Can an EV be a Real Hot Hatch? Fiat 500e Abarth full review

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Күн бұрын

Abarth Fiat 500e Review - is this EV a Real Hot Hatch? In this episode Jonny Smith takes the new electric 152bhp, 7-sec to 62mph, £34,000 Abarth 500e on some British b-roads to see if it feels like a true hot hatch. It makes a lot of noise, but not necessarily in a good way.
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Filmed and edited by: Matty Graham www.pixel-click.com/
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant www.matttarantdesign.com
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:10 What is it?
1:20 Spitfire plane trolling
1:41 Specs and dimensions
2:12 Styling
3:05 Tyre and Wheel combo
4:00 START UP NOISES
4:39 Driving impressions
6:30 Annoying exhaust sound
7:23 Charging stats
8:19 Driving Impressions contd
9:13 RIVALS
10:50 HANDLING
11:34 Top Speed
11:48 Driving position
12:45 Loud noise
14:05 Real world charge
15:00 Rear design
15:47 PRICES
17:08 HOW TO MUTE THE SILLY SOUND
17:58 Weight distribution and weight
18:49 0-62 sprint
19:50 What's under the bonnet?
21:30 TURISMO spec
24:02 Rear seats
25:25 VERDICT
#abarth500ereview #besthothatch #4k #thelatebrakeshow

Пікірлер: 1 100

@jabezhane 9 ай бұрын

A great way to burn £35000! I hope that 15 years from now we'll sit in a pub and go "Remember that whole EV car BS?" and have a good laugh.

@TheLateBrakeShow 9 ай бұрын

I don't think that conversation will happen. EVs are not BS - they are excellent in a multitude of scenerarios and for various people. But no, they aren't going to work for everyone. We've lived on petrol for 120+ years, but change shouldn't mean tribal hatred. Pistons and electric can co-exist. Jonny has V8, EV, hybrid and Vtec!

@Everything_Evan 9 ай бұрын

Yeah it's a hole they just keep digging crazy

@jabezhane 9 ай бұрын

@@TheLateBrakeShow Oh I have no problem with co-existing. The fact that the eco issues EVs have get swept under the carpet... That and they fact that the pwoers that be will have to do a massive u-turn when the usual sleepy populace wake up and find that 70% cant afford to buy into the EV dream or its just not practical. I think the big thing will be high efficiency 1000cc ICEs with say 90HP and pushing 75-80mpg. Not all of us need two tons of EV SUV costing £55000 and then worth £5000 5 years later.

@Ryukachoo 9 ай бұрын

I hope 15 years from now you'll sit in the pub and say " remember that dumb comment I made that age terribly?" and have a laugh

@jabezhane 9 ай бұрын

@@Ryukachoo I'd be happy...but it seems highly unlikely.

@catmandoodoo7903 9 ай бұрын

The artificial sound is the automotive equivalent of sticking a card in your bicycle spokes.

@deansmits006 8 ай бұрын

Yet auto journalists keep harping on EVs lacking sound excitement. But when they do offer it, they are ridiculed for having fake sounds, unnecessary. Who cares if it's fake? If you want to hear engine sounds, and it's done well, and it's all heard inside so you don't bother other people, why not have your cake? Perhaps someone just needs to develop a really good simulation, paired with excellent steering feel, and haptic motors in the seat and steering wheel to get people to like it. I dunno

@catmandoodoo7903 8 ай бұрын

@@deansmits006 the journalists seem to be the ones going on about noise. All the EV owners I know love the quietness of their cars. Mind you, most of the people I know are car enthusiasts who have more than one vehicle.

@Frank-pc2rs Ай бұрын

You can turn it off. Lol.

@theidiot1297 9 ай бұрын

It’s great that there are three genuine fun, hot hatch EVs. Just wish they had 50% more range and were 10k cheaper.

@sab0nes 9 ай бұрын

That's what I'm dealing with now. I drive the first Gen 500 electric. Love everything about it but the range. 200-250 miles not in eco mode would be perfect

@float32 9 ай бұрын

@@sab0nesme too. Rear wheel drive would also be nice. Can’t put the power down in the corners!

@graemejohnson9025 9 ай бұрын

And you could drive them anywhere without the need to find a charging station. And sit and wait.. twiddling thumbs. It's all bs..

@rallychamp2003 9 ай бұрын

Check out the price of nearly new, second hand. I saw some 500e's that were less than a year old and half the new price.

@rallychamp2003 9 ай бұрын

@@graemejohnson9025 After 2 hours of intensive driving in a 500e recently I was ready and happy for a 30 minute break. Stretch of legs, loo, coffee and a snack and catching up on WhatsApp, 10% to 90% rapid charging was over in a flash and I was ready for the next 2 hours of super fun.

@egold33311 9 ай бұрын

Just went on their website, looked at the price of £34,195 for the lowest spec, laughed and came back to watch this video!

@jabezhane 9 ай бұрын

Yeah that's the problem! When you have to spend that much for a city car...GTFO That and you'll want to get rid of it after 4-5 years and it will be worth next to nothing.

@crossy7225 9 ай бұрын

Jesus christ. I had no idea it was that price. Thanks but no thanks

@Perthshire 9 ай бұрын

It's a NO from me. They're having a laugh.

@Jonathan_Doe_ 9 ай бұрын

Ugly, overpriced, poor range, and probably just as unergonomic for 6 foot plus guys as the original 500. Someone would have to be on crack to choose this as their ‘fun’ car over a GR Yaris for the same price, and there’s better electric commuters for the money.

