A couple of weeks ago, we brought you the story of a Nissan dealer in Colorado that was offering $5 leases on 2025 Leaf models. Not to be outdone, Larry H. Miller Chrysler Dodge Ram Fiat in Denver, Colorado, is offering a $0/month lease on the 2024 Fiat 500e. Now, before you get too excited about having the opportunity to drive away in a chic EV for free, some taxes need to be paid.

The dealership’s Fiat 500e deal is a 27-month lease and does not require any downpayment. However, $1,297.68 in taxes needs to be paid at delivery, and at the end of the lease, there is a $395 disposition fee. Add those two figures together, and you get $1,692.68, which works out to be just the equivalent of $62.66 each month.

Read: Stellantis Extends Fiat 500e And Maserati Production Halt Again By Two More Weeks As Sales Struggle

It’s also worth noting that the lease is limited to 10,000 miles per year. Any excess mileage will be charged at 30 cents per mile. If, at the end of the lease, you want to keep the keys to the 500e, there’ll be a $17,388.45 payoff.

This deal is quite the bargain and has equivalent monthly payments of less than half the $127.91 available for the recent Nissan Leaf leasing deal. It’s unclear how many Fiat 500e the dealer has available, but it’s likely initiated this deal to help clear some inventory.

It’s no secret that the Fiat 500e has been a slow seller, and the brand appears to be having a particularly hard time selling it in the United States. While numerous ‘special edition’ models have been rolled out in the US, they are not selling either, and Fiat has repeatedly paused EV production in Italy. Just a few days ago, it extended a production halt yet again, meaning no new ones will be produced until at least January 20, 2025.

Despite all of this, the 500e could serve as a good city runabout for anyone living in Colorado, particularly given that it’s now so incredibly cheap to lease. All standard examples have a 42 kWh battery with 117 hp and 162 lb-ft (219 Nm) of torque, giving the car up to 149 miles (240 km) of range.

The Abarth 500 series is one of the most recognizable sporty small cars launched in the past two decades. While it may lack the brute power of some larger hot hatches, its diminutive size and nimbleness have earned it a unique place in its class, making it a favorite for driving enthusiasts who value agility over outright speed.

The all-electric 500e retains much of the same charm as its internal combustion sibling. Although it carries additional weight due to its battery pack, it remains just as compact and maneuverable. However, the question looms: does it possess the right blend of performance and character to live up to its predecessors, or is it a misstep from Stellantis, the automotive juggernaut that’s fighting for survival in an ever-evolving market?

QUICK FACTS

A pricey proposal

It’s impossible to talk about the Abarth 500e without first discussing the price. In Australia, it starts at AU$58,900 (~$38,100) before on-road costs. Compared to the regular Fiat 500 La Prima that initially launched at AU$52,500 (~$33,900) but has since been reduced to AU$49,990 (~$32,300), that’s not bad value for money, given all of the upgrades made to the Abarth version.

However, the Abarth 500e doesn’t represent such good value for money when compared to other sporty EVs out there. For instance, the more practical MG 4 X Power, boasting 320 kW (429 hp), starts at AU$59,990 ($38,800). Similarly priced are the larger Cupra Born, also beginning at AU$59,990 ($38,800), and the Chinese Ora GT, which comes in at a more affordable AU$46,990 ($30,400).

Additionally, a range of bigger and roomier electric sedans and SUVs, such as the BYD Seal and Tesla Model Y, also start around the AU$60,000 ($38,800) mark. Considering the Abarth’s significantly smaller size compared to these alternatives, one might reasonably expect a lower price point.

Abarth continues to sell the combustion-powered 695 alongside the 500e and it too is much cheaper. In fact, it starts at AU$38,900 (~$25,100), all while packing more grunt than the EV, looking just as sporty and having the same tiny footprint. Has Abarth done anything to make the 500e feel worthy of its hefty price tag?

What changes have been made?

To start, Abarth has overhauled the exterior design and done a fine job of it. The front end has been tweaked to look much more aggressive than the standard model, and when painted in Acid Green like our test car, the 500e turns heads in a way that few other vehicles at this price point can. Providing some extra flair are 18-inch wheels, Scorpion badges on the rear quarter panels, and a beefy rear end that looks suitably sporty for a model with an Abarth badge.

