Halfway between the city car and the small SUV, the Italian hopes to reproduce the alchemy that led to the success of the 500th.
Can you duplicate a recipe that works? Fiat is hoping for this by launching a 600e on the market which hopes to capitalize on the impressive success of the 500e. Like its little sister, the latter relies on a nostalgic look (see box below). But by adapting it to a larger size, capable of comfortably accommodating 4 to 5 passengers. Please note: the brand is not talking about an SUV but a B segment vehicle, like the Peugeot e-208 and other Renault Zoé.
Nota Bene
The 600e is therefore well above the 500e in terms of versatility by offering four or even five real seats. The picture is very favorable regarding storage (the glove box is one of the most spacious on the market!) and space in the rear seats, very generous in terms of roof and knee clearance. Note: the only USB-C socket at the back, reserved for the La Prima finish.
Please also note that the trunk is average with 360 liters of cargo. The threshold, on the other hand, is a tad high. No frunk for storing cables.
The lower part of the dashboard is identical to that of the Avenger and also includes the gear control. You often have to try it several times before engaging forward gear (“D”). The “B” button – activating strong regeneration – is not accompanied by paddles allowing you to dose the recovery. Damage.
As for visibility, it is not so optimal. If the seat is a little high compared to a conventional city car, the view is spoiled a little by a large windshield pillar and an interior mirror placed at eye level for tall people. The rear view, however, is very correct.
Driving the Fiat 600e
The 600e is in fact not unpleasant to drive. In town, we taste the softness of the steering and the increased silence of operation compared to the 500e powered by Continental with their more sensitive crackling. The torque is significant and the car does not take long to reach 50 km/h (in 4.4 seconds) by using the right pedal. The sensations are, however, a little artificial on the controls side (steering, pedals, etc.) as is often the case on this platform.
The size, which is more massive than the “yogurt pot”, does not allow for such entertaining handling in built-up areas, while the turning circle increases by more than a meter (10.6 m compared to 9.7 m).
The not too high mass – 1,595 kg in running order – however allows for softer suspension adjustment than many electric competitors, for the benefit of comfort on uneven roads.
Performance
- Power: 156 hp (115 kW)
- Torque: 260 Nm
- 0 to 100 km/h: 9 seconds
- Maximum speed: 150 km/h
On the other hand, the choice of opting for a semi-rigid axle with Panhard bar reduces flexibility on speed bumps. This still “hits” a little in compression. And if you push hard in a curve, the Fiat quickly crashes on its outside wheels. The front axle, certainly voluntary, lacks grip when you press the accelerator hard when exiting a turn.
Strong braking causes the nose to dip, but the ABS does not intervene immediately and the stopping distance is rather short. As we will have understood, the 600e is therefore better enjoyed with smoother driving.
Consumption and recharging of the Fiat 600e
The recharge/consumption corner:
- Battery: lithium-ion polymer, nickel-manganese-cobalt
- Gross capacity: 54 kWh
- Maximum charging power: 100 kW
- Fast recharge (0-80%): 27 minutes
- Charging 11 kW wall box: 5h45
- WLTP consumption: 15.2 kWh/100 km
- Consumption during the test: 17.9 kWh/100 km
- Autonomie WLTP annoncée : 406 km (18 pouces)
As shown by the supertest of the Jeep Avenger carried out by my friend Soufyane Benhammouda, the new traction chain currently being rolled out in Tavaresland is more efficient on urban journeys than on the motorway network. At 110 km/h, we quickly exceed 20 kWh/100 km.
The direct current charging power, however, is capped at 100 kW. This allows the 600e to sit alongside the Hyundai Kona EV (102 kW) at the fast charging station. But this maximum should seem a little tight to highway surveyors.
Obviously, the 600e does much better in terms of autonomy than the 500e, handicapped by an XS size battery at the entry level (24 kWh). Stellantis has taken care to calibrate its new powertrain to reach the psychological milestone of 400 km according to the WLTP standard. In reality, we will have to deal with a “real 300” in the mixed cycle, far from being dishonorable when we take into account the net capacity of the NMC accumulators (50.8 kWh according to our information).
The equipment of the La Prima version
- Aesthetics: chrome strips, 18-inch rims, ivory dashboard…
- Comfort: heated, massaging and electrically adjustable driver's seat, hands-free tailgate, etc.
- Connectivity: 10.25-inch screen, induction charger, rear USB-C port, etc.
- Safety: 180° reversing camera, blind spot detector, lane keeping, etc.
On the other hand, it will be difficult to fight with the MG 4 if we include the compacts in our shopping list... Be careful though. The new ecological bonus rules could be unfavorable for the Chinese compact in the months to come.
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