@andyspinks9996 9 ай бұрын

No one will buy that at that price 😂 wow.

@PitWChannel 8 ай бұрын

It is so interesting. Not a single petrolhead cared about cobalt mines when it was only used to refine diesel or built into catalysators.

@JustAnoth3rHuman 9 ай бұрын

Very cool looking car. Absolutely insane prices, starting at 34k! I’ll be commuting via horse & cart if this is the trend.

@jabezhane 9 ай бұрын

No, just suck it up and be a good sheep now!

@barneyrubble9309 9 ай бұрын

That's the whole point.

@Sabre_Wulf1 9 ай бұрын

Horse and cart is the ultimate workaround for ULEZ.

@bid84 9 ай бұрын

@@jabezhane”sheep” is what people who can’t afford an EV say. You can buy a Suzuki ignis petrol for under 16k. No one has a gun to your head to go electric

@jeffhopkins5704 9 ай бұрын

@@bid84 yet.

@RaHorakthi33 9 ай бұрын

Fun fact: on the wireless charging pad for the phones you can see the stylized drawing of the city of Turin (the pointy architeture is the Mole Antonelliana)

@TheLateBrakeShow 9 ай бұрын

True. Not that interesting though. Jonny saw that on the original 500e review.

@alfb1989 9 ай бұрын

@@TheLateBrakeShowBit needlessly dismissive of a fan’s comment? Disappointing

@PimsLegacy 11 күн бұрын

@@TheLateBrakeShow Bit harsh. And rich of you to think we watch every video. If someone started watching your channel on this video.. not good practice to comment in this way. So: 'Not that kind though. Hope Jonny sees your comment and corrects you.'

@happychappers8311 9 ай бұрын

I cant think of anything sadder than a fake engine sound. I can certainty find something better to spend £38k on.

@goosegog 9 ай бұрын

A wig is sadder, but only just! 🤣

@Zanpaa 9 ай бұрын

You could also just not get the version with fake engine sound, or disable it.

@muckspreader1able 9 ай бұрын

@@Zanpaaor buy a petrol one or buy something totally better for £38k like a focus r/s and s3 golf r all better then this embarrassment.

@happychappers8311 9 ай бұрын

@goosegog so it's a middle-class, mid-life crisis? Trying desperately to stay trendy and cool while appeasing your wife's friends.

@Modge17 9 ай бұрын

I’d get a used R35 GTR 😂

@keithdargie1755 9 ай бұрын

I’m on my second Abarth Competizione, I love them. The usability of them in town is awesome. Love the look of the electric one, not keen on the engine noise generator - I would have preferred a more modern turbine like noise but I think they are damned if they do and damned if they don’t as the exhaust is so intrinsic to the Abarth experience. I’m tempted, it’s expensive but I like it. Couldn’t have a Honda e as I fell in love with concept car then they ruined it for me with the production shape. Great review 👍

@Steve_Hallett 9 ай бұрын

I'm almost certainly on my own, but this summed up one of my problems with modern cars. At my age I find modern infotainment systems far too distracting and quite frankly a bit of a risk. There is info all over the place. I'm happy with the basics.

@petesplaneta9340 9 ай бұрын

It’s a fun category. To be honest I quite love chucking my Corsa E about. I’m sure it’s not as planted but it’s cheaper had more range and can rapid charge quicker. I have driven a Honda e and it was nice, but the problem is if I’m going to drive along some twisty roads I’ll probably be travelling 50 miles somewhere and 50 back. With Honda E, Fiat 500e Arbarth or Mini e ranges and a right foot that’s having fun, I won’t be able to do the return trip without getting pretty close to empty.

@maxtorque2277 9 ай бұрын

BMW i3s. By far the most fun EV with a reasonable range (~160 miles) Far more FUN to drive than HondaE, 500e, CorsaE or in fact any other EV ime

@geetee4037 9 ай бұрын

Pretty close to empty is fine, charge at home. Travel 45 miles and back instead?

@123rtheo 9 ай бұрын

Hang on so it’s nearly 40k and they want another 600 quid for a fancy paint colour unbelievable. 😂

@SDK2006b 9 ай бұрын

All car makers charge extra for colour options. Usually one colour is standard, often black or white, then you pay extra for something different. This can be up to £3k for a special Matt or individual colour.

@villa50bis 9 ай бұрын

I paused in the video when Jonny announced the price to come and say the same thing! Wtf?

@mattpointon8093 9 ай бұрын

Lamborghini do the same

@muckspreader1able 9 ай бұрын

Yep they’ll,always be a fool that will part with their money.Let them😂

@mbak7801 9 ай бұрын

As a second car if I was buying new then I would limit my spending to £35K. A main car can be over £40K but again I would stagger purchases by a couple of years.

@markhamilton7289 9 ай бұрын

Had a 1hr drive in one and it was a really fun little car. Switched the speaker off after 5 mins at the first opportunity though. The abarth was really well damped for a small hot hatch …better than my 330e over broken tarmac tbh. It’s fun and interesting which frankly we need more of.

@barneyrubble9309 9 ай бұрын

Best thing about the vid was the spitfire.

@terryhayward7905 9 ай бұрын

On looks alone, the 500E is the one for me. The fake engine sound needs a switch on the console to turn it ON when you are driving in a pedestrian area, like a supermarket car park. I have walked out in front of a silent Tesla a few times in my local Sainsbury store car park.

