Fiat 500e review – If you’re looking for an EV for £20K, then this model is an absolute peach that looks class

ASK yourself, what do you need from a second car?

Can’t be much more than this.

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Small, simple, cheap to buy, cheaper to run, electric and still cool. Plus, it talks to your phone.

The pictures are a bit of a giveaway but I am of course talking about the new Fiat 500.

Absolute peach.

Truly customisable as you’d expect with colours and trim, but also battery size - 24kWh or 42kWh - and body type, hatchback or convertible.

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Which means it’s the first proper little EV built for all. Starts at £20k. Finance from £199 a month.

At this point, I should perhaps spell out that the regular petrol 500 (the black car) will stay on sale for a good few years yet.

But you’ll want the battery-powered 500 when you see it.

Don’t get me wrong, the regular 500 is cute and chic and fun and brilliant value at £13k. But it’s also cramped and claustrophobic. No social distancing.

Whereas 500e has plenty of elbow room and looks class, inside and out.

Less feminine, more neutral. A little bigger in all directions. Not a single component is the same.

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We tested the base 24kWh model and for those who never stray far from home – school run, Tesco, gym, or whatever - this is all the car you need.

Just hook up your smartphone, select D for drive and go. The first time you hit 14mph, the car plays a little bit of Italian opera. Made me smile. As did the car itself.

Electric cars are nippy - instant torque - and if you’re good at anticipating traffic flow you’ll hardly ever touch the brakes.

The regenerative braking system automatically slows the car to replenish the battery whenever you lift off the throttle.

The official range on this car is 115 miles (we managed 107) and it takes half an hour to juice up to 80 per cent at a 50kW public charger.

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The bigger 42kWh battery car is quoted at 199 miles non-stop and has a little more poke. And also touchscreen. But it costs another £3,500. The cabrio is 42kWh only and £26k.

All versions have a brilliant Sherpa mode which switches off the air con and reduces top speed to 50mph to squeeze every last yard out of the battery, should you need to.

Now, let’s discuss the rivals. The Honda e is just as cool but soon after being wowed by its five-screen digital dash, you realise most of it is pointless. Unless you want to hook up your PlayStation. Or look at animations of fish. It’s also expensive.

The Mini E is a Mini without a poo chute, so also class. But it doesn’t go far enough and is pricey compared to the Fiat.

So it seems the Italians have nailed it.

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If you’re looking for a small, stylish, guilt-free EV that won’t break the bank, the 500e makes the most sense.

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Good first car, good second family car, but also just a good car.

Get ready to want one.

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