Fiat 600 Hybrid driving report: Electrified instead of electric
Stellantis boss Carlos Tavares has announced his intention to only bring fully electric vehicles onto the market by 2038. But there is still time until then and demand for electric vehicles is currently only so-so. It's always good to have another drive option up your sleeve. Like the Jeep Avenger, which was only announced as a purely electric car but is now also available as a combustion hybrid, Fiat is now following the example of its US sibling with the 600. Following its launch as an electric version, the B-segment crossover is now also available with a mild hybrid drive - even in two power levels.
As in the Jeep, a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine is used as the combustion engine, producing 74 kW (100 hp) from a displacement of 1.2 liters. In the more powerful version, the three-cylinder engine produces 136 hp (100 kW). Both are always combined with a 21 kW (29 hp) starter generator. In the first case, this produces 260 Nm of torque, in the other 285 Nm, which is transferred to the road in both models via a newly developed 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox with manual shift paddles on the steering wheel. Strangely enough, Fiat quotes identical performance figures of 10.5 seconds for the sprint from standstill to 100 km/h and 184 km/h at top speed.
But more important than the quartet data are the comfort and consumption benefits generated by the mild hybrid system. The belt starter generator (RSG) starts the combustion engine faster and with significantly less vibration than a conventional starter motor. When moving off, the system switches imperceptibly from electric to combustion operation. The electric motor also noticeably supports the petrol engine with additional power and torque when accelerating. When braking, the RSG works as a power generator by recuperating electrical energy for the additional lithium-ion battery.
For short distances of up to one kilometer in stop-and-go traffic, when maneuvering or even when gliding along, where the combustion engine is completely decoupled from the drivetrain, the Fiat 600 Hybrid drives purely electrically. The change is not noticeable while driving. But at the fuel pump, electrification helps to reduce fuel consumption to the WLTP standard value of 5.5 liters and thus also CO2 emissions by up to 15 percent compared to a pure combustion engine with automatic transmission. During our 70-kilometer test drive through the Rhine-Main region, the on-board computer actually showed just half a liter more.
The driving itself is extremely comfortable. The small three-cylinder engine with 100 hp is acoustically restrained in normal operation and only makes itself heard when the accelerator pedal is pressed harder, with the electric motor providing a little extra boost. The dual-clutch automatic transmission converts this into propulsion quickly and smoothly. The chassis is decently trimmed and knows how to handle the imperfections of the local road conditions with confidence.
Somewhat unusually, but probably due to its electric origins, the transmission selector switches are located in the center console as a button bar. This at least creates space for a large compartment in the center tunnel, which is protected by a simple and practical folding segment cover. Tastefully colored in the top version "La Prima", just like the dashboard and armrests in the doors, in light grey, it adds a smart touch to the otherwise trist black interior. The large Fiat lettering embroidered into the seats is also a real eye-catcher.
People up to 1.85 meters tall should have little to complain about in terms of legroom and headroom in the rear seats. Compared to the electric Fiat 600, the trunk capacity increases by 25 liters to 385 liters, or 1256 liters with the rear seat backrests folded down.
The prices for the Fiat 600 drop significantly with the hybrid model. While the electric version starts at 36,490 euros, the base model of the 600 Hybrid is available from 24,990 euros, with the more powerful version costing 1500 euros more. Standard equipment already includes the digital cockpit and 10.25-inch infotainment system including smartphone integration, air conditioning, heated seats, LED headlights and a whole host of assistance systems. However, 17-inch alloy wheels and ambient lighting are only available with the Style package (1600 euros), while the reversing camera, automatic climate control and keyless go are only available with the Comfort package (1600 euros).
The top-of-the-range "La Prima" (from 29,990 euros) comes with all of this ex works, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels, massage function for the driver's seat, artificial leather upholstery with the "Fiat" monograms, navigation system, wireless charging pad, electric tailgate and more driving assistance in the form of blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam function. Most of these features are also part of a special model with which the Italians are celebrating the 125th anniversary of the brand's foundation this year. The Fiat 600 Hybrid 125 Years Edition is offered as a leasing vehicle without a down payment for just 125 euros per month, but only with an annual mileage of 5000 kilometers. (aum)
Data Fiat 600 Hybrid
Length x width x height (m): 4.18 x 1.78 x 1.53
Wheelbase (m): 2.56
Drive: R3 petrol engine, 1199 cc, (21 kW E-RSG) FWD, 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox
System output: 100 hp /74 kW
Max. Torque: 260 Nm at 1750 rpm
Top speed: 184 km/h
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 10.5 sec.
WLTP average fuel consumption: 5.5 liters
CO2 emissions: 125g/km
Unladen weight / payload: min. 1355 kg / max. 427 kg
Trunk volume: 385-1256 liters
Max. Towing capacity: 1100 kg
Base price: 24,990 euros
Test car price: 29,990 euros
More info for topic: Fiat 600 Hybrid
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Fiat 600 Hybrid.
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Fiat 600 Hybrid.
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Fiat 600 Hybrid.
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Fiat 600 Hybrid.
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Fiat 600 Hybrid.
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