If you think electric cars are boring, think again. The Abarth 500e is here to prove you wrong. It is the first electric model from the legendary Italian brand that has been making racing cars and performance parts since 1949. And it is not just a Fiat 500e with a scorpion badge. It is a whole new beast that has been enhanced with more power, better handling, and a stunning design. A design that has already earned it the prestigious Autonis award from the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport.
What is the Autonis award, and why did the Abarth 500e win it?
The Autonis award is one of the most coveted design awards in the automotive industry. It is given every year by the readers of Auto Motor und Sport, one of the most influential car magazines in Europe. The award recognizes the most attractive new models in various categories based on their exterior and interior design, their innovation, and their originality.
The Abarth 500e won the Autonis award for 2023 in the compact SUV category, beating its rivals with a convincing 30.2 percent share of the vote. More than 14,000 readers participated in the survey, and they were impressed by the sporty and aggressive look of the Abarth 500e. The car features bold bumpers, sharp lines, Abarth signature LED lights, and 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior is equally impressive, with racing-inspired seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a digital instrument cluster.
The Abarth 500e also won the award for its innovation and originality. It is one of the first electric hot hatches on the market, and it combines the benefits of zero-emission mobility with the fun and excitement of driving a performance car. It also features a unique sound generator that mimics the roar of a combustion engine, with different modes to suit your mood and driving style.
How does the Abarth 500e perform on the road?
The Abarth 500e is not just a pretty face. It is also a powerful and agile machine that delivers a thrilling driving experience. The electric motor produces 153 horsepower and 235 Nm of instant torque, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 7 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 93 mph, but that is not what this car is about. This car is about enjoying the twisty roads, the responsive acceleration, and the exhilarating sound.
The Abarth 500e also has a sharp suspension, wider wheels and tires, and rear disc brakes that improve its handling and stability. It also has three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Eco. Each mode has its own power delivery and sound profile. Normal mode offers a balanced performance and sound for everyday driving. Sport mode increases the power output and sound intensity for more fun and excitement. Eco mode reduces the power output and sound volume for more efficiency and range.
The Abarth 500e has a decent range of up to 199 miles on a single charge, which is enough for most urban journeys. It also supports fast charging, which can replenish up to 80 percent of its battery in just 35 minutes. The car also has a smart battery management system that optimizes its performance and longevity.
How does the Abarth 500e compare to its competitors?
The Abarth 500e is one of the first electric hot hatches on the market, but it will soon face some tough competition from other brands. Some of its main rivals are:
- The Cupra Born: This is the electric version of the Seat Leon Cupra, which is a popular hot hatch in Europe. It has a similar power output to the Abarth 500e (150 horsepower), but it has a larger battery (58 kWh) that gives it a longer range (260 miles). It also has a more spacious interior and a more modern design. However, it is also more expensive than the Abarth 500e ($43,000) and less exclusive.
- The Smart #1 Brabus: This is a special edition of the Smart EQ ForTwo Cabriolet that has been tuned by Brabus, a German company that specializes in modifying Mercedes-Benz cars. It has a lower power output than the Abarth 500e (92 horsepower), but it has a higher torque (160 Nm) that gives it a quicker acceleration (0 to 62 mph in 6 seconds). It also has a smaller size (2.69 meters long) that makes it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. However, it also has a shorter range (96 miles), a smaller trunk (260 liters), and a higher price ($46,000).
- The MINI Cooper SE electric car: This is the electric version of the iconic Mini Cooper, which is a classic hot hatch in the UK. It has a similar power output to the Abarth 500e (154 horsepower), but it has a lower torque (199 Nm) that gives it a slower acceleration (0 to 62 mph in 7.3 seconds). It also has a similar range to the Abarth 500e (199 miles), but it has a smaller battery (32.6 kWh) that takes longer to charge (2.5 hours for 80 percent). It also has a similar design to the Abarth 500e, but it lacks some of its features and character.
The Abarth 500e has some advantages over its rivals, such as its unique design, its customizable sound, and its nimble handling. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as its limited rear space, noisy ride on highways, and relatively high price.
Is the Abarth 500e worth buying?
The Abarth 500e is a car that polarizes opinions and provokes emotions. It is not for everyone, but it is for those who love driving and who value style over substance. It is a car that celebrates the past while embracing the future. It is a car that deserves respect and admiration.
The Abarth 500e' price starts from $38,900 for the hatchback version and $41,900 for the convertible version. That is quite a lot for a small car, even if it is electric and sporty. However, if you are looking for an electric car that stands out from the crowd and delivers a thrilling driving experience, you might find the Abarth 500e worth every penny.
And you will not be alone. The Abarth 500e has already won its first award: the prestigious Autonis design award by Auto Motor und Sport. And it will surely win more awards and fans in the future. Because the Abarth 500e is not just another electric car. It is an electric scorpion that stings the eyes.
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