Fiat 600 Hybrid: first details revealed

The new Fiat 600 initially took its first steps solely as the all-electric 600e, although Fiat had already promised an alternative with mild-hybrid technology. The Italian manufacturer has now delivered on that commitment by revealing the first details of the new Fiat 600 Hybrid.

Fiat 600 Hybrid powertrain and electric assistance

This new version pairs a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 100 hp with an electric motor built into the gearbox, alongside the inverter and central transmission unit. The transmission itself is a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

A dedicated 48V battery supplies the electrical components and can contribute a further 21 kW (28.5 hp) to the Fiat 600 Hybrid. This is enough to support the petrol engine whenever it requires extra “help”.

According to Fiat, the new 600 Hybrid can travel with its petrol engine switched off at speeds below 20 km/h. The system is also able to recover energy while descending hills and during deceleration, using it to recharge the battery.

Provided the battery has sufficient charge, the 600 Hybrid always sets off in fully electric mode and gives priority to this setting during manoeuvres.

Electric driving and consumption of the Fiat 600 Hybrid

When driving, mainly in urban environments, its fully electric range can exceed one kilometre. While that may sound limited, it is notable for a 48V mild-hybrid system, which would not normally allow the combustion engine to be switched off while the car is moving.

Under normal conditions, Fiat says that the 600 Hybrid can cut both fuel consumption and emissions by around 15%. This comparison is against a combustion-engined model without hybrid assistance.

When will the Fiat 600 Hybrid arrive?

Portugal is among the selected markets set to receive the hybrid version of the Fiat 600, with its arrival scheduled for the second quarter of 2024.

As with the all-electric version, which is due in the first quarter of 2024, the 600 Hybrid will be offered in two trim levels: entry-level and La Prima.

There will not even be any optional extras, making the choice simpler. Nor will grey body colours be offered, as the Italian brand had already announced. For now, prices for the Fiat 600 Hybrid have not yet been released.