Text by Tom Appel
2024 Fiat 500e Inspi(RED)
Specs
Class: Subcompact car
Color: Red
Seating Capacity: 4
Miles driven: 131
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B |
| Power and Performance | B |
| Fit and Finish | C |
| Fuel Economy | A |
| Value | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | B |
| Tall Guy | B |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 117-horsepower |
| Engine Type | Electric motor |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Drive Wheels | Front-wheel drive |
Battery capacity: 42 kWh
EPA-estimate MPGe: 121 city/100 hwy/110 combined
EPA-estimated driving range: 141 miles
Consumer Guide range estimate: (ideal conditions): 140-150 miles
Charge-port location: Passenger-side rear fender
Snow performance: N/A
Base price: $32,500 (not including $1595 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: None
Price as tested: $34,095
Pros and Cons:
The great: Fun to drive, easy to park, frugal even for an electric vehicle
The good: Roomy cabin (for two), small battery charges quickly
The not so good: Budget-grade cabin decor, stiff ride
Review
If you’re confused about the status of Fiat, you aren’t alone. After a 28-year hiatus, the Fiat brand reemerged in the U.S. for the 2011 model year, but failed to connect with American shoppers. The plucky and efficient 500 2-door hatchback missed initial sales targets by half, and subsequent Fiat models, including the 500L, 500X, and sporty 124 Spider, never found buyers.
History
The difficult-to-describe 500L wagon (2014-2020) was likeable enough, but better suited to European tastes. The small 500X crossover (2016-2023) was actually a nice little ute, but shoppers felt more comfortable with brand names they were familiar with. And as for the Spyder (2017-2021), it was based mechanically on the MX-5 Miata. Knowing this, most shoppers simply went with the tried-and-true Mazda.
Ask this editor, and he’ll tell you that all of these vehicles would have sold better had they been marketed under the Dodge banner and sold at Dodge stores. Blame Fiat pride—and a sparse dealer network—for the U.S. marketplace failure of Fiat. (There are currently fewer than 350 Fiat dealers in the U.S., versus 2400 Dodge stores.)
What’s New
But enough of the history lesson, there’s Fiat news to share: Fiat Chrysler has become part of the giant Stellantis group, and Fiat has reinvented itself for 2024, and is now—at least temporarily—an all-electric brand in the U.S. The 500 is now the 500e (e for electric) and will be the brand’s only model for the foreseeable future. Note that Fiat did sell an electric version of the 500 (also called 500e) in California between 2013 and 2019. Technically a “compliance car,” the 500e was sold in the Golden State to help Fiat Chrysler meet emissions mandates. It was often sold at a steep discount.
Redesigned for 2020 for European markets, the 500e is no longer based on the gasoline-powered 500, and instead rides on the Stellantis ”SCCS” EV platform. As noted earlier, the U.S. will only see the electric version of the 500.
A late arrival as a 2024 model, the 500e is trickling into showrooms now, is being sold not in trim levels, but in the form of “editions,” each of which is offered in limited color combinations, and with mission-specific equipment. More on that in a moment.
Drivetrain
The 2024 Fiat 500e is powered by a 42-kWh battery linked to a 117-horsepower motor and comes standard with front-wheel drive; AWD is not offered. Models shod with the standard all-season tires are EPA rated to travel 141 miles on a full charge, while those equipped with the optional, no-cost, summer tires are rated at 149 miles. If you live someplace that sees snow, go with the all-season tires.
Prices and Trim Levels
As for those trim levels, er, editions, here’s what’s on tap for 2024:
Inspi(RED) ($34,095)
Effectively the base 500e model, the Inspi(RED) is tied into the (Red) movement, which raises money to fight AIDS. The Inspi(RED) can be had—predictably—in red, as well as black and white.
Inspired by Beauty ($37,595)
Available only in Rose Gold, the “Beauty” comes with additional features, including adaptive cruise control.
Inspired by Music ($37,595)
Similar to the Beauty in features content, the Music also boasts a 7-speaker JBL-brand audio system.
Inspired by Los Angeles ($37,595 est.)
Clearly pandering to the population of the nation’s largest EV market, this 500e edition arrives in the fall. The L.A. edition will be offered only in marine layer Mist (light blue).
Note that 500e editions are meant to be replaced on a regular basis, so, we should she at least a couple of new versions for 2025. If your garage is big enough, you could start a collection.
Test Car
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2024 Fiat 500e Inspi(RED) in, well, red. Our test car was not accompanied by a full Monroney label, but it should have listed for the $34,095 seen above.
If the 500e has anything going for it, it’s that the car is fun. Fun to look at, fun to sit in, and most importantly, fun to drive.
Cabin
Riding on a stubby 91-inch wheelbase, the 500e is fully 16 inches shorter overall that the tiny Hyundai Venue, yet does not want to front-row passenger space. This large editor was able to easily enter and exit the little Fiat, and found plenty of space once situated behind the wheel.
The cabin itself appears appointed with cost savings in mind, however nothing looks especially cheap, and the overt “fun” character—including the body-color dashboard—largely offsets any sense of manufacturer stinginess.
Connectivity
The new, large, tablet-style touchscreen floats above the dash, and features large, easy-to-read icons. Unlike the last 500’s digital interface, the new car’s infotainment setup feels more inline with American-consumer expectations.
Room and Comfort
As for the rear seating situation, there really isn’t one. Even small children will want for knee and leg space behind most front-row occupants. It’s best to consider the 500e a 2-passenger car with emergency space for one very unlucky extra person.
Cargo space, too, is a little limited, at least when the rear seatbacks are in the upright position. With the seatbacks folded down—they don’t fold quite flat—the cargo area expands nicely.
Performance
Official 0-60 mph times for the 500e don’t impress, but the car feels sprightly nonetheless. Like most electric vehicles, the 500e serves up immediate power from a stop, and responds quickly to throttle inputs. In reality, the little electric Fiat is a joy to drive around town, and is excellent at zipping around in traffic, and scooting into position when merging. There’s plenty of power for highway passing, too.
Ride and Handling
And, as an adorable, diminutive EV should, the 500e handles well. We appreciate the natural steering feel, and the controlled lean in corners. We were less impressed with the ride quality, however, which is on the firm and bouncy side, though things do settle down a little at highway speed. There’s also a bit more road noise than we’d like, but, again, we can chalk some of the 500e’s visceral issues to its jaunty character. This is very much a “try it before you buy it” sort of vehicle. If you’re looking for a calm and quiet commute, this is not your EV.
EV Tax Credit
In the case of the 500e, the price is the price. Because the car is built offshore, in this case Italy, it does not qualify for the $7500 federal tax incentive available on many EVs. However, the incentive is available to folks who lease their cars, and the Fiat website does feature special lease deals on the 500e.
The marketing folks at Fiat are pitching this car not as a primary driver, but as a second or third car for a family with lots of drivers. This, largely because of the car’s modest battery range. However, we can see young, green-minded professionals finding satisfaction in 500e ownership, provided they don’t need space for more than two people, and don’t venture too far outside of a 50-60-mile radius.
Summary
Unlike the previous-generation 500e, the new car will be offered more or less nationally, though there are whole states without a single Fiat dealership, which will limit the car’s appeal. But that’s probably okay, as the 500e is really—as noted above—an “urban” car.
We like it, and if it fits your lifestyle, you’ll probably like it, too. If you’re ready to go electric, and don’t need lots of range, the 500e is likely to not only get you around, it will also brighten your day.
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2024 Fiat 500e Inspi(RED) Pictures
Click below for enlarged images
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