2021 Fiat 500 Electric Cabrio first drive review: this retro city electric car is one of the best

Uploaded 4 years ago by Auto Express

Video Summary

Sure, here are the summary points and findings from the YouTube video review of the Fiat 500 Electric:
- The Fiat 500 Electric boasts character, making it a standout choice.
- Its design is cute, with sharp and modern detailing.
- While the bonnet may make the front look a bit sleepy, the car's aesthetics remain appealing from every angle.
- The interior design of the Fiat 500 Electric is clean, classy, and simple.
- It features body-colored stripes along the dash and nods to its history with Turin skyline embossing and door handles showing the original 500.
- A sharp infotainment screen with physical controls for air conditioning is included.
- Unlike the old Fiat 500, the steering wheel now adjusts for reach, making it easier to get comfortable.
- The test model, in Icon trim, comes with alloy wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry, and smartphone compatibility on a 10.25-inch infotainment system. Vegan leather seats are optional.
- Entry-level models lose a few inches in both the touchscreen and alloy wheels. Basic models remove the screen entirely in favor of a smartphone mount.
- The Fiat 500 is available as a hatchback or convertible, making it the only drop-top EV on sale after the Tesla Roadster. The roof works like a canvas sunroof.
- The soft-top does not harm driving, but the thin fabric skin leads to a lot of wind and road noise at speed.
- Backseats are not very useful, with limited knee and under-thigh support.
- The smooth, silent powertrain makes it better to drive than combustion-powered superminis.
- It uses a 116-horsepower electric motor driving the front wheels, with 0-62 mph times around nine to ten seconds.
- It is nippy enough, but not as sharp as Honda E or the Mini Electric.
- The soft suspension setting allows for a smooth and comfy ride, but causes it to bounce around on bumpy roads without settling. Steering can feel woolly, but it does go around corners okay.
- WLTP efficiency ratings between 4.7 and 4.8 miles per kWh for different battery sizes. The larger battery makes for a more efficient car.
- The basic small battery model, post-government grant, starts at £19,995.
- The Icon trim with a 42kWh battery pack costs £24,995.
- Charging times are 35 minutes from 0% to 80% charge with the 42kWh model.

Final verdict: This is not only one of the best electric cars around, but one of the best small cars you can buy.

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