@AviatingWithMel 9 ай бұрын

Great review as always, full of information and details. I think its a great looking little thing, and after having an EV for 8 months and knowing what range I need I could probably live with one of these, I might need to borrow something else for an ikea trip though. I would have to drive like an angel on the longer trips to avoid several charging stops, the lurid green colour does pique my interest. I too have a disdain for the lack of buttons in modern cars, I understand why the do it but some functions are better left with a button to press to enable/disable rather than having to go through multiple menus...especially if it is something that resets at the start of every drive like the LKA on my MG4.

@jonathantaylor1998 9 ай бұрын

Great review, as always, Jonny - you really do find all the interesting quirks and character of each car you review... fab... A couple of questions, if I may... 1. With the Sound Generator system off, what Passenger Warning sound does the Abarth make? In the regular 500e, I gather it's classical music, which I always thought was absolutely inspired for an Italian brand...! 2. On the (now) 3 reviews I've watched of this car, none of the testers have said what the 2 black buttons on the rear of the steering wheel are for...? I wondered if that'd be anything to make the 'changing gear' sound you thought was missing from the Sound Generator...? 🤔

@ScenesThroughTravels 9 ай бұрын

Cool Car but personally i think that fake noise would irritate me after a while Jonny. Enjoyed your content as always ! 💯💯👍👍😁😁

@deanw666 9 ай бұрын

As an ICE Abarth owner, I love the look of this A500e. I think the front grilles need to be black, and the diffusers could be something other than white, but looks wise, I really like it, A lot of complaints from the Abarth community are regarding the price as well as the sound maker. But if you compare the price to similar sport version cars on the market, it's not too far out, but it's still quite blooming pricey for what it is. But look at the new Civic Type R and compare the price of that to a Civic from 10-15 years ago. Maybe they'll be more popular after a couple of years when they have lost the main bulk of the depreciation, but time will tell. Nice balanced review squire!

@TheLateBrakeShow 9 ай бұрын

Great comment, thank you for taking the time to write.

@deanw666 9 ай бұрын

@@TheLateBrakeShow Never a problem! Thank you for your reply 👍👍

@muckspreader1able 9 ай бұрын

I wouldn’t tell anyone😂

@deanw666 9 ай бұрын

@@muckspreader1able what wouldn't you tell anyone?

@float32 9 ай бұрын

Used of the only reasonable way to buy electric.

@fanBladeOne 6 ай бұрын

Interested in the EV-transition. Great Fiat 500 fan. Also an AvGeek first class. This video was quite something to behold 👍

@mikerivers9634 2 ай бұрын

I’ve got a Competizione Cabrio and have just ordered the 500e Cabrio. The EV experience is on another level… seriously. I drove a Honda E through central London and the experience was actually quite calming. Refinement comes to mind, and I almost thought about getting one but opted for this one as it’s the best looker by far.

@campbellvearing5896 9 ай бұрын

Yep, I could not drive with that noise. I love the silence of an EV, I don’t mind road noise as it helps ‘feel’ the road and car. That droning would drive me nuts.

@herme99 9 ай бұрын

If they made a fake engine note that sounded like the Lexus LFA I’d have one 😂

@TheLateBrakeShow 9 ай бұрын

Not difficult...

@skr525ia 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for including the "disturbing" Spitfire

@AH-fg8dk 9 ай бұрын

For me a Hot Hatch = 205GTI & 860KG of fun. Although the Arbarth's Merlin soundtrack is pretty cool 😂

@mikebull1972 9 ай бұрын

A brilliant, thorough review- Jonny just excels at this. But 40k...for that...hard pass!

@wayneauchmuty6045 9 ай бұрын

Will the new Renault 5 fall into this category also? Or be a larger car? Love the look of the Abarth, but the Renualt 5 really interests me!

@TheLateBrakeShow 9 ай бұрын

5 Renault will

@andyboardman7428 9 ай бұрын

@@TheLateBrakeShow hi Johnny,,any news on the Escort RS Cossi mate?

@peterlaine5774 7 ай бұрын

There's a hot hatch Alpine version of the Renault 5 coming

@hughmarcus1 9 ай бұрын

Something new comes along & the default is Jonny. Once again a great blend of technical detail & a good description of how it drives. I agree with Jonny, that fake noise is grim. It just sounds like some 20yr oks has chopped the centre box out of the exhaust. After about 10 minutes you’d want to turn it off.

@stephenlewis9159 9 ай бұрын

Great review, well balanced, watchable.

@markarnold8160 9 ай бұрын

This is for those who like different, without getting too far away from sensible. It is definitely that second car that many families can utilise, but it's also that 'I just need to get a growbag from the garden centre' car and go off on a bit of a hoon!

@ohyesitsme 9 ай бұрын

With the cost of living as it is I can't see "many families" that are going to spend £38,000 on a toy. I mean you'd be hard pushed to do the school run in that thing.

@muckspreader1able 9 ай бұрын

£38k for a second car to,look,stupid in?I,have a Leon with 150bhp that’ll do 600miles on a tank,and cost 3 times less.Go waste your money.

@NickFoster 9 ай бұрын

@@muckspreader1able Come back when you grow up.

@mclarenjohnf1 9 ай бұрын

I have never been against small hatchbacks or plain small cars I had a Fiat 126 for about 2 years then changed to a Fiat 127, The Abarth was a GTI hunter not a stupic thing with a piped engine sound it is against everything Abarth stands for.

@alanssnackbardailyrelaxati8155 8 ай бұрын

Beautiful music in the intro Johnny. I loved the 595 Yamaha racing edition abarth I had before I was poor again..

