Fiat Woos Consumers With High Performance 600 Hybrid

Recognizing the shift among European consumers toward hybrid powertrains, Fiat is adding a higher-performance hybrid system for the new Fiat 600.

A 136-hp version joins the existing 100-hp hybrid and the battery-electric powertrain in the Fiat 600e.

Built on the advanced CMP2 platform, the Fiat 600 Hybrid employs a 48V system featuring a small lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 0.89 kWh and mounted under the front passenger seat to liberate trunk space and improve weight distribution. The battery combines with a 1.2L 3-cyl. turbocharged gasoline engine developed specifically for hybrid applications.

The engine is coupled with an electrified 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, dubbed e-DCT6. A permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor is integrated into the gearbox and produces peak power of 28 hp and maximum torque output of 40.5 lb.-ft. (55 Nm).

The automaker claims the car’s hybrid powertrain is particularly effective in city traffic, with the electric motor enabling short distances, up to 0.62 miles (1 km), to be driven on electric power alone under low torque requirements, for example when maneuvering or under 18 mph (29 km/h) in urban traffic.

The electric motor also helps the gasoline engine by delivering additional torque under acceleration, such as when starting from a standstill. The new higher-performance hybrid system claims a 0-to-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h).

Priced in Europe from around $35,707, the Fiat 600 Hybrid is open for orders now with deliveries expected in the autumn.