The scorpion badge still has sting in new electric format.

BIG hearted bravura remains intact with electric replacement for the smallest Italian buzzbox selling in New Zealand – even something of the current car’s distinctive exhaust note has been maintained. 

That’s the promise out of the Fiat-aligned Abarth tuning house in showing off its high-performance version of the Fiat 500e hatchback – also, of course, its first electric car.

The international unveil of the Abarth model, also called 500e, comes as the brand’s national distributor, Ateco, clears its stock of the current car in its final petrol-wed  hatchback evolution.

Retro stylish looks and a big dose of aggression are two elements of the outgoing car, which has been on sale since 2016, that continue with the electric version, which might be expected to show in NZ next year, though that has yet to be confirmed by Ateco.

So far the Auckland distributor has said nothing about intentions for the mains-replenished cars, except to confirm months ago that the mainstream Fiat editions have been signed for.

Abarth’s version has been hot property here and it will be hoping the electric maintains, if not enlarges, its enthusiast following.

The parent brand claims the new battery-powered hot hatch - also called 500e - is "more fun and more competitive", offering faster lap times than a petrol-powered equivalent.

Abarth says the move to electric power is all about performance. Under the floor is a 42kWh battery that feeds a 115kW electric motor with up to 235Nm of torque, offering a 0-100kmh time of seven seconds. That's slightly slower than the petrol-powered model, but Abarth says the 500e is faster around town.

It also suggests a handling edge, saying the longer wheelbase, widened track and low centre of gravity allows the Abarth 500e to achieve "better corner entry and a higher cornering speed" than petrol-powered Abarths, to extent it lapped the firm's test track a second faster.

Three driving modes - Turismo, Scorpion Street and Scorpion Track - allowing drivers to prioritise performance or range as they see fit.

Turismo limits outputs to 101kW and 220Nm for maximum range, while also engaging "one-pedal" mode for maximum regenerative braking.

Scorpion Street mode also makes use of the one-pedal braking feature, but it does so while unleashing the drivetrain’s full potency. Scorpion Track does away with brake energy regeneration in a bid for maximum track performance.

Abarth has yet to announce official range figures, but concedes their car will be a little less efficient than the standard Fiat 500e, which, according to the official WLTP economy test, is capable of 320km from the same 42kWh battery pack.

Abarth’s car has an 85kW fast-charging system, which means a 100kW charge point will be able to recharge the battery to 80 percent in 35 minutes.

But what of the sound? The petrol Abarth stands good chance of being the loudest small car sold in this market – and it has a great, rasping ‘junior Ferrari’ voice.

Abarth admits a good set of pipes has always been vital for the brand. The 500e has been fitted with what it calls "an immersive sound experience" for those who want to "drive electric without giving up on the famous and unmistakable Abarth roar".

That's provided by the optional Sound Generator, which "faithfully" reproduces the sound of an Abarth petrol engine, although this can be turned on or off when the car is stationary.

Not your thing? There’s an alternate, with the car generating a series of guitar 'strumming' noises. When the car is turned on or off, the guitar plays, while a strumming guitar plays the first time 20kmh is exceeded.

Externally, the Abarth 500e is heavily based on the Fiat 500e, but has an 'electrified' Scorpion logo and more aggressive body styling. There's a new front bumper with a white splitter section and a sportier rear bumper with diffuser inserts, as well as bespoke wheels and Titanium Grey door mirror caps.

There’s a Scorpionissima launch edition model, restricted to 1949 units – a count that represents the make’s founding in 1949. The count will be split between hatchback and convertible models.

The special version has Alcantara on the dashboard, steering wheel and heated front seats. Scorpionissima models also benefit from a seven-inch digital instrument display and 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

Other standard features include automatic lights and wipers, wireless phone charging and automatic climate control, not to mention the 360-degree manoeuvring camera and ultra-high-definition rear-view camera. A JBL premium audio system rounds out a comprehensive list of features.