Textual content by Tom Appel
2024 Fiat 500e Inspi(RED)
Specs
Class: Subcompact automobile
Colour: Pink
Seating Capability: 4
Miles pushed: 131
CG Report Card
Room and ComfortB
Energy and PerformanceB
Match and FinishC
Gasoline EconomyA
ValueB+
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and should not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup.
Massive & Tall Consolation
Massive GuyB
Tall GuyB
Massive & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs117-horsepower
Engine TypeElectric motor
Transmission Automated
Drive WheelsFront-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: (superb situations): 140-150 miles
Cost-port location: Passenger-side rear fender
Snow efficiency: N/A
Base worth: $32,500 (not together with $1595 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check car: None
Value as examined: $34,095
Execs and Cons:
The good: Enjoyable to drive, simple to park, frugal even for an electrical car
The great: Roomy cabin (for 2), small battery fees rapidly
The not so good: Funds-grade cabin decor, stiff journey
Overview
When you’re confused in regards to 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 12 months, however failed to attach with American customers. 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 really a pleasant little ute, however customers felt extra comfy with model names they have been aware of. And as for the Spyder (2017-2021), it was primarily based mechanically on the MX-5 Miata. Understanding this, most customers merely went with the tried-and-true Mazda.
Ask this editor, and he’ll inform you that each one of those autos would have bought higher had they been marketed beneath the Dodge banner and bought at Dodge shops. Blame Fiat delight—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 turn out to be a part of the enormous Stellantis group, and Fiat has reinvented itself for 2024, and is now—at the least briefly—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. Be aware 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 automobile,” the 500e was bought within the Golden State to assist Fiat Chrysler meet emissions mandates. It was usually bought at a steep low cost.
Redesigned for 2020 for European markets, the 500e is now not primarily based on the gasoline-powered 500, and as an alternative 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 bought not in trim ranges, however within the type of “editions,” every of which is obtainable in restricted shade combos, 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 is just not supplied. Fashions shod with the usual all-season tires are EPA rated to journey 141 miles on a full cost, whereas these geared up with the non-obligatory, no-cost, summer season tires are rated at 149 miles. When you reside someplace that sees snow, go along 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 (Pink) motion, which raises cash to combat AIDS. The Inspi(RED) could be had—predictably—in purple, in addition to black and white.
Impressed by Magnificence ($37,595)
Out there solely in Rose Gold, the “Magnificence” comes with further 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 can be supplied solely in marine layer Mist (gentle blue).
Be aware that 500e editions are meant to get replaced regularly, so, we should always she at the least a few new variations for 2025. In case your storage is large enough, you possibly can begin a set.
Take a look at Automotive
Shopper Information not too long ago spent every week behind the wheel of a 2024 Fiat 500e Inspi(RED) in, effectively, purple. Our check automobile was not accompanied by a full Monroney label, however it ought to have listed for the $34,095 seen above.
If the 500e has something going for it, it’s that the automobile is enjoyable. Enjoyable to take a look at, enjoyable to take a seat in, and most significantly, enjoyable to drive.
Cabin
Driving on a stubby 91-inch wheelbase, the 500e is absolutely 16 inches shorter total that the tiny Hyundai Venue, but doesn’t need to front-row passenger area. This huge editor was capable of simply enter and exit the little Fiat, and located loads of area 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 automobile’s infotainment setup feels extra inline with American-consumer expectations.
Room and Consolation
As for the rear seating state of affairs, there actually isn’t one. Even babies will need for knee and leg area behind most front-row occupants. It’s finest to think about the 500e a 2-passenger automobile with emergency area for one very unfortunate additional particular person.
Cargo area, too, is a bit of restricted, at the least 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 automobile feels sprightly nonetheless. Like most electrical autos, the 500e serves up instant 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 great at zipping round in visitors, and scooting into place when merging. There’s loads of energy for freeway passing, too.
Trip and Dealing with
And, as an lovable, diminutive EV ought to, the 500e handles effectively. We recognize 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 a bit of at freeway velocity. There’s additionally a bit extra street noise than we’d like, however, once more, we are able to chalk among the 500e’s visceral points to its jaunty character. That is very a lot a “strive it before you purchase it” type of car. When you’re in search of 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 automobile is constructed offshore, on this case Italy, it doesn’t qualify for the $7500 federal tax incentive obtainable on many EVs. Nonetheless, the inducement is out there to people who lease their automobiles, and the Fiat web site does function particular lease offers on the 500e.
The advertising people at Fiat are pitching this automobile not as a main driver, however as a second or third automobile for a household with a number of drivers. This, largely due to the automobile’s modest battery vary. Nonetheless, we are able to see younger, green-minded professionals discovering satisfaction in 500e possession, supplied they don’t want area for greater than two folks, and don’t enterprise too far exterior of a 50-60-mile radius.
Abstract
In contrast to the previous-generation 500e, the brand new automobile can be supplied roughly nationally, although there are complete states with no single Fiat dealership, which is able to restrict the automobile’s enchantment. However that’s most likely okay, because the 500e is basically—as famous above—an “city” automobile.
We prefer it, and if it suits your way of life, you’ll most likely prefer it, too. When you’re able to go electrical, and don’t want a number of vary, the 500e is prone to not solely get you round, it is 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) Photos
Click on beneath for enlarged photographs
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