
About ten months after its initial teasing, Abarth has finally revealed the full specifications of its new 600e. This supercharged 100 % electric city car is positioned like a sporty version of the Fiat 600e280 hp and a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 5.85 seconds. However, this Abarth 600e looks strangely familiar to enthusiasts of the cloverleaf brand: it shares (too) many similarities with the new Alfa Romeo Juniorwhich raises a legitimate question: is the 600e simply a copy while thewe were told they would be different ?
Virtually identical technical specifications
At first glance, the specifications of the two models seem almost interchangeable. The eCMP platform, common to both vehicles, is equipped with the same eMotors M4+ electric motor delivering 280 hp and identical torque of 345 Nm. Both also share the Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential designed by Japanese manufacturer JTEKT, a benchmark for handling and performance in tight bends.
Performance figures are also in line: 0 to 100 km/h in 5.85 seconds for the Abarth, exactly like the Alfa Romeo Junior in its most powerful version. Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires and Sabelt seats once again confirm the similarities. Of course, both models are manufactured at the same plant in Tychy, Poland. WLTP range is also 332 km for both 280 hp models.
A difference in power and braking
However, two main elements distinguish these cars: the braking system and the power versions available. The Abarth 600e opts for an Alcon braking systema well-known name in the world of motorsports, while the Alfa Romeo Junior is equipped with Brembo brakes.
In terms of engines, the Alfa Romeo Junior is available in two versions: 156 hp and 280 hp. The Abarth 600e, on the other hand, offers a unique 240 hp for the Turismo version and 280 hp for the Scorpionissima version. So, for performance levels below 200 hp, Alfa Romeo retains a certain advantage in terms of variety.
A similar sporting DNA, but with nuances
From a dynamic point of view, both models offer advanced driving systems. The Alfa Romeo DNA, which lets you choose between different driving modes (Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency), finds its equivalent at Abarth with Turismo, Street and Track modes.
However, the Abarth 600e stands out for a detail that could appeal to lovers of auditory sensations: a artificial sound generator which imitates the sound of an internal combustion engine (already available as an option for the Abarth 500e), an option not available from Alfa Romeo. A final subtlety: the Abarth 600e is said to have been "tuned" by Stellantis Motorsport against Alfa Romeo's Junior teams.
A question of price positioning?
Finally, the question of price remains one of the major unknowns that could settle the debate between these two models. The Alfa Romeo Junior, in its 280 hp version, starts at €46,900. As for the Abarth 600e, although its price has not yet been officially announced, one could imagine a similar price, and ideally slightly lower. For comparison, the Fiat 600 Red (156 hp) starts at €35,900, and the La Prima version at €40,900.
Based on this data, the two models are likely to overlap in terms of pricing, which could influence potential buyers. However, according to our information, the 156 hp version accounts for the majority of Alfa Romeo Junior sales, so the niche of the Abarth 600e could remain relatively small.
UPDATE: here are the prices for the Abarth 600e :
- Abarth 600e Turismo 240 hp: €44,900
- Abarth 600e Scorpinissimo 280 bhp: €48,900
The Abarth 600 is therefore positioned around the €46,900 price tag of the Alfa Romeo Junior 280 bhp...
Abarth 600e: just a copy?
The new Abarth 600e might appear to be a simple offshoot of the Alfa Romeo Junior.. In the end, with the striking technical similarities between these two vehicles, the battle between these two models will be played out as much on price as on personal preferences in terms of styling and brand image. Finally, is this one copy too many?
Supposedly, the Veloce version of the Junior, which should have been entitled to 240hp, benefited from improvements "by Alfa Romeo, for Alfa Romeo".
I didn't believe it for a second, but it's quite funny to see these "by Alfa Romeo, for Alfa Romeo" features on the Peugearth 600e today...
In short, no surprises, virtually no technical distinction, as always with Stellantis, even on models that are supposed to be at least a little exclusive.
The Abarth 600e has the merit of offering two sporty versions, Turismo and Scorpinissimo, with 240 hp and 280 hp, whereas Alfa Romeo has only one with the 280 hp Veloce. No thanks to the 156 hp version seen everywhere at Stellantis, as there's nothing sporty about it. The sound generator is a plus for the Abarth 600e.
