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By Jonathan Crouch

Fiat returns to the B-segment with this 600e compact hatch EV. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 52

At a stroke, the 600e takes Fiat from nowhere to credible contention in the supermini B-segment. Provided you want an EV anyway, because that's what this is. At first glance, it's a super-sized 500e; actually, it's a re-skinned Jeep Avenger. But what's important is that the end result is very appealing indeed.

Backgroundword count: 163

The 600e could hardly be more important. It's Fiat's first family EV and it also simultaneously will eventually replace two similarly-sized ageing combustion models, the Tipo and the 500X. In the same way that the old 500L small MPV of 2012 tried to super-size the attributes of the petrol Fiat 500, this 600e super-sizes the attributes of today's little electric 500e. If you like that dinky urban runabout but need more space, this Italian brand thinks the 600e is for you. Under the skin, almost everything with this supermini is shared with another Stellantis Group compact model, Jeep's Avenger - though that's a crossover. Much also is borrowed from electric versions of other Stellantis Group EV cars in this category like the Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot's 208 and the DS 3. Key rivals outside that conglomerate include the smart #1 and the MG4 - but a 600e aims to be even more fashion-orientated and striking than cars like those. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 261

It's a touch ironic that a car which looks so individual is so derivative under the skin. Beneath the curvy panel work, almost everything of consequence is shared with another significant similarly-sized Stellantis Group compact EV crossover, the Jeep Avenger. Which means the same e-CMP architecture. And the same 54kWh battery pack, which energises a 154bhp electric motor on the front axle that can propel the car to 62mph in 9 seconds flat. Fiat quotes a combined cycle WLTP-rated driving range of up to 254 miles, which rises to 370 miles in town. There's the usual selectable sporty drive mode if you want to properly exercise the eager torque and pulling power of the electric motor (rated at 260Nm). The other two drive settings are 'eco' and 'normal'. Interestingly, the e-CMP platform can also accommodate an engine: a petrol Hybrid variant of this car will also be sold in our market using a mild hybrid 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol engine. This offers 100hp, uses a 48-volt for low speed manoevring and anciliaries; and drives via a 6-speed dual clutch auto transmission that includes the powertrain's 28hp e-motor, inverter and transmission central unit. On all Fiat 600 models, various 'level 2' assisted driving tools come fitted as standard. The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system brakes or accelerates in response to vehicles around you. And the Intelligent Speed Assist system reads the speed limits and recommends applying them, while the Blind Spot Detection set-up uses ultrasonic sensors to monitor blind spots and warn of any obstacles with warning lights on the wing mirror.

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