Fiat returns to the B-segment with this 600e compact hatch EV. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

At a stroke, the 600e takes Fiat from nowhere to credible contention in the supermini B-segment. Provided you want an EV anyway, because that's what this is. At first glance, it's a super-sized 500e; actually, it's a re-skinned Jeep Avenger. But what's important is that the end result is very appealing indeed.

Background

The 600e could hardly be more important. It's Fiat's first family EV and it also simultaneously will eventually replace two similarly-sized ageing combustion models, the Tipo and the 500X. In the same way that the old 500L small MPV of 2012 tried to super-size the attributes of the petrol Fiat 500, this 600e super-sizes the attributes of today's little electric 500e. If you like that dinky urban runabout but need more space, this Italian brand thinks the 600e is for you. Under the skin, almost everything with this supermini is shared with another Stellantis Group compact model, Jeep's Avenger - though that's a crossover. Much also is borrowed from electric versions of other Stellantis Group EV cars in this category like the Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot's 208 and the DS 3. Key rivals outside that conglomerate include the smart #1 and the MG4 - but a 600e aims to be even more fashion-orientated and striking than cars like those. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

It's a touch ironic that a car which looks so individual is so derivative under the skin. Beneath the curvy panel work, almost everything of consequence is shared with another significant similarly-sized Stellantis Group compact EV crossover, the Jeep Avenger. Which means the same e-CMP architecture. And the same 54kWh battery pack, which energises a 154bhp electric motor on the front axle that can propel the car to 62mph in 9 seconds flat. Fiat quotes a combined cycle WLTP-rated driving range of up to 254 miles, which rises to 370 miles in town. There's the usual selectable sporty drive mode if you want to properly exercise the eager torque and pulling power of the electric motor (rated at 260Nm). The other two drive settings are 'eco' and 'normal'. Interestingly, the e-CMP platform can also accommodate an engine: a petrol Hybrid variant of this car will also be sold in our market using a mild hybrid 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol engine. This offers 100hp, uses a 48-volt for low speed manoevring and anciliaries; and drives via a 6-speed dual clutch auto transmission that includes the powertrain's 28hp e-motor, inverter and transmission central unit. On all Fiat 600 models, various 'level 2' assisted driving tools come fitted as standard. The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system brakes or accelerates in response to vehicles around you. And the Intelligent Speed Assist system reads the speed limits and recommends applying them, while the Blind Spot Detection set-up uses ultrasonic sensors to monitor blind spots and warn of any obstacles with warning lights on the wing mirror.

Design and Build

Is this the most eye-catching mainstream brand small hatch money can buy? Very possibly. You'll immediately notice the 'eye-lid'-style LED headlights. And possibly the fact that the usual central brand badge has been dropped in favour of the model number. In size and profile, the 600e isn't that far off the brand's 500X small SUV, the crossover theme here indicated by wheels of up to 18-inches in size, along with matt black skirts and wheel arches. There's 4.17-metres of body length, about 8cm more than this Fiat's Jeep Avenger close cousin. Inside, it's actually very similar to that Jeep, though Fiat has tried to disguise the fact by carrying forward the thin-rimmed two-spoke wheel and the climate controls from the smaller 500e model. The 10.25-inch centre touchscreen is shared with the Avenger; and there's a 7-inch digital instrument display. Various handy cabin storage compartments collectively offer 15-litres of stowage space. The quality of the materials used around this interior is nothing to write home about. But there's plenty of cabin storage space. And some fashionable touches like the lovely variant-branded magnetic folding panel on the centre tunnel; and the intricately-stitched seats of the top 'La Prima' version. Fiat engineers focused quite a lot on rear seat occupants. Getting inside has been made easier by making the door ring 37 millimetres wider. Legroom and roominess in the back was maximised by moving the design's fundamental 'H' points, which allowed for a gain of an extra 30mm of legroom. The result isn't quite as spacious as those claims would lead you to expect and adults in the back behind lanky front occupants will need co-operation from those ahead. Boot space is average at 360-litres. If you fold the rear seat flat, up to 1,231-litres of luggage room can be freed up.

Market and Model

Expect a starting price similar to key rivals like Kia's Niro EV, which means an entry-level figure of around £33,000. The base version features Fiat's 'RED' specification, named after the international charity of the same name that aims to bring companies together in the fight against AIDS. This version is painted red and features red cabin detailing, plus model-specific recycled seat upholstery and a special centre console lid with the RED logo. With this base spec, there are 16-inch wheels, automatic zone climate control, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch Uconnect centre screen with wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Andrroid Auto'. If you want more, then you'll be pointed to the plush 'La Prima' model. This features 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, synthetic leather upholstery, front seat heating, keyless entry, a wireless smartphone charger, various charge ports around the interior and an electrically adjustable and massaging driver's seat. All models get various 'level 2' camera driving aids. Whatever kind of 600e you decide upon, you won't be able to order it in grey because Fiat has decided that it will no longer make grey cars: apparently the colour doesn't align with its new 'Dolce Vita' philosophy. Which is a brave move given that grey is the most popular colour for new cars in the UK.... Instead, you'll be given a choice of four trendily-themed colours - 'Sun of Italy', 'Sea of Italy', 'Earth of Italy' and 'Sky of Italy'. Make of that what you will.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the driving range figure from the 54kWh battery (51kWh usable) in our driving section - just over 250 miles - though Fiat claims that this could rise to as much as 375 miles in urban driving conditions. The battery can recharge from 20-80% in 24 minutes via a 100kW cable when hooked up to a suitably rapid charger. Just 3 minutes on such a fast charger would add 80 miles of range and 27 minutes could get the battery from 20 to 80%. What about AC home charging? Well with a typical 7.4kW wallbox, a full charge will take 7 and a half hours. If you've an 11kW wall box at home, a full recharge would take around 6 hours. Energy efficiency is rated at 5.0 miles per kWh. As usual with a modern EV, customers here can choose a wall box for domestic charging and order an RFID card for public charging. If you can't face the thought of constant charging, then you might want to look at the 600 Hybrid model, a mild hybrid capable of returning up to 57.6mpg on the combined cycle and up to 114g/km of CO2. All 600 models are covered by a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty and there's 36 months of breakdown cover included as well. Should you have a problem on a journey, you can use the 'Uconnect' infotainment system to contact roadside assistance. What else might you need to know? Well, servicing intervals are every year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Owners can keep up to date with their car's maintenance schedule via the 'My Car' section of that 'My E-Charge' Fiat app, which briefs you on the time of your next service and various maintenance issues.

Summary

The last time Fiat attempted to super-size its little 500 city car - with the 500L of 2012 - the result was clumsy and ignominious. Growing the all-electric 500e into the 600e has yielded a much more pleasing end result. The '600' badge hasn't been seen on a Fiat since production of the little Seicento ended back in 2010. That car wasn't fit for small families, but this one might be: it really is the 500e, all grown-up. We could complain that under the skin, this is merely a Jeep Avenger in a trendier Turin-tailored suit. But potential customers won't care much. Fiat is at last back in the B-segment with a credible market offering. It's taken the EV revolution and a lot of Stellantis Group help to get it there, but if you like the brand and you've fashion-orientated preferences for your choice of EV small hatch, you may just feel here that the wait has been worthwhile.