But it's clear that the Abarth 600e and Junior Veloce are very similar.
It's a pity that the Abarth 500e is limited to a single 155 hp engine, and that there isn't a sportier version with greater range.
I'd be tempted by the Alfa Romeo Junior or the Abarth 500 and 600 with a good hybrid combustion engine, but I'm not ready for electric cars.
A particularly strange choice, since Alfa Romeo is supposed to be above Abarth in the hierarchy of the Group's brands.
As far as the brakes are concerned, it's safe to say they're identical. It seems to be a marketing ploy, with Brembo for one and Alcon for the other. Apart from the colors and brand markings, the braking systems look identical in every respect in the photos. And I don't want to say the wrong thing because I may be confused, but it seems to me that one of the two brands belongs to the other.
The same goes for the development of the Junior by the "specialists" (if there are any left) at Alfa Romeo. It makes me laugh out loud. Especially when you come across pre-production runs in the Paris region to the development sites of Poissy, Velizy or Satory (headquarters of Stellantis Motorsport), or quite often, as was the case with the latest Ypsilon, to Sochaux (Belchamp test site).
In the end, Stellantis loses a great deal of credibility. Junior's image of exclusivity and premium takes a big hit.
@Stabak: the electric motor in 240 and 280 hp configurations and the chassis were initially developed by Peugeot Sport for the 208/2008 (?) PSE, which were cancelled by Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson. All this has been taken over by Alfa and Abarth.
This is a curious Stellantis strategy: Peugeot is forbidden to offer a PSE line for each of its models, preferring instead to "dress up" the ranges of Italian brands in an advanced state of coma ...
That's right. But I think that since the 208/2008 is no longer young, they prefer to bet on future generations, which should arrive within the next 2 years, rather than invest in models at the end of their life cycle. They're already 5 years old, the end of their life cycle. Logically, Peugeot's future models will include 240 and 280 hp sport versions. Just like Opel.
@Stabak: It's not so sure because :
1/ future generations of the 208 and 2008 will be based on a brand-new STLA Small 100% electric platform, rather than the current e-CMP (multi-energy) platform shared by Peugeot/Citroën/Opel with the Fiat 600/Alfa Junior/Jeep Avenger.
2/ the internal combustion versions of the 208/2008 will remain in the catalog for many years to come (in principle until 2030), with a new restyling by 2026.
3/ The 3rd generation 208/2008 will be exclusively electric, and will therefore be offered alongside the current models available exclusively with internal combustion engines.
4/ Off the record, there are delays in the preparation of the industrial sites that are to produce the new STLA Small platform, and there is talk of postponing the 208/2008 III from 2026 to 2029... This would leave time to offer "sportier electric" versions too.
The cancellation of an electric PSE range is purely a decision of flawed marketing strategy on the part of Peugeot's CEO.
Peugeots with engines identical to those of Alfa Romeo or Abarth, or the best way to further destroy Italian brands.
I'm well aware that PureTech engines can be found in the Junior, in Fiat, and in the new Ypsilon, and that's worse than shocking.
And let's not forget the 156 hp electric motor found throughout Stellantis, or how to make Alfa Romeo commonplace.
I dare to hope that 240 hp and 280 hp electric motors won't be in future Peugeots.
We've reached the limits of cloning in force today, particularly in the STELLANTIS galaxy... (Editor's note: we're waiting for the big bang that will most certainly come after Carlos Tavares leaves the company!)
It's tasteless. Marketing at its best 🙄
As for the internal combustion engine noise generator via the HPs in a so-called Abarth, I give up continuing my commentary! 🤬👹☠️...
@Stanislas Italian brands have been destroying themselves for a long time now, before PSA arrived.
When it comes to small sports cars, French manufacturers have a great deal of legitimacy. As I mentioned above, the platform and electric motors were developed by Peugeot Sport.
The difference today is that the board doesn't believe in sports versions to pull the ranges of brands like Peugeot, while the Italian brands are in such a state of commercial decomposition that they have to draw attention to themselves at all costs. In my opinion, this won't do any good, because the market is no longer waiting for sports cars, but for efficient, coherent models in the various segments.