Abarth 600e long-term test: report 3

It looks the part, but can the electric Abarth 600e deliver the driving thrills of a traditional hot hatch? We're living with one to find out...

Published19 December 2026

The car Abarth 600e Scorpionissima Run by Mark Pearson, used cars editor

Why it’s here To see if a small electric sports SUV can cut the mustard against combustion-engined rivals

Needs to It’ll need to be fun, but it’ll also need to dispatch commuting, work and family life without any range anxiety issues and cope with a wide variety of everyday duties

Miles covered 4895 Price £39,885 Best price £35,995 Price as tested £39,885 Official range 199 miles Test range 155 miles

19 December 2025 – Putting the boot in

Never one to follow the herd, I thought I’d start this update on my striking-looking, 276bhp Abarth 600e, with its Hypnotic Purple paintwork, 20in alloy wheels, sticky gumball tyres and huge rear spoiler by telling you how practical its boot is.

I am in the course of converting my old motorcycle into something more modern, and the discarded bits from the original bike were easily transported back to my garage in the 600e’s boot.

At 360 litres, this is the same size as what you’d find in a Mini Countryman or a Seat Ibiza. And, impressively, it swallowed the
bike’s old tank, fairing, front forks and two wheels without me having to lower the rear seats.

Still, even someone as contrary as me has to admit that a car like this is more about the driving experience. I’m admiring that, too – albeit not without reservations.

I like the steering, which is nicely weighted and pleasingly direct, yet not so quick as to be twitchy.Under heavy acceleration, the steering wheel will writhe and squirm in your hands, and the car does a little dance while the whole plot decides what it wants to do – a phenomenon known as torque steer. But while this sounds disturbing if you’re not familiar with it, it’s the sort of thing motoring enthusiasts secretly embrace as a sign of abundant power.

In corners, meanwhile, grip levels are high, and the 600e’s handling is eager, nicely balanced and, yes, good fun. There’s little body lean through fast bends, and no discernible body movement at all under acceleration or heavy braking.

The bad news is that as a corollary of that stiff suspension, the ride is very firm. Now, you’d expect a sporty car like this to have a focused set-up, but there are degrees. The 600e feels as if its wheels and tyres are made of concrete, and it rides like it’s going down a flight of stairs. If a bunch of chiropractors had got together to design a car to make them rich, this would be it.

So, I’m learning new routes that avoid sleeping policemen but incorporate more roundabouts. If I arrive a little late for appointments, I hope I’ll be forgiven.

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