A decade and a half ago, the Fiat 500 Abarth - as it was known then - launched in the UK. Back then it had a 135hp 1.4-litre turbo, and cost £13,500. Really keen buyers could buy an EsseEsse package, with new suspension and more power, for another £3k. Seems a long time ago, right? Now it feels like ancient history: the Abarth 500e Scorpionissima launch edition is £38,695.
Abarths have been expensive for a very long time - remember the £53,615 Biposto - but this looks a lot even for an EV hot hatch: the Mini Electric starts at £29,000, and even the range-topping Resolute is £35k. Of course, this is the first one, loaded up with the 18-inch inch wheels, Acid Green or Poison Blue paint, heated seats as well as loads of safety kit, and more affordable ones will no doubt follow. But that’s Golf GTI Clubsport money.
Not that Abarth will be too concerned about what the naysayers want to contribute, as 1,500 of the 1,949 launch editions are spoken for already. Given the price, and the niche audience an electric Abarth must be catering for, that’s not a bad return. Abarth says the current sales situation is a ‘rewarding result for a car which represents one of the most exciting launches in the history of the brand and a great new addition to its line-up.’
For UK customers, deliveries of the Scorpionissima are expected from June, presumably with details of the regular range - hopefully closer to £30k - to follow in due course. And if that’s still rather a lot for an Abarth 500, we all know how popular the cheap and cheerful original was, which means there are plenty still available used: this red 2011 car is low mileage and looks in great condition, with £500 recently taken off the sticker price. It’s for sale at £6,995…
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