Fiat’s iconic Fiat 500, a charming and charismatic compact car, has finally arrived on Canadian soil. The 500e, a pioneering electric two-door hatchback that echoes the iconic design of the original Fiat Cinquecento from the 1950s, paying homage to its heritage. Incongruous among Canada’s dominant SUVs, pick-up trucks, and broad boulevards, the 500e appears almost diminutive alongside its MINI Cooper and Chevrolet Bolt counterparts, yet it surprisingly finds its footing on Rome’s narrow cobblestone streets. While some may crave the rolling hills of Tuscany, many drivers outside of Quebec yearn for higher-riding SUVs that confer a palpable sense of heightened security and enhanced visual awareness. Can a compact and affordable hatchback effectively navigate the complex landscape of modern motoring?
While many may overlook the significance of Fiat’s 125-year history, a milestone that predates those of BMW, Rolls-Royce, and even Ferrari? So that individuals understand their actions. The Fiat 500e proudly holds the distinction of being Italy’s smallest and most affordable all-electric vehicle, with a competitive price tag of $39,995 before factoring in any government incentives.
We adore how it seems to resemble this. The Fiat 500e’s adorable design combines retro flair with modern sophistication, seamlessly blending vintage charm with contemporary style. While showcasing a vast array of automotive equipment is impressive, the Fiat 500e’s sleek design truly shines when paired with its white exterior and tasteful purple accents on the outside badges and mirror caps. A subtle touch of Italian flair is added to the sign’s lamps with a discreetly incorporated Italian flag design. While some may view this design as reminiscent of a spaghetti-stained tablecloth, others affectionately refer to it as the “Italian Bunny.” The optionally available Rose Gold finish is surprisingly unisex when viewed up close individually.
Fiat took a cue from MINI’s playbook by offering customers enhanced personalization options on their website, including a palette of unique paint colours, removable decals, and bespoke cabin accessories. Four distinct paint colours are available, along with a standardised set of 17-inch wheels, and a choice between two interior colour schemes: black or cream. For a premium of just $5,000, you’ll gain access to the exclusive La Prima bundle, featuring exquisite body-coloured exterior components that elevate your vehicle’s style and sophistication. While Canada’s market size might be smaller than others, its unique dynamics mean that automakers tailor their offerings to suit local tastes. This results in fewer trim levels and options compared to larger markets, where a broader range of choices is available. While Fiat has collaborated with high-end fashion brands like Gucci and Giorgio Armani on limited-edition 500 models, untapped opportunities exist in the Canadian market. As customization enthusiasts and MINI house owners take a break from tweaking their ride’s interior to indulge in a sweet treat, they might just crave a refreshing scoop or two of gelato.
While this Fiat may appear compact at first glance, it actually stands quite tall, with a roofline that significantly eclipses those of both the Audi A5 and BMW 3 Series. Due to innovative packaging and the absence of traditional engine and transmission constraints, the interior space is surprisingly expansive. When the seats are fully reclined, I’m pleased to find an abundance of head-and-leg space accommodating my 6-foot stature. With a generous 4-inch gap between the hairline and headlining, the convertible variant is likely to offer improved interior space. Despite the absence of a sunroof option, we never felt confined in our daily driving experience. While we’re lacking a designated space for our door-side elbow, the simple pleasure of swinging our arm out the window remains just as delightful?
Significantly better integrated into the cabin, the seating area distinguishes itself from its predecessor in the final Fiat 500 by providing a more immersive driving experience that doesn’t feel like you’re literally sitting on top of the vehicle. Without the requirement for a transmission, the central footwell remains vacant, allowing you to store your luggage or engage in playful foot gestures with your passenger instead. Storage choices are aplenty. With ample storage options, including a cleverly designed centre console compartment and generous door pocket space, we’re pleased to find a surprisingly large 12V outlet and a thoughtful fold-out cupholder in the middle footwell. While there is no overhead storage available, neither should one rely on the rear seats to accommodate human passengers, as they are more suitable for carrying grocery bags or daily essentials. With ample space in its trunk, this vehicle is well-suited for weekend getaways, easily accommodating two suitcases and a couple of duffel bags.
It was disconcerting to find that Fiat did not consolidate all its infotainment and local weather controls onto the 10.25-inch central touchscreen, which would have effectively condensed the dashboard and fostered a more streamlined, minimalist atmosphere. Fortunately, the 500e is still packed with numerous controls, including buttons, dials, and switches. The steering wheel is beset with them as well, while the infotainment system boasts seamless performance, crystal-clear high-definition visuals, and an effortlessly user-friendly interface that surpasses its Honda and Toyota counterparts in terms of both speed and intuitive operation. Stellantis’ approach to connectivity is truly deserving of recognition, as the company successfully delivers seamless interactions without relying on digital real estate for simple yet clunky aspects of user engagement.
