SOUND AND VISION

Make some noise for the cheeky new electric Abarth scorpionissima

- 

For starters, the seating position in the 600e is night-and-day improved over that in the older petrol-powered 500 - you can actually get low to the ground rather than being behind the wheel in a rather lofty position.

barth’s cars have always been about character. The “new” Abarth 500, which launched in 2008, showcased a cheeky nature through its compact size and unmissable exhaust note. This sound became Abarth's calling card and now the brand is wrangling with the idea of moving it into its electric versions.

While the electric Abarth 500e has been on sale in the UK for a while, the 600e is where things get more serious for the Italian brand.

WHAT'S NEW?

This is now Abarth’s most powerful vehicle. You've the choice of two models, with the standard bringing a lower power output to the Scorpionissima we're driving here.

It’s similar in design to the regular Fiat 600e, but while it does use that as a base, it’s a more exciting drive.

It includes a sound generator at the rear, creating a noise inspired by the original Abarth 500's exhaust. But, if you're not a fan, it's easy to switch off.

WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?