Textual content by Tom Appel
2024 Fiat 500e Inspi(RED)
Specs
Class: Subcompact automotive
Colour: Crimson
Seating Capability: 4
Miles pushed: 131
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B |
| Energy and Efficiency | B |
| Match and End | C |
| Gas Economic system | A |
| Worth | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup. | |
| Huge & Tall Consolation | |
| Huge Man | B |
| Tall Man | B |
| Huge & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” score based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 117-horsepower |
| Engine Kind | Electrical motor |
| Transmission | Computerized |
| Drive Wheels | Entrance-wheel drive |
Battery capability: 42 kWh
EPA-estimate MPGe: 121 metropolis/100 hwy/110 mixed
EPA-estimated driving vary: 141 miles
Shopper Information vary estimate: (preferrred situations): 140-150 miles
Cost-port location: Passenger-side rear fender
Snow efficiency: N/A
Base value: $32,500 (not together with $1595 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at car: None
Value as examined: $34,095
Execs and Cons:
The nice: Enjoyable to drive, straightforward to park, frugal even for an electrical car
The nice: Roomy cabin (for 2), small battery expenses rapidly
The not so good: Funds-grade cabin decor, stiff journey
Assessment
Should you’re confused concerning the standing of Fiat, you aren’t alone. After a 28-year hiatus, the Fiat model reemerged within the U.S. for the 2011 mannequin yr, however failed to attach with American buyers. The plucky and environment friendly 500 2-door hatchback missed preliminary gross sales targets by half, and subsequent Fiat fashions, together with the 500L, 500X, and sporty 124 Spider, by no means discovered patrons.
Historical past
The difficult-to-describe 500L wagon (2014-2020) was likeable sufficient, however higher suited to European tastes. The small 500X crossover (2016-2023) was truly a pleasant little ute, however buyers felt extra snug with model names they have been accustomed to. And as for the Spyder (2017-2021), it was based mostly mechanically on the MX-5 Miata. Understanding this, most buyers merely went with the tried-and-true Mazda.
Ask this editor, and he’ll inform you that every one of those automobiles would have offered higher had they been marketed beneath the Dodge banner and offered at Dodge shops. Blame Fiat pleasure—and a sparse vendor community—for the U.S. market failure of Fiat. (There are presently fewer than 350 Fiat sellers within the U.S., versus 2400 Dodge shops.)
What’s New
However sufficient of the historical past lesson, there’s Fiat information to share: Fiat Chrysler has grow to be a part of the enormous Stellantis group, and Fiat has reinvented itself for 2024, and is now—not less than quickly—an all-electric model within the U.S. The five hundred is now the 500e (e for electrical) and would be the model’s solely mannequin for the foreseeable future. Observe that Fiat did promote an electrical model of the five hundred (additionally referred to as 500e) in California between 2013 and 2019. Technically a “compliance automotive,” the 500e was offered within the Golden State to assist Fiat Chrysler meet emissions mandates. It was usually offered at a steep low cost.
Redesigned for 2020 for European markets, the 500e is now not based mostly on the gasoline-powered 500, and as a substitute rides on the Stellantis ”SCCS” EV platform. As famous earlier, the U.S. will solely see the electrical model of the five hundred.
A late arrival as a 2024 mannequin, the 500e is trickling into showrooms now, is being offered not in trim ranges, however within the type of “editions,” every of which is obtainable in restricted colour mixtures, and with mission-specific tools. Extra on that in a second.
Drivetrain
The 2024 Fiat 500e is powered by a 42-kWh battery linked to a 117-horsepower motor and comes commonplace with front-wheel drive; AWD will not be supplied. Fashions shod with the usual all-season tires are EPA rated to journey 141 miles on a full cost, whereas these outfitted with the non-obligatory, no-cost, summer season tires are rated at 149 miles. Should you stay someplace that sees snow, go together with the all-season tires.
Costs and Trim Ranges
As for these trim ranges, er, editions, right here’s what’s on faucet for 2024:
Inspi(RED) ($34,095)
Successfully the bottom 500e mannequin, the Inspi(RED) is tied into the (Crimson) motion, which raises cash to battle AIDS. The Inspi(RED) might be had—predictably—in purple, in addition to black and white.
Impressed by Magnificence ($37,595)
Accessible solely in Rose Gold, the “Magnificence” comes with extra options, together with adaptive cruise management.
