Abarth 600e Review | Electric Hot Hatch Compared with Rivals
Your Complete Guide to the Updated Abarth 600e Line-Up
New Abarth 600e Range news has motoring enthusiasts buzzing in early 2026. With two fresh trim levels, Turismo and Competizione, the Italian performance brand is sharpening its fully electric offering and planting its scorpion’s sting into the hot hatch EV segment without apology.
Abarth 600e Index of Updates
- History & Context: Where it started
- New Trims: Turismo & Competizione explained
- Technical Highlights: Power, range & platform
- Critic & Community Reaction
- Colours & Design Choices
- Everyday Practicality
- Final Thoughts
Abarth 600e: A Brief History & What Makes It Special
Abarth’s leap into electrification came later than some, but the Abarth 600e dropped with a clear mission: bring genuine performance personality to the EV world.
Based on the Fiat 600e platform but extensively tuned by Abarth’s engineers, this car has been touted as one of the few electric machines that can still make a true enthusiast smile.
Where petrol-powered hot hatches relied on snarling engines and mechanical symphonies, the 600e had to conjure character electronically, something once thought too intangible to replicate.
It has managed to capture much of that magic with clever chassis tuning, chassis upgrades and a sound generator that doesn’t embarrass itself on twisty B-roads.
Fun fact: the launch edition of the 600e, the Scorpionissima, paid homage to the year Abarth was founded and was limited in number to underline the brand’s racing pedigree.
2026 Touring & Competizione: What’s Changed?
In 2026, Abarth has reworked the 600e range with two distinct trims: Turismo as the new entry-level and Competizione as the top-spec weapon. These replace the old standard 600e and the Scorpionissima limited edition.
Abarth 600e Turismo
- Price: £33,995
- Power: ~235–240bhp
- Intended as the everyday sports hatch, balancing lively performance with everyday usability.
Abarth 600e Competizione
- Price: £37,995
- Power: ~276–280bhp
- Think of this as the spicier sibling with more grunt, more focus and all the bespoke touches that ignite passion.
Both trims retain the core platform and performance ethos of the original 600e but with sharper differentiation and kit levels clear enough to justify the price steps.
Performance, Specs & Electric Hot Hatch Spirit
Performance figures for the new Abarth 600e trims are heartening for what is essentially a compact EV.
The Competizione model’s punchy 278bhp and sub-6-second 0-62mph sprint make it one of the most engaging front-wheel drive electric cars on sale.
A Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential, an enthusiast’s treat as much as a practical handling aid, rounds off a specification that doesn’t feel like a rushed electrified afterthought.
Certainly the motors aren’t down on pure EV power for the sake of headline figures, but what has impressed testers and puzzled more traditional petrol-head sceptics is how the whole package gels on UK roads where grip and feedback matter.
For detailed technical figures and trim comparisons, Autoblog and Auto Express have excellent breakdowns online via this Abarth 600e Competizione Overview.
Driving, Range & Real-World Use
No sugar-coating here. With a WLTP-claimed range around 207 miles, the Abarth 600e isn’t going to top the charts in electric car practicality. For many UK drivers, depending on traffic and use, expect a real-world daily range that can dip well below that mark.
But if you’ve ever owned a classic hot hatch, you’ll be familiar with that trade-off: raw character and excitement almost always eats into everyday convenience.
Charging is typical for this segment: with around 100kW rapid charging capability, you can get from 20 to 80 per cent in roughly 27 minutes, assuming you’re on the right charger.
What the Motoring World Is Saying
Since the update broke, UK and European motoring media have been broadly positive about Abarth’s direction, praising the energetic Competizione performance and smart trim structure.
Some commentary, typically from traditional hot hatch purists, notes that the range isn’t segment-leading, and the suspension can feel firm on poorer roads.
Overall reaction? Enthusiasts appreciate that Abarth hasn’t diluted its identity just to chase EV segment sales. That’s no small feat in a market swamped by bland electric hatchbacks that lack personality.