Read: Abarth Is Done With ICE, Eyes A Larger Electric SUV

Then there’s the performance. Like the regular 500e, the Abarth is powered by a single electric motor driving the front wheels. However, whereas the standard model is capped at 87 kW (117 hp) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque, the Abarth ups the ante with 114 kW (153 hp) and 235 Nm (173 lb-ft). Driving the front-mounted motor is a 42 kWh battery, and Abarth says the tiny hatch can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in a respectable 7 seconds.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

A nicer but cramped cabin

Plenty of changes have been made to the interior, too. Unsurprisingly, it’s just as compact as the standard model but feels slightly more premium thanks to a slew of nicer materials. These include black Alcantara on the steering wheel and dashboard, bright blue and green contrast stitching, and prominent Abarth emblems on the steering wheel and pedals. A set of sports seats comes standard, and they, too, include a nice mix of Alcantara and leather.

Unfortunately, and much like the petrol-powered 695, the seats of the 500e are mounted way too high, resulting in an odd driving position for a sporty hatch like this. This also limits headroom, and at 6’2”, my hair would occasionally brush against the ceiling. It’s also a shame the Abarth has the same flimsy and wafer-thin sunshade for the glass roof as the standard model. It does a poor job of blocking the sun and an even poorer job of blocking unwanted heat from entering the cabin.

Despite the car’s compact size, storage is decent. There are reasonably spacious door pockets, a wireless phone charger, and a surprisingly deep center console. The lack of a tunnel between the front seats also adds to the practicality.

Found in the center of the dash is a 10.25-inch infotainment system that includes wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, wireless Android Auto proved troublesome during our week with the car. On more than a dozen occasions, the system unexpectedly disconnected from my phone while driving. It would quickly reconnect but after 10 or 15 minutes, would disconnect once again. It was more stable when using a USB-C cable, but it still dropped out a couple of times.

The 7-inch digital instrument cluster is nicer. It’s clear and crisp and offers a slew of different display settings.

The second row is tight and not suitable for adults. Even teenagers will struggle to get back there. We wouldn’t go as far as to say the rear seats are useless but they serve very little purpose other than to ferry small children around, something which we suspect few Abarth owners do. It’d be nice if Abarth offered an option to remove the rear seats, as it would help to make the compact trunk a little more practical.

A punchy performer

Driving the Abarth 500e in a host of different environments reveals plenty of perks, as well as a few faults. In a straight line, it is spritely enough that you have to brace your neck when accelerating or risk slamming your head into the headrest. Where the 500e shines, though, is in handling.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Tipping the scales at 1,335 kg (2,943 lbs), it’s not exactly a featherweight given its size. However, the short wheelbase and low center of gravity make it feel like a circa 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs) car. The steering is light and direct, making the Abarth heaps of fun to toss in the turns. It does feel a little numb to steer, but that’s to be expected for the revised electric power steering.

The grip is superb. Aussie-delivered examples come standard with Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires, one of the better ultra high performance summer shoes on the market. The front end offers plenty of bite, and it’s easy to push the tires to the limit of adhesion without exceeding it. It feels like a ferocious French bulldog, clawing at the pavement and sprinting away on the corner exit. The brakes are also very impressive, even though they’re quite small.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Efficiency is another one of the 500e’s strong suits. Abarth says the hatch can travel up to 253 km (157 miles) on a single charge, a decent figure when you consider it only has a 42 kWh pack. During our time with the key, which included several ~60 km (37 miles) jaunts, we averaged 13.3 kWh / 100 km, making it one of the more efficient EVs we’ve tested and almost matching the standard Fiat 500e.

Review: The Fiat 500e Review Is A Stylish EV But At What Cost?

A trio of driving modes are offered. For everyday driving, the Abarth is best left in Turismo mode, which slows the throttle response and turns on one-pedal driving. A Scorpion Street mode is also offered. It makes the hatch feel much more responsive while retaining the one-pedal mode. The fiercest mode is Scorpion Track, which feels very similar to Scorpion Street but significantly reduces the regenerative braking.

The overly firm ride was a bit of a letdown. As someone who daily drives a Renault Megane RS, a hot hatch known for having a firm ride, I’m used to some level of harshness on the road, but the Abarth 500e is noticeably stiffer, not only compared to my Megane RS but others at this price point. The positive of the suspension setup is that the car has very little roll while cornering.

Silly sounds

Engineers from Abarth spent over 6,000 hours developing a Sound System Generator for the 500e designed to replicate the sounds of its ICE-powered models. It is… interesting, to say the least.

The sound generated from the external speaker is quite organic and does a better job of replicating a combustion engine than the synthetic soundtrack used by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. However, it’s far from perfect, which makes me wonder just how hard those engineers were working during those 6,000 hours.

My biggest criticism of the system is immediately apparent when you start driving the 500e with the sound turned on. While accelerating, having a thumping soundtrack adds to the thrill of driving the car. However, once you hit the speed limit and start cruising, the speaker continues to pump out an exhaust note just as loud as when you’re accelerating. It’s as if you’re sitting at the top of 2nd gear in an ICE car and almost bumping into the rev limiter.

