Why Lease The 500e Convertible?
by: Fergus GrayFergus is a talented automotive writer specialising in automotive and sports content. He has a Level 3 qualification in content creation and previously worked for Boxxer and The Best of Bolton.
Abarth 500e Convertible Review 2023
The Abarth 500e Convertible is an exciting addition to the Abarth lineup, bringing the thrill of open-top driving to the electric vehicle segment. You'll appreciate its compact dimensions, which make it well-suited for navigating narrow city streets and parking in tight spaces.
Rivals to the Abarth 500e Convertible include the Honda e and Renault Zoe.
Our Fiat 500e Convertible review covers:
Abarth 500e Convertible Key Features
- Signature sporty and stylish design cues
- Compact well-appointed interior with comfortable seats and a driver-focused cockpit
- 185-litre boot space
- Electric powertrain with a 42kWh battery provides a surprising amount of punch
- Three trim levels are available: Standard, Turismo and Scorpionissima
Abarth 500e Convertible Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Sporty Styling
- Agile Handling
- Convertible Top
Cons:
- Expensive
- Road Noise
- Limited Interior Space
Design, Practicality and Boot Space
The Abarth 500e Convertible maintains the iconic and sporty design language that's synonymous with the Abarth brand. The soft-top convertible roof is a defining feature of this model. It adds a touch of flair to the design and allows you to enjoy open-air driving when desired. The roof can be operated electronically, making it convenient to open or close. Abarth has added sporty accents to the design, including unique alloy wheels, aggressive front fascia, and signature Abarth badging. These details give the car a more dynamic and aggressive appearance.
Despite its sporty nature, the Abarth 500e Convertible offers some practicality. The car is a two-seater, which means it's best suited for a driver and a single passenger. This configuration allows for a more spacious and comfortable seating area. The infotainment system is user-friendly and equipped with essential features, making it practical for everyday use.
When it comes to boot space, the Abarth 500e Convertible does have some limitations due to its compact size and the need to accommodate the convertible roof. It offers 185 litres of boot space but the presence of the folding convertible roof mechanism does reduce the available boot space. While it's sufficient for carrying a few bags or small items, it may not be ideal for large luggage or extensive cargo. When the convertible roof is stowed, it occupies some of the trunk space, further limiting the available storage area. It's important to plan accordingly when travelling with the top down.
Interior and Trims
The interior and available trims of the new Abarth 500e Convertible focus on combining sporty design elements with modern technology and comfort. Here's an overview of what you can expect:
The interior of the Abarth 500e Convertible features the brand's signature sporty styling. Expect sporty touches like contrasting stitching, Abarth badges, and a distinctive steering wheel. The front seats are designed with both style and comfort in mind. They typically offer good lateral support to keep you firmly in place during spirited driving. The seats may also feature Abarth branding, adding to the sporty ambience.
The dashboard is likely to have a clean and user-friendly layout. It may incorporate modern materials and finishes to enhance the overall look and feel. The Abarth 500e Convertible should come equipped with an infotainment system that provides essential features. This includes touchscreen controls, smartphone connectivity (such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and navigation capabilities. The user interface is designed to be intuitive and accessible while driving.
Three trim levels are available: Standard, Turismo and Scorpionissima.
Standard model represents the introductory variant of the Abarth 500e electric urban vehicle, boasting a robust 155hp power output that enables a 0-62mph acceleration in approximately seven seconds. The standard configuration includes notable features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, a matte grey dashboard finish, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen equipped with satellite navigation capabilities. Notably, it incorporates the 'Abarth Sound Generator,' designed to emulate the distinctive sound of a traditional gasoline engine.
For those seeking a touch of luxury and enhanced amenities, there's the option to upgrade from the standard Abarth 500e to the Turismo specification. This upgrade includes enhancements such as larger 18-inch alloy wheels, an Alcantara-covered dashboard, sporty Alcantara-clad seats, and a wireless charging pad compatible with modern smartphones. Like its more affordable counterparts, the Turismo variant can rapidly recharge at speeds of up to 85kW, allowing for an 80% battery top-up in just 35 minutes.
Additionally, Scorpionissima model serves as the inaugural release for the new Abarth 500e, which represents the high-performance iteration of the Fiat 500e electric city car. It presents a notably more aggressive and purposeful appearance compared to the standard model, especially when configured in the Scorpionissima specification. With the Scorpionissima option, you'll enjoy the sporty flair of 18-inch alloy wheels and a choice between striking Acid Green or Poison Blue paint finishes. This performance-oriented version is available in both hatchback and convertible configurations, with the convertible variant commanding a slightly higher price than the hatchback counterpart.
Power and Performance
As part of its transformation, the 500e Convertible retains Fiat's 42kWh battery, strategically positioned low between the front and rear wheels to maintain a lower centre of gravity. This configuration grants the standard model an estimated range of 199 miles. However, for the Abarth 500e Convertible (there's also a conventional hatchback version available), some adjustments have been made.
In the Abarth variant, a more potent electric motor powers the front wheels, providing a boost in performance. It delivers an additional 35bhp compared to the Fiat-branded version, resulting in a total of 152bhp and 220Nm of torque. While these figures may not seem exceptionally high when compared to other electric vehicles, it's important to consider the Abarth's weight, which stands at 1,400kg. This weight is relatively substantial for a Fiat 500, but it remains relatively light within the context of electric cars.
Overall, the Abarth 500e Convertible is an enjoyable and stylish electric convertible that adds a fun factor to your daily commute or weekend drives. Its sporty character and electric powertrain make it a unique offering in the EV market. If you're looking for an electrified Italian convertible with character, the Abarth 500e Convertible is worth considering.
Leasing vs Buying
The Abarth 500e Convertible is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £36,364.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £471.81.
If you're considering leasing an Abarth 500e Convertible, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).
Leasing an Abarth 500e Convertible can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.
It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.