Fiat 600 Review: Practical and Compact SUV
The Fiat 600 is an electric small SUV that combines the Italian firm’s vibrant and cheerful appeal with a decent range and reasonable affordability. It serves as the bigger sibling to the Fiat 500 city car, offering five-door practicality and a spacious boot suitable for growing families. With a generous 54kWh battery, it boasts a range of over 250 miles, making it ideal for daily commute as well as weekend getaways to the seaside. Additionally, Fiat has incorporated rapid charging capabilities to facilitate quick on-the-go top-ups, adding convenience to its functionality.
While the Fiat 600 may not be the most dynamic car to drive, its primary focus lies in refinement, practicality, and ease of use. The interior is stylish, blending retro-style body-colour trim with the latest touchscreen technology to enhance the overall driving experience. Moreover, its affordability, coupled with being a practical small SUV for growing families with a substantial range, further adds to its appeal.
The Fiat 600 was put through its paces during tests conducted on mixed roads in lower Austria and a private testing facility. It received an Independent rating of 8/10, with praises for its cheerful design, good range, and sensible pricing. However, cons noted included rear seat space limitations and a slight softness through bends. Pricing for the Fiat 600 ranges from £32,995 to £36,990, offering good value for a model with a 54kWh battery and a range of up to 254 miles.
Equipped with a 54kWh battery, the Fiat 600 offers a maximum claimed range of 254 miles, catering well to small families. The standard 100kW DC rapid charging capability allows for quick on-the-go charging, enabling a smooth and reassuring driving experience, especially on longer motorway trips. With a powerful 156PS electric motor, the Fiat 600 showcases sprightly performance, accelerating from 0-62mph in around 9.0 seconds. Its soft and supple suspension absorbs bumps well, albeit resulting in slight leaning around corners.
The Fiat 600 features a well-designed interior that seamlessly blends retro simplicity with modernity. Ample stowage space, a user-friendly dashboard layout, and a 360-litre boot ensure practicality for everyday use. Safety features and technology abound, with a 10.0-inch touchscreen incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The entry-level Red model of the Fiat 600 starts from under £33,000, offering competitive pricing for an electric small SUV with an impressive range.
In terms of running costs, the Fiat 600 proves to be more cost-effective than petrol-powered small SUVs, particularly when charging at home. Lower insurance costs further contribute to its affordability, making it an attractive option in the electric SUV segment. Rivals to the Fiat 600 include the Vauxhall Mokka Electric, Peugeot e-2008, and Jeep Avenger, among others.
The Fiat 600 presents an appealing option in the electric small SUV market, with its charming design, practicality, and affordability being key selling points. Its seamless blend of retro and modern elements, coupled with a decent driving range and reasonable running costs, make it a compelling choice for those considering an electric SUV.