By comparison, the Ioniq 5 N’s fake sounds work in conjunction with the augmented eight-speed transmission, meaning you can manually go into ‘8th gear’ and limit the sounds. The Hyundai also offers 20 different levels of sound output, whereas the Abarth only has one.

Activating the external speakers is also a pain. The setting is buried within the gauge cluster and requires several taps to find. We can forgive Abarth for this, as burying drive settings in clusters and infotainment displays has become commonplace across the industry. However, the settings menu needed to access the speaker control is only available when the car is stationary, not when you’re on the move. That means the soundtrack can only be turned on or off when the car is stopped.

Verdict

The Abarth 500e does have its appeal, as it’s genuinely fun to drive, grips the road like a caffeinated gecko, and has the kind of looks that make heads turn. But let’s not beat around the bush: it’s exorbitantly expensive. With a AU$20,000 ($12,800) premium over the ICE-powered Abarth 695, it’s hard not to see this as Stellantis banking on brand loyalty while leaving buyers to absorb the financial punch. And then there’s the competition—more practical, better-equipped EVs in the same price range that leave the 500e feeling like a shiny toy with a sky-high price tag. Fun? Sure. Worth it? That’s a harder sell.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Stellantis might be navigating a whirlwind these days, but amidst the chaos of searching for a new CEO after Carlos Tavares abruptly resigned last week, the company has managed to find time to confirm that the next generation of the Fiat 500 will debut in 2032—even as it continuously pauses production of the current electric variant because, apparently, no one is buying it.

Commitment to Mirafiori Production

Additionally, the group has assured that production of the iconic Cinquecento will continue at the Mirafiori plant in Turin well beyond 2030, underscoring their commitment to maintaining a strong manufacturing presence in Italy.

Fiat might be having a hard time convincing people to buy the fully electric 500e, but the “Cinquecento” remains one of the most well-known nameplates in Europe’s city car segment. Jean-Philippe Imparato, former Alfa Romeo CEO and current Chief Operating Officer at Stellantis for the Enlarged Europe region, spoke about the model’s future during an interview with local media.

More: Abarth Is Done With ICE, Eyes A Larger Electric SUV

As reported by Quattroruote, Imparato has pledged to keep the Mirafiori plant busy with Fiat 500 production, even when the next generation arrives in 2032-2033. Before that happens, the Stellantis executive is trying to bring the mild-hybrid version of the current 500 model to the market as soon as possible. Imparato expects the Fiat 500 Ibrida to arrive around November 2025.

Revitalizing the 500 Lineup

According to COO, once the 500 lineup is complete with EV and mild-hybrid powertrain options, the goal is to “start again with about 100,000 cars a year.” Fiat recently had to pause production of the 500e due to slower-than-expected demand for the EV, a struggle that has persisted since 2020. The company kept the last-gen ICE-powered 500 in production until earlier this year before deciding to make the 500e compatible with mild-hybrid power.

According to Imparato, Turin is very important for Stellantis: “We’ll have the European organization, plus the sales people, plus the hybrid 500, plus the future of the 500 and this is a signal. In Turin we also have the e-Dct, which is the gearbox needed for the hybrid and is exported everywhere”.

Imparato offered his own explanation for the EV slowdown, attributing it to a financial crisis and pervasive uncertainty about the future:

“The global economic situation is not good and so people say: ‘Should I change my car now? I’m not sure. And should I get an electric, hybrid or traditional combustion engine?’. This is part of the uncertainty and beyond this it is said that individual mobility is about to change. But if I have to enter the center of a large Italian or even European city, what do I get? An electric? A hybrid? A plug-in? This fuels uncertainty. For me it is something that explains the current situation, beyond the economic crisis we are facing.”

The Chief Operating Officer added: “China will reach 90% electric within three years. We must push competitiveness and collaboration, to lighten costs: technology, batteries, software to be optimized. Stellantis is about to launch 14 models, including electric and hybrid, to face this competition. We will do it, it’s tough, we all know it, we need competitiveness, we need support.”

Stellantis is expected to make important announcements next week about its plans, as it’s trying to form an alliance with suppliers to continue the electric transition. Imparato is ensuring everyone that they won’t be closing down any factories in Italy, reaffirming Stellantis’ dedication to its Italian manufacturing roots.

Update 12/12: Well, it’s that time of the week again, as Stellantis can’t seem to make up its mind about how long it wants to stop production at its Mirafiori plant in Italy. This time, we learn that the stoppage, which affects the electric Fiat 500 and the Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio, will extend until January 20, 2025, or two full weeks longer than previously announced. Production will halt starting December 18, 2024.

