Fiat resurrects one of its most celebrated model names with the launch of a new 600, a high-riding electric-powered CUV planned for sale in North America by 2025.
The front-wheel-drive sister model to the recently unveiled Jeep Avenger is based on parent company Stellantis’ e-CMP2 platform. It will be sold alongside the internal-combustion-engine 500X, which was introduced to the U.S. market in 2016.
In pure electric form, the 600e receives the same drivetrain as the Avenger with a front-mounted electric motor developing 154 hp and 192 lb.-ft. (260 Nm), together with a 51-kWh lithium-ion battery.
Fiat claims a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 9.0 seconds and a range of 249 miles (401 km) on the WLTP test cycle used in Europe.
A higher-powered Abarth performance version of the new 600e is also planned, though details of its introduction are yet to be made official.
As with the Avenger, an all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid version of the 600 is under development and planned for introduction in selected markets in 2024. Details are yet to be announced, though it is expected to feature a front-mounted turbocharged 1.2L gasoline 3-cyl. and rear axle-mounted electric motor.
The new Fiat CUV draws heavily on the styling of the original rear-engine 600 city car launched in 1955 with rounded forms and detailing, including headlamps that feature a distinctive eyelid design.
At 164.2 ins. (4,171 mm) long, the 600e is 3.1 in. (79 mm) shorter than the 500X. It also is available with wheels up to 18 ins. in diameter.
The retro-themed exterior styling is mirrored inside with a flamboyant instrument panel design, which houses 7.0-in. (18-cm) digital instrument and 10.3-in. (26-cm) touchscreen infotainment displays – the latter supporting both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – as well as a two-spoke steering wheel.
In top-of-the-line La Prima trim, the 600e gets velour floor mats and synthetic leather dashboard and seating upholstery.
Pricing is yet to be announced, though Fiat says its new CUV model will compete against the Kia Niro and new Volvo EX30.
Fiat is among 10 passenger car brands controlled by Stellantis. It last used the 600 model name in 2010.