@TazTweetin 9 ай бұрын

What a drone from the speaker. That would do my head in.

@paulratnage2663 9 ай бұрын

Good video Johnny, to much money at present for the Abarth but it’s nice looking motor. Honda have announced that the will not be making the e anymore. Is it true that other countries have moved their deadline for the sales of ice car to 2035 ie Germany & Italy. Think I even heard that Spain have delayed beyond?

@brianallan1036 9 ай бұрын

No beating heart or sole,Never for me.

@TheLateBrakeShow 9 ай бұрын

Doesn't always need one. Drives far better than any other Abarth

@michaelwoolgar6097 8 ай бұрын

Great review Jonny! The Honda E was the first electric car that interested me but this is the first EV I've ever wanted to buy myself. And considering my current car is an BMW M2 Competition, I say that's an impressive achievement from the humble Abarth! Test drove one last weekend and adored the driving feel which reminded me of my old Fiesta ST-3, the footprint of the car is tiny and means you can place it so well. Negatives were the left foot placement for us right hand drive counties, the speaker (But can be switched off so moot point) and of course the roughly 150 mile range. But considering my M2 Comp delivers just over 200 miles for a £70 tank, 50 miles less for a £4 fill up? That's a fair trade! It's been refreshing considering what I use a car for during this process as although the M2C is epic, you get illegal so quickly and the bills? The bills! Decided my next car is going to be the Abarth 500e and really looking forward to see what EV driving is about, with the first EV I've ever cared about.

@kalmmonke5037 8 ай бұрын

peopelare saying its a whoel structure dedicated to being a ev, why did they not make it lower to ground and forget trying to have a the small trunk? would have more range, more agility and g forces from preserving momentum around turns, it might as well have a limited slip diffrential in the name of less tire wear damage for less usage of tires and less of that supposedly endrocrine disrupting microplastics emissions, especially as noone thinks to not acclerate too much around turns for these reasons anyway, even normal cars should have it in the enviromentalist perspective, and thats before the sporty drivers are happy too. engine noise should be customizable .

@Blackmamba12345 8 ай бұрын

@@kalmmonke5037Because people don’t want nor need more range in these types of cars. Most people who buy these cars already have at least another car for longer journeys and most like three or four cars in their household. Therefore this is mostly for short distance commutes or short travels.

@dee_em_bee 9 ай бұрын

Great video, found it really interesting. Not sure about the white bits but have always really liked the shape of these. Price wise as lots of people have said, its a bit on the high side. As someone who only ventured into EVs this year, we got a second hand i3 (not S) and I think that was the right route. Shame BMW discontinued the i3 and i3s as its a fantastic little car and feels more than rapid enough (we looked at the S but found a mint standard at a very reasonable price!).

@eduardwalhout1740 8 ай бұрын

I agree, i have an i3S and its a lot more car for a lot less money.

@ennypua 9 ай бұрын

40 grand? Madness.

@Sabre_Wulf1 9 ай бұрын

Sticking with mine. 2013 cost 6k 3 years ago, stock, does 116 mph top speed even now. I dont see how the piston version is 'awful'. This is my daily, my weekend car is an 19' f-type svr, so im not bigging up the little abarth as its all i own. I love it! Perky and fun in corners and roundabouts. That new abarth is a 35k starter.

@Perthshire 9 ай бұрын

Jonny is starting to sound like a spokesperson for the EV industry.

@robsmall6466 9 ай бұрын

@@Perthshire💰..... all the same

@davidmatthews3093 9 ай бұрын

@@PerthshireHe is using his knowledge and experience to tell it as it is. I’d rather listen to his point of view than to some mate of yours down the pub.

@Perthshire 9 ай бұрын

@@davidmatthews3093 i form my own opinions from experience and observations and research. so off you jolly well trot, there’s a good boy.

@NativeTexMexican 9 ай бұрын

Pretty cool of that Spitfire to provide air cover for your shoot... 👍🏽

@matthewmason8982 9 ай бұрын

Surprised you didn’t link the Spitfire interruption to your video of The Beast 😄 Absolutely love the Abarth 500s. That old school “Bad Boy Bonnet” looks great.

@RobertDodge 9 ай бұрын

MG4 X Power x (Yes I know not a small car but 0-60 in 3.8 seconds for a similar price.

@1frojoe 9 ай бұрын

Even the MG4 Extended range is quicker 0-60 than the Fiat

@Buck3366 9 ай бұрын

Absolutely outclassed by the MG4 XPower with 435 bhp for 36k. You can’t sniff at that and they can outpace a GTR off the lights.. proven!

@jabezhane 9 ай бұрын

Just a shame it seems all EVs are designed to go as fast as possible for as much cost as possible. What about a 100bhp equivalent that does 0-60 in say 9 seconds and can do 500 miles on a charge for those of us over the age of 30 that don't have shopping lists stencilled on the side of our car? Oh no..we can't have that.

@TheLateBrakeShow 9 ай бұрын

Fair point. MG are on fire at the mo, but the badge doesn't have the cool draw that Abarth and Fiat does to so many younger buyers.

@jabezhane 9 ай бұрын

@@TheLateBrakeShow Younger buyers? You mean those that can't afford to buy a flat nowadays? Can you not see where this is all going? Boomers and company car leasing only!

@evoermine 9 ай бұрын

Not everyone wants an MG4. Zero to 60 isn’t everything.

