Electric cars have become a popular choice for many buyers, but not everyone is looking for a radical-looking starship. The new electric Mini Cooper SE and Abarth 500e offer a familiar shape that appeals to buyers who want something more traditional. These electric cars have been designed to minimize culture shock for those transitioning from petrol-powered cars. The Mini Cooper SE and Abarth 500e are both contenders in the hot hatch market, raising the question of whether electric hot hatches have finally become viable.
The Abarth 500e is a charming car with its small dimensions, square stance, and sticky tires that make it highly maneuverable on the road. It offers a silent and powerful driving experience, although taller drivers may find the seating position uncomfortable. Additionally, the Abarth’s range of 140 miles may be limiting.
In comparison, the Mini Cooper SE offers a range of 200 miles, providing more flexibility and room to breathe. It is a more rounded and well-developed car, thanks to its larger battery and greater efficiency. The Mini’s interior also feels more premium compared to the Abarth, with better materials and a more comfortable driving position.
When it comes to infotainment systems, the Abarth’s system works well, while the Mini’s system has some usability issues. However, the Mini’s system feels more integrated into the overall design of the car.
In terms of driving dynamics, the Mini outperforms the Abarth. The Mini offers smoother deceleration and better feedback on grip levels. It is more eager in corners and has excellent traction and stability control. The Abarth, on the other hand, can struggle with traction on wet roads and lacks the same level of control over bumpy surfaces.
Overall, the Mini Cooper SE emerges as the winner in this comparison. It embodies the Mini values into the electric era with its looks, attitude, and hardware. The Abarth 500e, while charming and fun, falls short in terms of dynamics and interior quality.
These electric hot hatches represent the beginning of EVs chasing more than just acceleration. They offer a dynamic driving experience and can be seen as warm hatches rather than hot hatches. The Mini Cooper SE and Abarth 500e are enjoyable everyday cars with a dynamic streak, signaling the direction of future electric vehicles in this segment.