Colours, Looks & Visual Appeal
Abarth has been bold here. New colourways like Acid Green and Shock Orange are guaranteed to turn heads, though not everyone’s cup of espresso.
For the more understated, traditional Venom Black or Antidote White remain available. Contrasting roofs and sporty decals on the Competizione add that final touch of hot hatch flair.
Practicality, Tech & Everyday Comfort
Despite its performance focus, the Abarth 600e hasn’t ignored comfort and connectivity:
- 10-inch touchscreen
- Voice assistant & integration with Android/Apple systems
- Adaptive cruise control on Competizione
- Rain sensing wipers and easy-to-use ergonomics
These features elevate the car beyond a bare-bones enthusiast toy, it’s perfectly reasonable for daily life if you’re prepared to live with a lively suspension and compact boot.
EV Hot Hatch Rival Round-up: How the Abarth 600e Stacks Up
With fully electric performance hatches gaining traction in the UK, the Abarth 600e no longer sits alone in claiming the fun-to-drive EV hot hatch crown.
Here’s a clear comparison with its key rivals all of which bring their own flavours to this rapidly evolving segment.
Abarth 600e Versus MINI John Cooper Works Electric
The Mini John Cooper Works Electric and Abarth 600e Competizione make natural rivals. Both aim for brisk acceleration and playful handling, and in many real-world tests they post almost identical 0-62 mph figures around 5.9 seconds.
But while Mini leans on its heritage and go-kart-like dynamics, the Abarth leans into a sportier road-biased feel with larger wheels and firmer suspension. Some drivers note the JCW Electric’s ride can feel rock-hard on poorer UK surfaces.
Abarth 600e Versus MG4 XPower
The MG4 XPower isn’t just a hatchback but one of the most powerful EV hot hatches in the UK market, offering near 435hp and 3.8-second 0-62 mph performance thanks to twin motors and standard all-wheel drive.
In outright acceleration and straight-line pace, it leaves the Abarth for dust but character-wise it’s a different proposition: heavier, broader, and less tied to classic hot hatch dynamics.
Abarth 600e Versus Cupra Born VZ
Cupra’s Born VZ brings serious performance credentials to the table with a powerful electric motor and a claimed 0-62 mph around 5.6 seconds.
Although the Cobra-like acceleration is strong, it’s a larger and more expensive hatch with more comfort-oriented packaging than the Abarth’s driver-centric intent.
Abarth 600e Versus Alpine A290
The Alpine A290, based on the retro-styled Renault 5 E-Tech platform, is smaller and lighter than most rivals and genuinely fun to hustle on tight roads.
Its power output sits lower than the Abarth’s and range suggests up to about 280 miles, but it delivers a classic hot hatch feel with modern EV spirit.
Other Electric Hot Hatch Alternatives
From Cupra Born to VW ID.3 GTX Performance and the classic Abarth 500e, the EV hot hatch market is bustling. Some excel with superior range and practicality, others bring gritty handling and distinctive styling. If you consider your list beyond pure performance to real-world usability, cars like the ID.3 GTX and even future offerings such as the Peugeot E-208 GTi EV signal how competitive this segment is becoming.
What This Means for You
So how does the Abarth 600e fare? If your priority is character and personality over straight-line numbers, it remains one of the most compelling EV hot hatches on sale. Rivals either push performance beyond what everyday UK roads traditionally allow or tilt more toward comfort and range over sheer driver engagement.
In other words, if you’re after a modern hot hatch experience with electric-age ambition, the Abarth 600e still holds its own and in some viewpoints stands out for sheer enthusiasm rather than pure specs.
Abarth 600e (Turismo / Competizione) Versus Closest Electric Hot Hatch Rivals
Abarth 600e vs Rival EV Hot Hatches
| Model | Power | 0–62 mph | Real-World Range* | Approx. UK Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abarth 600e Turismo | 235 hp | 6.2 sec | ~207 miles | £33,995 |
| Abarth 600e Competizione | 278 hp | 5.9 sec | ~207 miles | £37,995 |
| MG4 XPower | 435 hp | 3.8 sec | ~248 miles | £35,495 |
| Cupra Born VZ | 326 hp | 5.6 sec | ~285 miles | £44,600 |
| VW ID.3 GTX | 300 hp | 6.3 sec | ~260–280 miles | £41,500 |
| MINI JCW Electric | 218 hp | 5.9 sec | ~250 miles | ~£42,000 |
*Real-world range based on mixed UK driving rather than WLTP test cycles.