@Buck3366 9 ай бұрын

@@evoermine And not everyone wants a 35 grand Fiat 500. Horses for courses. I was giving a direct competitor for that price bracket in the small EV sector, which has far more bang for your buck. Granted it’s Chinese and not as nice looking as an Abarth but the elephant in the room is that huge price tag of the 500 to it’s mediocre range and lacking performance. Don’t shoot the messenger.

@danpestell2011 9 ай бұрын

I like that you get the option to unplug the speaker 🙂

@bentaylor9021 8 ай бұрын

Nice review again Jonny. I’ve always liked these and think that once my daughter is old enough she will be in something like this. I certainly won’t be in the queue to buy one for £38k - no matter how nice it is.

@robsawalker 9 ай бұрын

Great video as usual, Jonny. A new 205 GTi 1.6 was about £6,500 in 1985 which is about £25,500 today, so this Abarth Turismo is not far off 50% more, which is quite a lot. It does look cool, but for me I think if I was looking for a little, short-range BEV I'd want the Honda. The speaker is so weird and very schoolboy, don't see the point. I'd love to have seen Jonny jump out of it and into a 205 GTi after to see how they compare purely as a driving experience.

@davidmatthews3093 9 ай бұрын

The superior quality and features of a car like a modern 500 is well worth the price increase. It’s not a like for like comparison.

@AG9229 9 ай бұрын

@@davidmatthews3093agreed. The 205 was extremely basic, while the 500 is full of tech and luxury features. It’s not an apples to apples comparison.

@d.c.Jones70 9 ай бұрын

It really doesn’t matter whether the car is good or not it’s too expensive,seriously who is going to use there own money to buy one of these

@Andrew-qb3oq 9 ай бұрын

Everyone seems to be whining about the price, but most new cars are expensive. Especially electrics. I have an original 2015 500e with sticker price of $36,500. They didn't sell well, but were quite common lease cars in California. Less than 4 years later the cars we're worth around $6k. Which is around the time i bought one. I still have it as a back up EV and battery is still giving me the same range as it did when i picked it up. I suspect the new 500e and abarth will benefit from heavy depreciation. Especially as battery technology progresses. This will be an excellent offlease purchase in 2 to 4 years. Can't wait.

@GoingSidewards 9 ай бұрын

Great review Jonny! I love my piston Abarth, yes it’s not very good, but the best cars are interesting, not good. This looks fantastic, but $60,000?!?

@neildaniel8232 9 ай бұрын

I'd have the Honda E, for a city/short journey second car it's full of character, well built and understated in it's design. The Mini is a little too try-hard (same for the ICE version too actually) and the 500 is just too expensive.

@1985murphy 9 ай бұрын

38k for that what a joke

@40spinup 9 ай бұрын

Wasn’t that the same roads as the Alpine lunch stop with Mr Sniff? I will forever want a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or standard 5 but i thing just on aseptics it be the Honda. It reminds me a lot of the original Mini, got character! I’d be more interested to know what you think of the Hyundai N Vision 74? I love that thing! Manufacturers need to start paying attention to Hyundai and their bold designs as I think they are doing something special right now. Cheers Johnny, brilliant as always 👍

@TuRo-Maserati 3 ай бұрын

BRAND NEW TOURSIMO COUPE NOW £27,500 AT BOTH VOSKERS AND ARNOLD CLARKE - Great value peddle at that price and i bought one. I suspect it will bottom out at £15-16k in 3 yrs so circa £350 to own one per month depn and a nice £300-400 fuel saving per month (net - after home charging cost). Great drive to except the seats.... I'm getting then re-modelled/foamed at a specialist £250 a chair to sit 30-35cm lower and somewhat more 'in' the seat.

@Andy-2022 9 ай бұрын

Who in their right mind would spend 38 grand on a fiat 500!

@muckspreader1able 9 ай бұрын

They’ll be an idiot somewhere don’t worry then in 2 years it’ll be worth maybe £20k😂

@kanatsizkanatli 9 ай бұрын

What idiot would pay 20k for a used fiat?? It's a disposable car embodying tons and tons of carbon, absolutely the dumbest idea humans have brought to manufacture

@deansmits006 8 ай бұрын

There's a lot of overpriced cars right now

@caffeineisking8132 8 ай бұрын

People with actual money, I work for people who spend 30k+ on a garden shed/ office. Us working class peasants are being outprided off the road slowly but surely

@grrfy 9 ай бұрын

as a former owner of a Abarth until last year,I think it looksa bit frumpy from the front,too plain and fussy at the same time somehow,The standard 500e looks better I think, It is also even more overpriced tha the petrol,which at least made the right noises,which this doesn't.Oh and my 22 year old Honda rattles less than my Abarth did,I do miss it though on occasion

@hjorth72 9 ай бұрын

Just love that car. I have the normal Fiat 500e. Have done 55.000 km (over the last 2½ years) I hope to make a swap to the Abarth soon.

@ASCIIDOS 9 ай бұрын

Abarth; my experience. Had a 2010 Abarth 500, I have never owned such an unreliable frustrating car yet one which hosts such an incredible car community. I absolutely loved the car, it pulled me through some really rough times. Straight through custom exhaust, interior stripped etc. The faults however... Door handles x5 in 12 months. Bother driver and passenger. Fuel pump x1 Daytime running bulbs (awkward as toss, needed a cable tie to retrieve old bulbs) x5 Seized brake caliper x1 Fuses blown x3 OG exhaust (backbox) rusted through x2 The biggest issue... 1st date with the other half. Bolt from the concentric slave cylinder (from factory) came loose, totalled the flywheel, damaged the box and ended up in the starter. 2K bill. Viewed one the other day, touched rhe gear knob and it was just loose - came off in my hand. Relevance to this video? Like my experience, some great ideas but in practice seems to fall short. Its a no from me. That being said, I bought and sold a Fiesta ST with stage 2 Mountune in 6 months. Albeit faster, better, etc it didnt have the character of the Abarth.