Stellantis stated it is still “assessing” its order books for January but declined to comment on media speculation about the sluggish sales of the Fiat 500e. “We will make announcements about January’s activities next week,” the company told Reuters in a statement. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Original story follows below.

Lackluster demand for the all-electric Fiat 500e has once again prompted Stellantis to pause production at the Italian factory that builds this pint-sized electric hatchback. Despite Fiat’s hopes for the 500e to be a breakthrough model, the reality has been anything but.

Previously, Stellantis had confirmed that it will halt production at the Mirafiori plant between December 2 and January 5, 2025. Originally, the plant was scheduled to shut down from December 18 to January 5 due to the Christmas and New Year holidays. However, the company recently informed unions that production would also pause from December 2 through to December 17, extending the break further than initially planned.

Review: Fiat 500e Is A Stylish EV But At What Cost?

The Fiat 500e has proven to be a thorn in the side of Stellantis in recent months. In September, the car-making conglomerate revealed that 500e production would be paused from the second week of that month until October 11. Yet, halfway through the planned shutdown, Stellantis extended the halt until November 1.

The disruption won’t only affect the 500e. The Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio are also produced at the Mirafiori plant, meaning both models will be impacted by the December shutdown, Reuters reports.

The reception to the 500e has been particularly poor in the United States. Fewer than 500 examples have been sold locally this year, despite Fiat releasing several special edition models in recent months. These include the 500e Giorgio Armani, the 500e ‘Inspired By Los Angeles,’ the 500e ‘Inspired By Beauty,’ and another known as the ‘Inspired By Music.’

Read: Fiat Still Can’t Sell The 500e, Extends EV’s Production Halt

While many companies would consider cutting their losses after such disappointing sales, Stellantis is taking a different approach—at least for now. The brand has already committed to investing €100 million ($105 million) into developing a new high-performance battery for the 500e that should boost its dismal driving range and contribute to improved performance. Fiat is also reverse-engineering the 500e to accommodate a hybrid drivetrain with plans to launch this model in late 2025 or early 2026.

We’re days away from the Los Angeles Auto Show and Fiat has quietly confirmed plans to introduce the 500e Giorgio Armani special edition. A debut is scheduled for tomorrow and the model will arrive early next year in limited numbers.

While the automaker only released a handful of details, their latest ‘product drop’ isn’t much of a surprise as the European variant was introduced over the summer. It celebrates the brand’s 125th anniversary and has been described as the “ultimate expression of Made in Italy.”

More: Fiat Introduces 500e Giorgio Armani, Says Grande Panda Could Come To America

We’ll learn full U.S. specifications shortly, but the European model has a unique Dark Green Micinalised or Ceramic Greige paint job. They’re joined by Giorgio Armani’s signature as well as 17-inch “GA” wheels featuring a burnished two-tone anodized finish.

Bigger changes occur in the cabin, which has been given a stylish makeover worthy of a premium fashion brand. The updates are immediately apparent as the 500e has laser-cut wood trim and special seats featuring chevron stitching as well as a unique central pattern. Buyers will also find special headrests and Giorgio Armani’s signature on the dashboard. Rounding out the highlights are a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, a glass roof, and a six-speaker JBL premium audio system.

Like the standard model, motivation should be provided by a 42 kWh battery that feeds a front-mounted electric motor producing 117 hp (87 kW / 119 PS) and 162 lb-ft (219 Nm) of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 8.5 seconds, hit a top speed of 94 mph (151 km/h), and travel up to 149 miles (240 km) on a single charge.

European model shown

The electric vehicle revolution may have hit a speed bump recently, with many automakers cautiously tapping the brakes on their EV-only ambitions. But Abarth? The Scorpion brand is doubling down and has shown no signs of backpedaling. With the aging 595/695 range now retired, Abarth has said goodbye to internal combustion engines in Europe altogether—and hybrids didn’t even make the invite list.

While South America still enjoys hot ICE-powered Abarth versions of Fiat’s Pulse and Fastback crossovers, the European lineup is a different story, consisting exclusively of the electric 500e and 600e. Gaetano Thorel, head of Fiat and Abarth in Europe, has ruled out any combustion-powered comeback, citing strict emissions regulations and their associated costs in the region.

More: Fiat 600e Gets An Abarth Evil Twin With Up To 278 HP

“If you make a combustion sports hatch that emits 180g/km and you are in Italy, you have to pay between €1000 and €2000 road tax every year,” Thorel told Autocar. “Is it fair when I can give customers an electric sport hatch that behaves in the same way, has the same level of enjoyment and equivalent performance? All at the same price? I think it’s better to offer electric cars.”