Notes:
- ID.3 GTX figures vary by source but typically sit in the low 6-second region for 0-62 mph.
- Prices for ID.3 GTX and other non-UK-specific data are estimates based on UK reviews and listings.
What This Table Tells Us
Abarth 600e vs Cupra Born VZ
Cupra Born VZ brings a blend of performance and everyday usability with more range, but at a noticeably higher price.
Abarth 600e vs VW ID.3 GTX
ID.3 GTX sits somewhere in the middle decent pace and comfort for those wanting an EV that’s performance-capable and practical.
Abarth 600e vs MG4 XPower
The Abarth 600e Competizione hangs’ on well against rivals for punchy acceleration and hot hatch fun, even if it doesn’t beat the mind-bending pace of the MG4 XPower.
Abarth 600e vs Mini JCW Electric
The MINI JCW Electric focuses on character and brand appeal rather than outright power.
Key Takeaways
- The Cupra Born VZ sits highest in range and in price, a more premium EV hatch.
- The MG4 XPower delivers the best balance of range and power near mass-market pricing.
- The Abarth 600e range stays keenly priced but trades range for enthusiast-centric performance and character.
- The VW ID.3 GTX occupies a mid ground, solid range but pricier and less raw than the Abarth in feel.
In plain terms? If you’re buying for character, grin factor and true hot hatch style with electric power, the updated Abarth 600e range still makes a compelling case. It’s not the outright fastest EV on the block, but it’s one of the most fun to drive like it matters.
Yes. The Abarth 600e is tuned as a performance-focused electric hatchback, with uprated power, suspension, brakes and steering compared with the standard Fiat 600e.
The Turismo offers 235hp and a more everyday setup, while the Competizione delivers 278hp, sharper chassis tuning, upgraded brakes and more aggressive styling.
The Abarth 600e Competizione accelerates from 0–62mph in 5.9 seconds, placing it firmly among the quickest electric hot hatches currently on sale.
In mixed UK driving, owners can expect around 200–210 miles from a full charge, depending on driving style, conditions and wheel choice.
The MG4 XPower offers more outright power and faster acceleration, while the Abarth 600e focuses on character, chassis feel and traditional hot hatch appeal
The Cupra Born VZ provides greater range and strong performance, while the Abarth 600e prioritises sharper responses, visual drama and a more playful driving feel.
The ID.3 GTX leans towards refinement and everyday usability, whereas the Abarth 600e delivers a more focused, aggressive driving experience.
Both cars offer similar 0–62mph times, but the Abarth 600e produces more power and feels more performance-led in hard driving.
Yes. Despite its sporting focus, the Abarth 600e offers five doors, usable rear seats and a practical boot, making it suitable for everyday driving.
The Abarth 600e suits drivers who value performance character and hot hatch attitude in an electric format, even if maximum range is not the top priority.
For buyers seeking a distinctive electric hot hatch with strong performance and personality, the Abarth 600e offers a compelling alternative to more neutral rivals.
Pricing & Final Verdict
With Turismo starting at £33,995 and Competizione at £37,995, Abarth is pitching the 600e against a growing field of sporty EVs. Sales figures are still early days, but with early buyer feedback suggesting a strong core of Abarth loyalists and new converts, this range update could be just what the brand needed to cement its EV future.
If you care more about character than ultimate range numbers and value a driver-focused experience, the updated Abarth 600e delivers a compelling case for consideration in the modern electric world.
Images: abarthcars.co.uk, media.stellantis.com
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Summary
Reviewer
Sean Neylon
Review Date
Reviewed Item
Abarth 600e
Author Rating
Product Name
Abarth 600e
Price
GBP 33995
Product Availability
Available in Stock