@bentaylor9021 8 ай бұрын

It’s nice to hear it as it actually is from a long time road test user 😊

@ASCIIDOS 8 ай бұрын

@@bentaylor9021 Anytime! Thanks for reading, have a good one.

@niklaswejedal463 9 ай бұрын

Fake engine sounds in EVs falls into the same category as plastic chrome/wood and fake vents and intakes... - and I think I keep my Zoe, thank-you-very-much; the job comute is terrible in a car that is more "sport" (my Renault Modus (!) ) than "comfort" (my Zoe), I have found. Impossible to have any fun in rush-hour traffic or behind people who insist on driving 10 km/h under the speed limit anyway. Better to just sit back and woft along.

@drjonze 9 ай бұрын

Spitfire sounds awesome ..At least you don't have to struggle to find somewhere to charge it ..I really don't understand this whole E.V thing .Where is the infastructure ? what about battery life ..currently i drive a 10 year old car .A 10 year old EV will have a battery thats lost most of its capacity

@robertvale2643 8 ай бұрын

I like all your videos very interesting you do a really good job keep it up I really like the late brake show 😊😊

@TheLateBrakeShow 8 ай бұрын

Many thanks

@marc0282 9 ай бұрын

Great review as always. Definitely a second/fun car which matches its purpose much better (still expensive but). Not sure if/when we might get it in AUST (don't think we've got the 500e yet!) Surprised JS didn't mention the Cupra Born (which we do have) which got a positive review as also a potential e-hot hatch?

@TheLateBrakeShow 9 ай бұрын

We've reviewed the Cupra Born (did you see the road trip?) and it's v good, but it's a larger segment car than this.

@andyspinks9996 9 ай бұрын

Give me a shout back in like ten+ years when there are some decent electric vehicles and more useable charge points. Until that point I will stick to my boring 5.0L V8 supercharged XKR. 😅

@stevecox5012 9 ай бұрын

Still watching the video, so you may answer it, but can that synthesized noise be turned off? Would drive you mad! 😬. Ahhh, you can! That's better! 😂

@TheLateBrakeShow 9 ай бұрын

Yes, but not an obvious menu. Luckily once deactivated it stays the f#£& off

@stevecox5012 9 ай бұрын

@@TheLateBrakeShow 😂 What a relief! As it was clearly too much trouble to make a gear change noise, they should have just left the idea on the shelf. Overall looks and err, sounds, like a pretty good car, but the price of these things is crazy.

@daviebevan 9 ай бұрын

Another excellent Sunday evenings viewing. I look forward to Sunday evenings with this channel

@TheLateBrakeShow 9 ай бұрын

Thank you! ✊🏽

@sunilnijran1515 7 ай бұрын

I really loved your review of the Honda e and would love one!! The Mini e doesn't appeal to me that much for some reason.. but this Fiat 500e.. it's just so cute!! I think I would buy the Honda e for myself and get the Fiat for my daughter when she turns 17!!👍🙂

@Rhowhat 9 ай бұрын

Electric cars are a great summary of our entire approach to climate change. They are marginally better for the planet but much better for the local area and allow us to pretend we are doing something while not changing any of the underlying causes of climate change. Also mental pricing for this one in particular, its going to be worth sub 25k in 6-12 months.

@davincisghost9228 9 ай бұрын

Relying on oil for transportation IS one of the "Underlying causes of climate change".

@RedBatteryHead 9 ай бұрын

Main EV purpose is to move away from petrol and it's industry. Clean up the local environment. Don't forget the whole maintenance chain that's being diminished too.

@mariosuper1293 9 ай бұрын

Can you tell me, what are they gonna do with the batteries?

@davefitzpatrick4841 9 ай бұрын

@@mariosuper1293the batteries last 15-20 years can then be repurposed for domestic and industrial storage, they are then recyclable with manufacturers are putting recycle centers in place .

@0tispunkm3y3r 9 ай бұрын

@@RedBatteryHead This is wishful thinking. Or at least it's going to take a very long time. Even with all the cars turned to EV the demand for oil and gas will still be there. Heavy industry, heavy duty off road, heavy shipping, 3rd world running any old tut on anything that will burn, the absolute minefield of modern day products that require oil or are a direct result of oil production. There's still a fuck ton of oil and gas in the ground. Venezuela, if it hadn't turned into some weird basket case, has more of the stuff than they know what to do with.Cars? tip of the iceberg IMO.

@ohyesitsme 9 ай бұрын

Who wants to drive on country roads with no gears to change, no exhaust note, just sitting there in silence. As an Abarth Punto Esseesse owner this 500e would be the last car on my list.

@AutojungleCoUk100 9 ай бұрын

Got a piston 500 and absolutely a shorter journey car, the twitchy steering is not ideal. Having said that the shorter trips to the closest town and the cheap running costs make it too good to get sell. Once the price drops to closer to bottom feeder market would be great to swap out the piston for this and keep the piston car for longer trips

@ricco123tube 9 ай бұрын

Anti EV experts are so enthusiasticly entertaining with opinions based on their feelings and the headlines from last week's clickbait news articles. Love it.

