The cute little Fiat 500 holds a special place in the hearts of many motorists since it was first introduced in 1957, and produced for 18 years. The love was rekindled with the 'modern' baby 500 in 2007, which is now an electric model. Fiat Ireland are hoping their new 600 model, referred to as the 500’s big sister, will come to resonate just as much with Irish motorists as did its smaller sibling.
This new model takes its name from the original 600 bringing Italian coolness and a fresh style while marking the brand’s return to the B-segments of B and B-SUV. Some may call it a hatch, others a crossover. At 4.17 metres in length, this five-door is longer and wider and a bit higher than its smaller sibling.
Compared to the 500, the 600 features a sharper and more assertive face, a 600-chrome refreshed signature both on the front and on the sides, and a renewed LED lighting identity.
The exterior look is enhanced by the bigger wheels of up to 18-inches, black matt skirts and wheel arches.
I had enjoyed a short spin in the 100hp 48V hybrid version at launch. For this review it was the turn of the 600e all-electric version. I really liked the orange colour of my car’s exterior aptly called Orange Sun which brings a smile with it.
Fiat claim the new model has up to 100 exclusive and ‘unprecedented’ features, combining the best in comfort, technology and style. Not that I counted them!
As this is quite a high car, tall people should have no bother getting in and out, front or rear. The cabin is very well finished and surprisingly roomy. Several features are specifically designed to pamper. My car had a matt ivory painted dashboard fascia, really nice ivory synthetic leather seats with the Fiat monogram and beautiful turquoise accents give a premium feel to the cabin. My driver’s seat had 8-way power seat adjustments, lumbar support and a massage function. The front passenger has to contend with 6-way manual adjustments. Front seats can be heated. The 10.25-inch fully customisable central display comes with Navi, CarPlay and Android Auto wireless and proved to be user-friendly with lovely graphics. There are buttons below for ‘home’ and ‘car’ functions along with controls for volume and climate control, A/C etc. A colourful 7-inch digital cluster shows your digital speed, radio, maps, range etc.
Transmission selection is by push buttons in a row on the lower dash instead of the usual gear selector we have become used to from the Stellantis Group. This location takes a bit of getting used to but works just fine. Storage areas include a decent glovebox, excellent front door bins, a sloping compartment on the lower central console with a foldable iPad-like cover, another big open compartment as well as good storage below the armrest. There are USB type A and type C ports and a wireless charging pad. The rear bench can just about fit three adults but legroom behind a tall person in front could prove a bit of a squeeze. There are no cupholders and no door bins but pockets on front seat backs. Rear seats can split 40/60. There are USB ports for this second row.
My version had a handsfree tailgate and 385 litres of load capacity, with an area below for cables and tyre repair kit.
The car is packed with state-of-the-art safety and assistance features. The 600e La Prima comes with Drive Assist as standard (Level 2 Assisted Driving), 360 deg sensors which increase your visibility when changing lanes, parking or manoeuvring and good blind spot detection on side mirrors.
Both available grades have motors that output the equivalent of 156hp and lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 54 kWh give the new 600e a range of more than 400km in the WLTP combined cycle and more than 600km in the urban cycle. When I collected my car, the battery was charged to 330kms which equalled an 85pc charge.
This version is equipped with a 100-kW fast charger system and comes with a 11kW On Board Charger and a Mode 3 cable for charging at home or in public which ensures a full charge in less than 6 hours.
The electric powertrain has an output of 115 kW providing acceleration from 0-100km/h of 9.0 secs. Power consumption combined is circa 15.2 kWh/100km. Drive modes are Eco, Normal and Sport and being an electric vehicle, you get instant torque.
On the road I had no problems with visibility, was able to get a really comfy driving position, and felt connected to the car with good feedback from the steering wheel. It handled quite brilliantly. With its size, and the parking aids, it was easy to manoeuvre and a doddle to park. A car that really impressed me in its styling, inside and out, as well as its drivability and decent range which helped reduce my fears of range anxiety. To be recommended. Road Tax €120.
Priced from €28,995 for the 1.2 100hp hybrid; La Prima electric is from €37,995, after SEAI grant and VRT rebate.
