along with a power-adjustable seat and a massaging function. Other interior appointments include velour floor mats, a wireless phone charger, and USB type A and type C ports on the second row.

Onboard safety equipment and assistance systems consist of level 2 assisted driving, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, 360-degree sensors and a 180-degree camera at the rear.

The Fiat 600e is expected to go on sale later this year in Europe but the model has yet to be confirmed for New Zealand consumption.