What About Hybrids?

For those hoping the 2026 Fiat 500 Ibrida might spawn an Abarth version, think again. Thorel swiftly quashed that idea, stating that its mild-hybrid powertrain simply doesn’t pack enough punch to deserve the Scorpion emblem

“We need to stay true to the Abarth DNA, and the engine that goes in the new 500 is a micro-hybrid that does not allow you to extract the power to make a real Abarth, so it wouldn’t be possible.”

Sticking to Its Tuning Roots

Does this mean that Abarth will limit itself to the 500e and 600e? It’s European boss doesn’t think so: “To me, Abarth can be developed on anything as long as it has Abarth DNA. I personally don’t see a limit on Abarth cars just being A-segment or B-segment hatchbacks. If the SUV is possible, then why not?”

Fiat’s Panda-themed concepts from early 2024 hinted at a larger electric SUV set for release in 2027. This model could provide the perfect foundation for an Abarth-branded SUV, giving the Scorpion badge an opportunity to expand into entirely new segments.

However, despite plans for a wider range, Thorel made it clear that Abarth won’t pursue the development of bespoke models, at least for the foreseeable future: “Carlo Abarth never made a car from scratch. Abarth DNA is to take a conventional car and stretch its performance through engine, dynamics and sound, in order to make it sporty and accessible. We want to remain true to this DNA, so we will not launch a bespoke Abarth for the time being.”

This means Abarth will continue to produce spiffed-up versions of Fiat models, distinguishing itself from rivals like Alpine, which gets to create standalone cars alongside tuning Renaults.

While Smart was smart enough to pull out of the United States, Fiat remains much to the delight of a few dozen people. That’s no joke as the brand sold just 235 units of the 500e electric hatch in the third quarter this year.

To put that number into perspective, the 500e was beaten by several vehicles that have already gone out of production. Jeep dealers sold 435 Cherokees and 450 Renegades in Q3, while 978 Chrysler 300 sedans found a new home. Even the Fiat 500X, which was dropped in 2023, generated 81 sales.

Review: Fiat 500e Is A Stylish EV, But At What Cost?

So what’s the bold plan to boost interest? Compare the 500e to the Tesla Cybertruck, apparently. That’s an odd move to say the least, but Fiat has released two new videos that play “upon the similarities and the differences between two unique all-electric vehicles.”

In “You Say Tomato, We Say Pomodoro,” Fiat says the Cybertruck is shock while the 500e is awwwww. They go onto claim the pickup was “inspired by angles,” while the electric hatchback was “inspired by angels.” The clip then states it’s “what an electric car should be.”

Of course, some people might beg to differ. After all, the 500e is slow, expensive, and limited by a short range. Pricing starts at $32,500 and that will get customers a 117 hp (87 kW / 119 PS) EV that can travel 149 miles (240 km) between charges.

On the bright side, that’s nearly $70,000 less than the Cybertruck. However, the entry-level all-wheel drive pickup has 600 hp (447 kW / 608 PS) and a range of around 340 miles (547 km). Plus, in July it was the best-selling vehicle over $100,000 in the US, outpacing everything else in the market.

People are not buying the Fiat 500e. Stellantis recently extended a production halt on their small EV and won’t start building them until November 1 due to sluggish demand. However, could now be the time to sign on the dotted line to lease a 500e in the US?

The 2024 500e can be leased for as little as $199 for 36 months, with $2,999 due at signing. Factoring in that upfront payment, this tallies out to an effective cost of $282 per month with a mileage cap of 7,500 miles per year. That’s significantly cheaper than a previous leasing deal that required $4,259 at signing on top of a $319 monthly fee.

Read: Fiat Still Can’t Sell The 500e, Extends EV’s Production Halt

Cars Direct notes this makes the 500e significantly cheaper to lease than America’s cheapest new car, the Nissan Versa.

While some may be tempted to bite the bullet and add the Fiat 500e to their garage, it’s worth noting the cute EV is only a two-door, and while it does have rear seats, they are extraordinarily small. But, if you’re after a cheap city runabout that’s stylish and cheap to run, it’s a tempting proposition.

This isn’t the cheapest lease we’ve seen for a new EV in the US this year. In March, Hyundai launched an incredible leasing deal for the Ioniq 6, which made it the cheapest new car to lease in the country. For a short period, it could be secured for just $239 per month for 24 months, with a measly $239 due at signing. Unfortunately, this deal is no longer available, but it’s possible Hyundai may slash lease prices for the Ioniq 6 next year as it prepares to launch the facelifted 2026 model.