Similarities to the iconic Jeep Wrangler abound, as Easter eggs are scattered throughout the interior. A ‘Made in Torino’ badge on the door trim features a retro Fiat image, while the Turin skyline is cleverly embedded within the Wi-Fi charging pad. Even the seat cushions subtly incorporate FIAT logos. To top it off, the car will serenade you with a lullaby upon startup.
Despite its compact wheelbase, Fiat successfully incorporates a 400-volt, 42-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a front-wheel-drive electric motor producing 117 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque through a seamless single-speed transmission. While all-wheel drive is the game-changer, it remains unclear if the spicy Abarth or convertible versions of the new model will make their way to Canadian shores.
The valley is surprisingly small yet larger than anticipated. Fiat boasts a fuel economy rating of 227 kilometres per fill-up, which is remarkably close to our own real-world testing that achieved an average of 234 kilometres – it seems Fiat’s estimates are right on the money. The suitability of the 500e for daily driving hinges on various factors; nonetheless, with access to home charging, it’s challenging to envision a scenario where this electric vehicle wouldn’t make an ideal commuter companion? This technology is also compatible with all charging stations, ranging from Stage 1 and 2 to advanced Stage 3 (DC Quick Charging).
Given its compact size, it’s well-suited for navigating tight spaces in the downtown area while searching for a parking spot on an avenue. As the 500e effortlessly slips into its designated space, the previously cramped quarters transform into a radiant haven, evoking an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. The essence of la dolce vita – a phrase that evokes the sweet and indulgent essence of Italian living.
The Fiat 500e is a joy to navigate on the road, boasting a delightful driving experience. We’re back in Italy minus its iconic cobbled streets, rich gelato, intoxicating aroma of leather goods, and almost everything else that makes it so alluring. However the vibes are there. The appeal is there. This sleek 500e harmonizes its style with the refined elegance of the Italian Renaissance, effortlessly blending modern sophistication with timeless flair.
Acceleration is punchy yet manageable for those unaccustomed to the exceptional fuel economy and performance offered by the GR Corolla and BMW M2, respectively. The 500e’s initial acceleration is both impressive and intense, yet it inevitably succumbs to its inherent limitations, ceasing to deliver after reaching 120 km/h, a predictable outcome considering the constraints of its modest power output and the relatively rare circumstances under which this occurs. With its low centre of gravity, the 500e exudes athleticism as it corners with precision, free from the top-heaviness often associated with tall hatchbacks. While the 500e’s design provides a reassuring foundation, its true strength lies in its ability to adapt to various driving scenarios, making it less susceptible to lateral yaw due to its well-balanced chassis. Although it pitches aggressively beneath intense braking, the brake pedal’s smoothness and linearity are compromised beyond the 50% brake application mark, rendering precise modulation challenging.
The sprawling infrastructure of our large-scale roads and highways seems ill-suited to its compact design, which proves a significant advantage in the narrow and quaint urban spaces characteristic of European cities. Despite its humble beginnings, the 500e proves remarkably stable when cruising at triple-digit velocities. The vehicle is prone to drifting off course due to crosswinds and turbulence caused by large trucks, requiring gentle corrections to stay on track; however, its behavior remains consistent and manageable. While the Fiat may not impress with its handling, it does exhibit greater sensitivity to turbulence compared to larger vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf or Toyota Corolla.
There are three driving modes to choose from: Regular, Energetic (previously referred to as Vary), and Sherpa. However, that final option is cleverly disguised as a harmless novelty but is actually a full-panic eco-mode that disables the local weather management system and all auxiliary features to conserve as much battery life as possible. The Vary Mode alternately activates brake regeneration, unadjusted for power variations. While we generally save in Regular mode for most of our drives since we don’t derive personal satisfaction from single-pedal acceleration. Passengers experience considerable discomfort due to its motion, so we deliberately cruise and maintain our speed to optimize vehicle performance.
While the Fiat 500e may not initially excite our automotive radar, its affordable price point of just under $40,000 makes it an undeniably alluring entry point into the world of electric vehicles. While the MINI Cooper S E appears poised as a rival, it remains to be seen whether its forthcoming full-electric variant will deliver a compelling performance. While the Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3, and Hyundai Kona also made the cut, none can rival the unparalleled usability, compact dimensions, and captivating charm offered by the masterfully packaged Fiat 500e. With a seamless fusion of eco-friendly transportation and infectious joy.
2024 Fiat 500e Coupe
Glacier White
$39,995
$39,995
2,322
3,631 / 1,883 (incl. mirrors) / 1,684
1,342 kg
45-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; a solitary, high-torque electric motor
117 hp
162 lb-ft
Single-speed transmission
Entrance-mounted electrical motors, FWD
227 km
234 km
205/45R17; Pirelli Cinturato P7 All-seasons