@paulhemming159 9 ай бұрын

As always great video Jonny. The sound generator is like 5 mins of smiles and then a world of frustration & embarrassment. This car is far too expensive to be viable for most. The thing that gets me is electricity is needed to charge these vehicles, is that really really clean electricity that causes less damage to the environment than fossil fuels? Isn't the way forward to focus all the money thats being poured into EV into synthetic fuels which could be used in the millions of ICE vehicles already in circulation? There isn't the infrastructure by means of charging stations not by an extremely long way. Personally I'd rather drive a Citron 2cv than a Tesla which is basically a vibrator with wheels!! No soul or passion with EV... quick YES equal or equivalent to ICE... never... The only place EV makes sense is small city cars for use in cities... yet how does someone living in a flat or a terraced house charge the vehicle over night? Makes no sense in sooo many ways....

@RichardMajor86 9 ай бұрын

You say electric cars work, BUT UMMM AKCHULLY I DRIVE 500 MILES EVERY DAY AND HAVE 7 KIDS AND HAVE TO CARRY 3.5 TONNES OF GRAVEL EVERYWHERE - EVs JUST DONT WORK FOR ANYONE!!! Etc

@pan6593 9 күн бұрын

He didn‘t put it that way…

@Milnoc 9 ай бұрын

£38,000 is about $65,000 Canadian. That's huge. I paid $11,950 Canadian plus tax for my gas powered 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth back in 2020. That's £6,800. I would very much like an electric Abarth, but I would need to win the lottery first.

@BeyondtheDash 9 ай бұрын

Great video. What do the buttons on the back of the steering wheel do?

@GF-ep1pf 9 ай бұрын

Audio controls on the 500e - source (DAB etc.) and track/channel on the left, volume up/down/ mute on the right.

@joe90h34 9 ай бұрын

Almost 40k for a Fiat 500 wtf has the world come to 😂😂 people financing their whole lives has allowed manufacturers to slowly push the overall prices up. All people ask these days is ‘how much a month ‘

@jabezhane 9 ай бұрын

It's the great plan to drain the 99% dry quicker and quicker. Most are too dumb to see it.

@ivanvisanich 9 ай бұрын

Just watched a video posted by an Italian guy. Had an E500. Bought it for €36k. Due to spiking Electricity bills in Italy he decided to flog it. 7months with 5500kms on the clock. Best deal he got for it was €17,000. Market will be flooded with 2nd hand EV's that no one would want.

@jabezhane 9 ай бұрын

Shhhhhh you mustn't say that.

@ObiePaddles 9 ай бұрын

19,000 euros buys a lot of electricity and ICE cars cost a little bit too. Still, a link would be great.

@metricstormtrooper 9 ай бұрын

Evidence?

@steve-EV 8 ай бұрын

Opening credits music reminds me of when Clarkson first reviewed the Fiat Coupe on top gear back in the 90’s!

@ianrobertwhinnett158 9 ай бұрын

Wow loved the "Spit"!

@martinaston1715 9 ай бұрын

£38k 😂😂 no sorry just no

@stupidvideos1449 6 ай бұрын

WHAT?

@sweetfreedomGB 9 ай бұрын

Most blokes would be embarrassed driving it

@TheLateBrakeShow 9 ай бұрын

Really? In 2023? I'm more embarrassed driving a massive SUV in 2023 than a Fiat 500e.

@sweetfreedomGB 9 ай бұрын

@@TheLateBrakeShow Yes, definitely. However, as Stirling used to say 'each to their own old boy, each to their own'. Love the channel by the way.

@sweetfreedomGB 9 ай бұрын

@@TheLateBrakeShow I would be equally embarrassed in any SUV from companies like Urban, or the latest GWagon, however I think you would have to admit to the charm of an older Range Rover or 88 Landy? Or even an early muscle car...Again, all very subjective, as is the intrigue of motor cars.

@madalex26 9 ай бұрын

That little Abarth car is a good looking car. Yes, as Johnny said it is a true hot hatch, its fast, sticks to the road. As Johnny stated, most people who buy them use them for short distances but what happens if you want to use it as a long distance because its your only car. Will you be waiting around forever to get it charged at services or is it quicker and faster to get a petrol version?

@kevdavies3445 8 ай бұрын

caught this being tested on the brecon beacons in acid green the testers were quite complimentary about it tht price tag though

@politirel2 9 ай бұрын

£35,000 for this thing, mad as a box of frogs, those batteries will have to be replaced in a few years, and that will cost maybe £8,000. It might burst into flames too, fingers crossed not while you are driving it.

@TheLateBrakeShow 9 ай бұрын

We are not defending the cost, but your comment on batts needing replacement simply aren't true. They will last as long as you have the car - or as long as an engine has been designed to last. The difference is that the EV has fewer moving parts, and is cheaper to service and work on.

@rogerfinch7651 9 ай бұрын

3 1/2 years into my EV and no fire and still same range. Loving it. Suggest you try one, and stop reading the daily fail misinformation 🤣

@jasonspegel2116 9 ай бұрын

@@TheLateBrakeShowI just watched Ratarossa a fellow car youtuber buy a 2013 model S and the battery needed replacing. Tesla quoted him 17,000 pounds to replace it. 10 years is the life of a car now? Electric motors are amazing but battery tech is still junk. Maybe solid state changes things

@herme99 9 ай бұрын

@@jasonspegel2116To be fair that Tesla had done literal moon mileage.

@darrenwallis7630 9 ай бұрын

Keep getting brainwashed by your oil & gas overlords… what a moron…

@peterward3965 9 ай бұрын

Who on earth would pay 35k for a small souped up hairdressers car.

