The Abarth 500e is not your typical electric car. It is a sporty and fun hatchback that combines the heritage and performance of the Abarth brand with the efficiency and sustainability of the electric powertrain. And it has just won its first award: the prestigious Autonis design award by Auto Motor und Sport, one of the most influential automotive magazines in Germany.
What is the Autonis Design Award?
The Autonis Design Award is an annual recognition of the best car designs in various categories, based on the votes of more than 16,000 readers of Auto Motor und Sport. The award has been running since 2001 and covers both new and existing models in the market.
The Abarth 500e won the award in the category of "small cars", beating competitors such as the Mini Cooper SE, the Honda e, and the Fiat 500e. The Abarth 500e received 28.7% of the votes, followed by the Mini Cooper SE with 20.4% and the Honda e with 15.9%.
This is a remarkable achievement for the Abarth 500e, considering that it is a new model that was launched in Europe in June 2023. It is also the first time that an Abarth model has won the Autonis Design Award, which reflects the appreciation of the readers for the distinctive and attractive design of the Abarth 500e.
What makes the Abarth 500e so special?
The Abarth 500e is based on the Fiat 500e but with significant modifications to enhance its sportiness, agility, and personality. The Abarth 500e features a more powerful electric motor that delivers 135 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9 seconds and reach a top speed of 150 km/h. The battery capacity is also increased to 42 kWh, which gives it a range of up to 320 km on a single charge.
The Abarth 500e also boasts a unique styling that sets it apart from other electric cars. The exterior design is inspired by the iconic Abarth models of the past, such as the Abarth 595 and the Abarth 695. The Abarth 500e features a scorpion badge on the front grille, a dual exhaust system at the rear, and a choice of four colors: white, black, red, and grey. The interior design is equally sporty and elegant, with bucket seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and a digital instrument cluster.
The Abarth 500e also offers a high level of customization, allowing customers to personalize their car according to their preferences. The Abarth 500e is available in two trim levels: Turismo and Competizione. The Turismo trim offers a more comfortable and refined driving experience, while the Competizione trim offers a more dynamic and exhilarating driving experience. Customers can also choose from various options and accessories, such as different wheels, stickers, spoilers, roof colors, and interior materials.