Impressed by Music ($37,595)
Just like the Magnificence in options content material, the Music additionally boasts a 7-speaker JBL-brand audio system.
Impressed by Los Angeles ($37,595 est.)
Clearly pandering to the inhabitants of the nation’s largest EV market, this 500e version arrives within the fall. The L.A. version shall be supplied solely in marine layer Mist (mild blue).
Observe that 500e editions are meant to get replaced frequently, so, we should always she not less than a few new variations for 2025. In case your storage is sufficiently big, you may begin a set.
Take a look at Automotive
Shopper Information lately spent per week behind the wheel of a 2024 Fiat 500e Inspi(RED) in, effectively, purple. Our take a look at automotive was not accompanied by a full Monroney label, nevertheless it ought to have listed for the $34,095 seen above.
If the 500e has something going for it, it’s that the automotive is enjoyable. Enjoyable to have a look at, enjoyable to sit down in, and most significantly, enjoyable to drive.
Cabin
Using on a stubby 91-inch wheelbase, the 500e is totally 16 inches shorter total that the tiny Hyundai Venue, but doesn’t wish to front-row passenger house. This huge editor was capable of simply enter and exit the little Fiat, and located loads of house as soon as located behind the wheel.
The cabin itself seems appointed with price financial savings in thoughts, nevertheless nothing seems particularly low-cost, and the overt “enjoyable” character—together with the body-color dashboard—largely offsets any sense of producer stinginess.
Connectivity
The brand new, massive, tablet-style touchscreen floats above the sprint, and options massive, easy-to-read icons. In contrast to the final 500’s digital interface, the brand new automotive’s infotainment setup feels extra inline with American-consumer expectations.
Room and Consolation
As for the rear seating scenario, there actually isn’t one. Even young children will need for knee and leg house behind most front-row occupants. It’s greatest to think about the 500e a 2-passenger automotive with emergency house for one very unfortunate additional individual.
Cargo house, too, is slightly restricted, not less than when the rear seatbacks are within the upright place. With the seatbacks folded down—they don’t fold fairly flat—the cargo space expands properly.
Efficiency
Official 0-60 mph occasions for the 500e don’t impress, however the automotive feels sprightly nonetheless. Like most electrical automobiles, the 500e serves up rapid energy from a cease, and responds rapidly to throttle inputs. In actuality, the little electrical Fiat is a pleasure to drive round city, and is superb at zipping round in site visitors, and scooting into place when merging. There’s loads of energy for freeway passing, too.
Trip and Dealing with
And, as an lovely, diminutive EV ought to, the 500e handles effectively. We respect the pure steering really feel, and the managed lean in corners. We have been much less impressed with the journey high quality, nevertheless, which is on the agency and bouncy aspect, although issues do cool down slightly at freeway velocity. There’s additionally a bit extra street noise than we’d like, however, once more, we are able to chalk a few of the 500e’s visceral points to its jaunty character. That is very a lot a “attempt it before you purchase it” type of car. Should you’re searching for a peaceful and quiet commute, this isn’t your EV.
EV Tax Credit score
Within the case of the 500e, the value is the value. As a result of the automotive is constructed offshore, on this case Italy, it doesn’t qualify for the $7500 federal tax incentive out there on many EVs. Nonetheless, the motivation is out there to of us who lease their vehicles, and the Fiat web site does function particular lease offers on the 500e.
The advertising of us at Fiat are pitching this automotive not as a main driver, however as a second or third automotive for a household with plenty of drivers. This, largely due to the automotive’s modest battery vary. Nonetheless, we are able to see younger, green-minded professionals discovering satisfaction in 500e possession, supplied they don’t want house for greater than two folks, and don’t enterprise too far outdoors of a 50-60-mile radius.
Abstract
In contrast to the previous-generation 500e, the brand new automotive shall be supplied kind of nationally, although there are entire states and not using a single Fiat dealership, which is able to restrict the automotive’s attraction. However that’s in all probability okay, because the 500e is actually—as famous above—an “city” automotive.
We prefer it, and if it matches your life-style, you’ll in all probability prefer it, too. Should you’re able to go electrical, and don’t want plenty of vary, the 500e is prone to not solely get you round, it’s going to additionally brighten your day.
Take a look at Drive: 2014 Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio
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2024 Fiat 500e Inspi(RED) Footage
Click on beneath for enlarged photos
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