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So, who are the main competitors of the electric Fiat 500? Of course, there's the Smart EQ Fortwo, but the smaller Fiat also has to compete with more expensive and powerful alternatives like the Honda E, Mini Electric, Peugeot e-208, and Renault Zoe. But how does the Fiat compare?
The cheapest electric Fiat 500 on the market has a 94bhp electric motor and a 24kWh battery. Though it isn't our preferred model, the official 0-62 mph time of 9.5 seconds is faster than the Smart EQ Fortwo but is comparatively slow by the standards of today's electric vehicles. In stop-and-go traffic, it is quick and responsive enough, but as you approach the motorway speed limits, it loses steam.
More notably, the car's 24kWh battery only gives it an official range of 115 miles and based on our experiences driving it so far, you won't likely get anywhere close to that in actual driving situations. However, despite the Honda E's (138 miles) and Mini Electric's (145 miles) higher official figures, none of the three vehicles can travel much farther than 100 miles.
The 500 was designed primarily for city driving, so it has a small turning circle and is excellent for zipping along winding streets or evading stoplights. Even in sharp turns, it doesn't lean too much and has a lot of grips. But don't count on getting much feedback from its incredibly light steering. Although the ride is somewhat choppy, it is not uncomfortable. The Peugeot 500 is less perturbed by potholes and expansion joints than most small cars, while the Peugeot e-208 and other softer competitors feel calmer and more at ease on faster roads.
In comparison to the Honda E and Peugeot e-208, the Fiat 500 has a fairly high seat. Although the driver's seat has adequate support in all the key areas, some people might find the lack of reach adjustment on the steering wheel on lower-end models to be problematic.
The interior of the Fiat 500 may surprise you given its conventional and comparatively modern appearance given its retro exterior styling. Although there are fewer high-end, soft-touch materials than in the e-208, let alone the Mini Electric, the ergonomics are good, and everything feels well-assembled. Overall, it doesn't feel in the least bit cheap inside.
The entry-level Action trim has four speakers that can be connected to your smartphone, once it’s hooked up to a USB port and attached to the cradle on the dashboard. After that, you are free to blast whatever tunes you feel like. The extra Radio Pack introduces a 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system and DAB radio, but the bigger 10.25in screen with navigation and Apple Carplay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring is only available in Red trim (so you can run phone apps through the screen). The infotainment interface, except for one or two small icons on the main homepage, is simple to use, and the display is quick to respond when you press it. It outperforms the system in the e-208.
You've probably seen a lot of Fiat 500s on the road in recent years, so you're well aware that this isn't a large vehicle. True, the most recent electric version has grown mildly in all angles, but there are still no rear doors, and even short adults will find it difficult to sit in the back for long.
The front storage is pretty decent, with a large tray halfway up the dashboard that's just big enough to hold a phone. As one might expect, Fiat has chosen to include the wireless charging pad in the models that have it. If you want to keep valuables hidden, there's a long (but constrict) cubby between the front seats with a lid on Comfort Seats Pack models. However, the door pockets are somewhat small. The hatchback tailgate lifts to reveal a boot that is bigger than the Honda E but smaller than the Peugeot e-208 if you choose the regular hardtop.
The electric Fiat 500 is excellent to look at and surprisingly enjoyable, but don't expect to transport many people or a lot of luggage. For a reasonable amount of time between charges, choose the version with the larger 42kWh battery.
To meet everyone's needs when it comes to choosing the best car for them, we at MWVC offer the best electric car lease deals in the UK. Whether you're looking to lease a car for personal use or a business vehicle, our knowledgeable sales staff can assist you in finding the best car lease offer. Are you still debating whether leasing a car is the best choice for you? We can be reached at 0116 490 2613, and one of our staff members will be happy to help you.
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