Following the unveiling of the all-electric 2024 600e, Fiat has now revealed the 600 Hybrid, a much less electrified variant of the Italian automaker’s compact crossover. Although it only has a tiny battery and a small engine, it will be able to do a surprising amount with it.
Offered as a mostly internal combustion alternative to the all-electric Fiat 600e, the new hybrid version combines a 99 hp (74 kW/100 PS) 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with a 28 hp (21 kW/29 PS) electric motor.
The electric propulsion system is housed within the six-speed electric dual-clutch transmission, and allows the 2024 Fiat 600 Hybrid to travel at speeds of up to 18 mph (30 km/h) on electricity alone. However, at that speed, the 48-volt lithium-ion battery would be depleted in just 0.6 miles (1 km).
Read: New Fiat 600e Starts At $39K And Gets 249 Miles Of Electric Range
Therefore, Fiat suggests that the electric motor and battery are better suited to helping quell turbo lag. The 600 Hybrid accelerates from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in a leisurely 11 seconds. In addition, the motor can be used while the vehicle is stuck creeping along in traffic or while it’s parking to keep the engine from burning fuel unnecessarily.
Fiat claims that a belt starter ensures that the changeover from the motor to the engine is seamless and silent. Combined with the engine’s Miller combustion cycle, the automaker says that the electrification system helps the 600 Hybrid cut fuel consumption, and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 15 percent.
Like the 2024 Fiat 600e, the 600 Hybrid measures in at 164 inches (4.17 meters) in length and has 915 cubic inches (15 liters) of storage throughout the cabin, in addition to a 13.5 cubic foot (385-liter) trunk. It also has seating for five passengers, who can rest on exclusive recycled fabric upholstery with white accents. The black bio-based plastic dashboard fascia helps further hint at the vehicle’s environmental ambitions.
Inside, drivers will also be treated to paddle shifters and a Powermeter to show them their energy flow while on the move. Buyers who opt for the higher trim La Prima model will get Level 2 assisted driving technology to ease the driving burden.
The 2024 Fiat 600 Hybrid will be available in Italy, and in other markets where the adoption of EVs is slow enough to require an alternative to the 600e. Prices will start at €24,950 ($25,654 USD at current exchange rates) in its home market.
