Fiat 600e: Italian Flair Meets Electric Power

At first sight, the 600e’s design is all about classic Italian flair mixed with modern sensibility. Its compact size makes it a great fit for narrow Dublin streets and tight parking spots, yet it’s large enough to provide more practicality than the 500. We drove the car down some particularly snug alleyways and had no trouble zipping through! 

The front of the car features a proud “600” badge, and its iconic rounded headlights give it a friendly, approachable look. The vibrant colour palette adds to its cheeky charm. This is a car that turns heads without being ostentatious. 

Overall Fiat has nailed the exterior design of the 600e, with well-thought-out colour options: You’ll find deep blues reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea, vibrant skies captured in light blues, and rich earthy tones that echo the Tuscan countryside. These hues give the 600e a fresh, lively personality while still maintaining the iconic Fiat design language. Whether you're cruising through Dublin or along the Irish coast, the Fiat 600e is a definite head-turner. 

Inside, the Fiat 600e strikes a balance between modern functionality and the minimalist design Fiat is known for. The cabin is compact but doesn’t feel cramped, offering a surprisingly comfortable amount of space for front passengers. While the back seats might be a bit snug for adults on longer drives, they’re perfect for kids or quick trips around town. 

One minor pitfall of the Fiat 600e is the absence of rear door storage pockets. For a car aimed at practicality and family use, this omission feels a bit surprising, especially for passengers in the back seat who might want a convenient spot to stash small items, like a phone or a snack. While front passengers are well-served with storage solutions, rear passengers might miss having that additional space for everyday essentials. It's not a dealbreaker by any means, but for families or those who frequently travel with rear passengers, it’s something to keep in mind. 

The 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen is easy to navigate and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so connecting your smartphone for navigation or road trip tunes is a breeze! We found the seats comfortable and supportive. The materials feel durable and suitable for everyday use, though you won’t find any luxury-level finishes here—this is more about practicality and style. 

Powered by a 54 kWh battery and a 115 kW motor, the Fiat 600e offers around 154 horsepower—enough to keep things lively in an urban environment. The electric motor’s instant torque makes accelerating away or merging into roundabouts feel quick and effortless. While driving through the congested streets of the city, the 600e’s size and agility really shone, weaving through traffic with ease. 

On the open road, the 600e handles itself well too. We took it for a longer spin, and while it’s not a high-performance machine, it’s more than capable of holding its own on Irish motorways. The claimed range of about 400km on a single charge is realistic, and with Ireland’s growing EV infrastructure, finding a fast-charging station when needed wasn’t an issue. 

Fiat has made strides in improving its reliability over the years, and with the 600e, they’re making a strong statement. As with many modern EVs, the simplified electric drivetrain means fewer moving parts, which translates into potentially fewer things to go wrong. 

While it’s relatively new on the market, the feedback so far points to dependable build quality, with a focus on longevity and durability. Its fast-charging capabilities are also a key selling point for those of us living in a fast-paced world. The 600e supports rapid DC charging, allowing you to charge from 20% to 80% in under 30 minutes. This feature is perfect for the spontaneous road trips that we so often love in Ireland. With this kind of charging, the range anxiety that typically plagues EV drivers is significantly reduced, making it more practical for everyday use. Combine this with a solid, reliable electric motor and battery, and Fiat has made sure that the 600e can handle the demands of modern driving. 

However, as with any electric cars, reliability can hinge on the availability of charging infrastructure. While Ireland’s network is steadily improving, it's something to consider, particularly for those in more rural areas. 

In terms of day-to-day use, the 600e performs flawlessly. No strange noises, no electrical gremlins—just smooth, consistent performance, even after a variety of road conditions, from city driving to rural detours and backroads. 

Here’s where the Fiat 600e really shines for the Irish market—running costs. Electricity is much cheaper than petrol or diesel, especially if you’re able to charge at home overnight. We found that, for regular city driving, charging every couple of days was more than enough. Given the ongoing rise in fuel prices, the 600e offers a wallet-friendly alternative without sacrificing style or practicality. 

The car is also exempt from road tax as an EV, and depending on the grants available, there may be further incentives for those looking to make the switch to electric in Ireland. 

Handling in the 600e is exactly what you’d expect from a car designed for urban life—it’s nimble, light, and responsive. While darting through narrow streets and over the infamous Irish speed bumps, the car felt planted and controlled, even at low speeds. The steering is precise, making it easy to park in the tightest of spots. 

On twisty rural roads, like those around Connemara, the 600e is full of surprises, with its impressive stability. Though it doesn’t have the ground clearance of larger SUVs, the suspension handles bumps and uneven terrain with grace, making it suitable for weekend drives to more remote locations. 

Fiat has equipped the 600e with a range of modern safety features, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking assistance. These systems add an extra layer of reassurance, especially in busy city traffic. 

Although the Fiat 600e has yet to be tested by Euro NCAP, it still comes equipped with an impressive suite of advanced safety features. This electric compact SUV provides Level 2 assisted driving, a major plus for those navigating Ireland’s unpredictable roads. Core safety systems like Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) come standard, ensuring greater control in emergency situations, particularly during Ireland’s frequently wet and slippery conditions. The car also includes six airbags strategically placed to maximise passenger safety in the event of an accident. 

The 600e’s advanced driver assistance includes Drowsy Driver Detection, which helps prevent fatigue-related accidents, and Traffic Sign Information, keeping drivers informed of important road signs. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Vulnerable Road User (VRU) protection, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Intelligent Speed Assistant (ISA) provide additional safety, making everyday driving less stressful and more secure. 

The higher-spec La Prima version enhances safety further with front, side, and rear parking sensors, blind-spot detection, and a 180-degree rearview camera, making parking in tight spaces a breeze. Adaptive cruise control with Level 2 autonomous driving adds comfort on long motorway journeys, keeping the car safely positioned within its lane and adjusting speed based on surrounding traffic. 

Built on Stellantis’ e-CMP2 platform, shared with the well-regarded Jeep Avenger, the Fiat 600e benefits from proven engineering. In addition, the elevated seating position gives drivers a better view of the road, which we found especially useful in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. 

The 2024 Fiat 600e is a charming, practical, and efficient city car which seems tailor-made for the Irish market. Its compact size, electric efficiency, and stylish design make it a standout choice for anyone looking to embrace electric driving without sacrificing personality or fun. Whether you’re navigating the winding roads of rural Ireland or simply zipping through town to grab a coffee, the 600e delivers a delightful driving experience with minimal fuss. 

For those seeking an eco-friendly, low-cost alternative that still turns heads and brings a smile to your face, the Fiat 600e is well worth considering. It’s more than just a city car—it’s an Italian companion ready for your adventures. Its affordability, style, and practicality make it a solid option for Irish buyers.