@juliandclarke 9 ай бұрын

Good review. Thanks. Looks excellent, but will stick with my Honda e I’ve had for 3years

@mantarayal 9 ай бұрын

As a motorcyclist, the thought of already bad drivers messing around with their screens, scare the s#$t out of me. Phones are bad enough!! Cool wee car though and fabulous review. A tad pricey. Just a tad.

@jonnyboy8781 9 ай бұрын

£38k? You are havin a laugh! 1.4 tonnes. Front-wheel drive. One-speed. 0-60 only 7 secs? This is a ‘neutered’ Arbath. All the fun’s been extracted. Longer & wider apparently an improvement comfort-wise but the handling? And, the piston engine is an amazing machine. Electric-cars for the middle-classes!

@azurefog 9 ай бұрын

Been driving a 2018 500e for a few years. 110bhp is a lot of fun but n a heave go-kart. I’d love to throw one of the Abarths around!

@The_Jimrod 9 ай бұрын

I had a lease BMW i3 a few years back, pretty much spec for spec with this. Was a fun car, surprised things haven't advanced technically on that ancient (in EV terms) design for Fiat though.

@TheLateBrakeShow 9 ай бұрын

I3 is a far better engineered car, and is almost 10 years old.

@marklucas3025 9 ай бұрын

Thoroughly enjoyable review, even though i’d never buy a Fiat Abarth in any guise. Fun and informative and loving the MFP T shirt and Spitfire flyover. 👏🏼

@TheLateBrakeShow 9 ай бұрын

Glad you appreciate the film despite not being in the market for the Abarth. Thank you

@kempez 9 ай бұрын

Another excellent review Jonny. I would take the Honda-e given a choice between the 3 cars, albeit it is very expensive. Unfortunately I just can't get around that range, as I need to be able to do a minimum of 130 miles in a day and considering that isn't very far, without charging. If only Honda would upgrade the e with another 40-60 miles of range, it would be an absolute sell for me. Not keen on this, albeit more choice is a good thing. Too expensive for what it is and doesn't give itself a selling point to justify the price. I guess there's a market for quite 'shouty' hatches, as the current 500 Abarth sells well and that's not a great car (IMO). This comes in that category, but the price is too high.

@paulallen6915 9 ай бұрын

The Italians are renown for their electrical prowess, what could possibly go wrong....

@TheLateBrakeShow 9 ай бұрын

😳

@markahomer 9 ай бұрын

As a long standing purchaser of brand new Abarths they can shove this where the exhaust is supposed to be.

@reubensmith348 8 ай бұрын

That speaker would drive me insane! One of the beauties of EV is it's quiet!

@julianfoot8748 8 ай бұрын

I have a 10 year old Piston 500... and Its Brilliant! It's "primitive" old school and 100% reliable and fun to thrash. I would have to tun off the stupid noise.

@99unclebob 9 ай бұрын

Great video Jonny, this is a cool little car, Like you i would rather have the Honda E, it is just a way cooler, funky little car that RWD, and my preference , 2 things they are not slated to sold in Canada at all , If they were they would cost a hair under $50,000.00 CDN , there are allot more cars available here for that money with double the range for almost $8000 less, that pays allot of insurance and charging at home, it's just so dam cool, reminds of my high school years driving around in my friends Civic, crazy good all winter long and great in the snow on winter tires made us think we were unstoppable at 2 in the morning,LOL, our current gov't rebate on any new EV was $5000.00 across the board for any EV last time i checked, maybe Honda America which pretty much runs Honda Canada will bring them to Canada/USA in the Honda E 2.0 version , they do not need to change much to me except a bit more range even if it is only say up to 280kms/175 miles range would be fine for me, I have 2 other cars already and my garage is full means i have to get rid of one,🤔 or add on to it 👍

@michaelthomas3646 9 ай бұрын

at the time, seriously considering the Honda-e for a replacement to my car after it was written off/and before my car was written off, but couldn't get it through the motability scheme due to the so called chip shortage. but could get a nissan within 2 weeks during the same so called chip shortage. think the button gears are far better than a joystick you push forward to go backwards/reverse, and backwards to go forwards though, and yes the styling on this car doesn't make the buttons for the gears to stand out like a sore thumb which also suits it and a great idea from the manufacturers of the Abarth/Fiat group.

@LoftechUK 9 ай бұрын

I do like it. Great belter for local drives.

@alastairwatson3201 9 ай бұрын

I’m still a bit “whatever” with electric cars, especially in Australia where the infrastructure is faecal at best. But Jonny’s T-shirt? Absolutely bang on. (Sorry - it’s probably also an Aussie thing.)

@MJHKing1 9 ай бұрын

Nah, I hear you on the other side of the world

@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain Ай бұрын

Shame about the price, if it was ten grand cheaper, I would maybe have this as a school run car and a little weekend B Road Blaster, and I would be the overgrown child (41) just listening to the fake engine note on the speaker while having a hoon and just laughing. An excellent review Johnny!

@alexshepherd 22 күн бұрын

Great review - and a LOT of comments to read Can I please just ask the one question that no Abarth 500e review seems to tackle, which is - how does it compare to the FIAT 500e? Is there as much of a difference as there was between the petrol FIAT 500 and petrol Abarth 500? I suggest probably there isn’t, because FIAT 500e and Abarth 500e both have this larger platform, heavier, and the power difference between them doesn’t seem much? No-one seems to have driven a FIAT 500e along those B-roads in that way :) so it’s hard to get a good measure of what the difference is Thanks