Fiat 600e is a new small electric SUV to rival the Hyundai Kona

In the UK, it’ll be the first car to wear the 600 badge since the rear-engined city car of the 1950s.

Mind you, interior practicality will be significantly more generous than the classic. Fiat is claiming class-leading practicality – the 360-litre boot is bigger than the 332 litres offered by the Kona Electric, it opens and closes electronically, and the back seats split 60:40. You also get three USB charging sockets and an additional 15 litres of interior storage, much of which you’ll find in the covered centre cubby where you would usually expect to see a gear shifter.

“Dolce Vita” (a life of heedless pleasure and luxury, in case you wondered) is provided by the 600e’s electrically adjustable and massaging front seats, according to Fiat. You can also have your 600e decked out in Ivory synthetic leather seats with a Fiat monogram, turquoise accents and three-stage heating.

Infotainment comes in the form of a 10.25-inch centre screen – with inbuilt TomTom sat-nav, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster.

Fiat’s app means you’ll also be able to open the 600e's doors and turn on the ventilation system remotely, although the press release includes the fateful words “subscription fees may apply”.  

Standard equipment includes a six-speaker stereo, auto lights and wipers, velour floor mats, wireless phone charging, 360-degree sensors, a rearview camera, and keyless entry as Fiat attempts to redress the 600e’s inherently hefty EV pricing.

The car has a 156PS (115kW) electric motor that spins the front wheels, giving 0-62mph acceleration in nine seconds. The instantaneous nature of electric power means you can expect it to feel quicker than that relatively modest figure suggests.

Power comes from a 54kWh battery that gives the Fiat a 250-mile WLTP combined range, rising to 372 miles in town, where the car can fully use its regenerative brakes.

Charging speeds of up to 100kW mean the 600e’s battery can be filled to 80 per cent in less than 30 minutes using a public charger. An 11kW onboard charger gives a full charge at home in less than six hours, and an Eco driving mode (you also get Comfort and Sport) should help you eke out as much range as possible. 

Don’t fancy driving? Then the Fiat comes with Level 2 automation, which means it can drive itself on the motorway and in traffic queues so long as you keep your hands on the wheel.

The 600e goes on sale in the autumn.