2023 Fiat 600e electric SUV revealed, Australian plans unclear

The 2024 Fiat 600e small SUV has been unveiled for Europe ahead of showroom arrivals due there later this year – but it is yet to be confirmed for Australian showrooms.

The 600 – unveiled in 600e electric form, ahead of a hybrid version due next year – is the replacement for the petrol 500X SUV axed in Australia in 2021, with styling inspired by the 500e electric city hatch due in Australian showrooms imminently.

The new SUV is yet to be confirmed for Australian sale. A spokesperson for Fiat in Australia told Drive “we have nothing to announce at this time.”

Fiat’s new 600e is a rival for electric small SUVs such as the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro EV – plus its twins under the skin, the Jeep Avenger sold in Europe, and an upcoming baby Alfa Romeo SUV.

The 500e influences are evident in its design, with circular headlight signatures, a similar front bumper design with ‘600’ badging, 500e-like vertical tail-lights, and alloy wheels available in sizes up to 18 inches.

It measures 4.17 metres long – about the same as a Toyota Yaris Cross, and 100mm shorter than a Mazda CX-3.

As previously reported, the 600e will be the first new Fiat model to be launched without the option of grey paint – which has been discontinued across the company’s model range in favour of more vibrant hues.

Inside, the Fiat 600e continues to borrow heavily from the 500e, with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen running the company’s latest software, and a 7.0-inch instrument display behind the two-spoke steering wheel.

The boot capacity is rated at 360 litres, surpassing the Jeep Avenger by five litres.

Interior features include 64-colour ambient LED lighting, a power-adjustable driver’s seat with massaging, synthetic leather-look upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, a six-speaker sound system, and keyless entry and start.

Powering the electric 600e is a 115kW electric motor driving the front wheels, good for zero to 100km/h in a claimed 9.0 seconds – mated with a 54kWh battery pack claimed to deliver 400km of driving range in European WLTP lab testing.

Fiat claims a maximum fast-charging speed of 100kW DC, enabling an 80 per cent charge in an estimated 30 minutes. The vehicle is equipped with an 11kW AC onboard charger and a cable for home charging.

Due by the middle of next year is a hybrid version, but details are yet to be announced.

Available advanced safety technology includes adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and autonomous emergency braking.

Deliveries of the 2024 Fiat 600e are due to commence in Europe in September 2023. Australian plans are yet to be announced.

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