Best electric hot hatches
High quality electric hot hatchbacks from rated and reviewed dealers
Last updated July 01, 2024 by
Mario Christou
Best electric hot hatches of 2025
The British love affair with the hot hatch is the stuff of legend – so it’s no surprise that electric hot hatches are taking over the scene in 2024. It’s a combination that makes sense – hot hatches are great because they combine everyday practicality with exciting performance, wrapped up in a relatively affordable package. Meanwhile, electric cars typically offer lots of oomph off the line anyway.
Carwow’s expert reviews team has put together a list of the most exciting electric hot hatchbacks you can buy in 2024.
1. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review
Battery range up to 278 miles
Best for: video-game thrills
The closest thing you’ll get to the thrill that video games gave you as a kid, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is one of the most impressive cars on the road today. It looks awesome and it’s actually very practical, but what’s most remarkable about the 5 N is its prodigious performance - and how it doesn’t feel like an EV. Shame it’s so big and expensive, though.
At least it looks premium, especially considering it’s from a brand that 15 years ago was only known for cheap-but-not-cheerful models. Retro-inspired styling with lots of sharp edges, pixelated lights, pumped up, N-specific wheel arches and all manner of aerodynamic accessories make the Ioniq 5 N a real head-turner.
It’s about the same size as a family SUV, which means it’s really rather spacious inside - especially compared to its alternatives. There’s plenty of room up front and in the back, plus the addition of a centre console gives front-seat passengers a cosier space than the regular Ioniq 5, which is a bit too open-plan for some.
You also get a plentiful 480-litre boot, which is 100 litres up on a Volkswagen Golf GTI, for example. Handy.
The 84kWh battery is paired up with dual motors, producing a whopping 609hp, good for a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds and a 162mph top speed. Even with such powerful motors, Hyundai claims a maximum range of 278 miles - only 20 down on the long-range Ioniq 5.
Get comfortable in its supportive buckets seats and set off; you’ll find the Ioniq 5 N almost as comfortable to drive around town as its more sedate counterparts. Sure, the sporty suspension and enormous wheels mean it’s not as comfortable over rough roads, but it’s far from uncomfortable.
Reaching motorway speeds is a doddle with such powerful motors, but again the downside of the sporty setup is a fair amount of road noise in the cabin. Country lanes are where you’ll have the best time in an Ioniq 5 N.
Its playful simulated engine noise and gearshifts (which are very convincing), as well as its immense grip levels, make it a joy to carve through corners in. It’s even more fun in between corners, where its ballistic acceleration will leave you giggling like a child.
The closest thing you’ll get to the thrill that video games gave you as a kid, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is one of the most impressive cars on the road today. It looks awesome and it’s actually very practical, but what’s most remarkable about the 5 N is its prodigious performance - and how it doesn’t feel like an EV. Shame it’s so big and expensive, though.
At least it looks premium, especially considering it’s from a brand that 15 years ago was only known for cheap-but-not-cheerful models. Retro-inspired styling with lots of sharp edges, pixelated lights, pumped up, N-specific wheel arches and all manner of aerodynamic accessories make the Ioniq 5 N a real head-turner.
It’s about the same size as a family SUV, which means it’s really rather spacious inside - especially compared to its alternatives. There’s plenty of room up front and in the back, plus the addition of a centre console gives front-seat passengers a cosier space than the regular Ioniq 5, which is a bit too open-plan for some.
You also get a plentiful 480-litre boot, which is 100 litres up on a Volkswagen Golf GTI, for example. Handy.
The 84kWh battery is paired up with dual motors, producing a whopping 609hp, good for a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds and a 162mph top speed. Even with such powerful motors, Hyundai claims a maximum range of 278 miles - only 20 down on the long-range Ioniq 5.
Get comfortable in its supportive buckets seats and set off; you’ll find the Ioniq 5 N almost as comfortable to drive around town as its more sedate counterparts. Sure, the sporty suspension and enormous wheels mean it’s not as comfortable over rough roads, but it’s far from uncomfortable.
Reaching motorway speeds is a doddle with such powerful motors, but again the downside of the sporty setup is a fair amount of road noise in the cabin. Country lanes are where you’ll have the best time in an Ioniq 5 N.
Its playful simulated engine noise and gearshifts (which are very convincing), as well as its immense grip levels, make it a joy to carve through corners in. It’s even more fun in between corners, where its ballistic acceleration will leave you giggling like a child.
2. Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance
Volvo EX30 review
Battery range up to 295 miles
Best for: a funky cabin
As an all-rounder, the Volvo EX30 is a fantastic car - even in entry-level trim. It’s so good that it won the overall crown in the 2024 Carwow Car of the Year Awards, which is some going. The Twin-Motor Performance model is even more fun, with a pair of powerful motors adding ferocious acceleration to its list of talents, as it’s comfortable to drive and has space-age looks but it’s cramped in the back.
Where the Ioniq 5 N is all racy and resto-futuristic, the EX30 looks like it’s driven off of a Star Wars set, but not like a background prop - it looks like a Stormtrooper’s helmet on wheels. Handsome, pointy headlights and quirky split-level lights at the back frame its dinky proportions, and the two-tone colour schemes are eye-catching.
The interior looks great, if a bit too minimalist for certain tastes. The 12.3-inch, portrait-oriented control screen sits slap-bang in the middle of the dashboard, flanked by funky, upright air vents and surrounded by the EX30’s speckled cabin plastics.
The infotainment isn’t the slickest system going, and the total lack of physical buttons is a bit annoying at times, but interesting design touches such as the all-metal door handles and funky colour options mean the EX30’s cabin is generally very pleasant.
There are plenty of storage spaces up front, and the seats are not only comfortable but highly adjustable, so drivers of all shapes and sizes can find a good driving position. It’s not as roomy for those in the back, as the high floor and lack of legroom mean you might end up with your knees by your ears. The 260-litre boot is quite small, too.
The Performance version of the EX30 can only be had with a 69kWh battery, plus two electric motors for a combined 429hp and 0-62mph time of 3.6 seconds. The claimed range is 279 miles, but you’ll have to drive like a saint to achieve that figure.
Around town the EX30 is a fantastic car, because it’s hugely comfortable and easy to flick around tight roads, while motorway journeys are just as pleasant. Unlike the properly sporty Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the EX30 Performance hasn’t been fettled for corner carving, so while it’s fun it doesn’t fill you with the confidence you need to use all of that power.
As an all-rounder, the Volvo EX30 is a fantastic car - even in entry-level trim. It’s so good that it won the overall crown in the 2024 Carwow Car of the Year Awards, which is some going. The Twin-Motor Performance model is even more fun, with a pair of powerful motors adding ferocious acceleration to its list of talents, as it’s comfortable to drive and has space-age looks but it’s cramped in the back.
Where the Ioniq 5 N is all racy and resto-futuristic, the EX30 looks like it’s driven off of a Star Wars set, but not like a background prop - it looks like a Stormtrooper’s helmet on wheels. Handsome, pointy headlights and quirky split-level lights at the back frame its dinky proportions, and the two-tone colour schemes are eye-catching.
The interior looks great, if a bit too minimalist for certain tastes. The 12.3-inch, portrait-oriented control screen sits slap-bang in the middle of the dashboard, flanked by funky, upright air vents and surrounded by the EX30’s speckled cabin plastics.
The infotainment isn’t the slickest system going, and the total lack of physical buttons is a bit annoying at times, but interesting design touches such as the all-metal door handles and funky colour options mean the EX30’s cabin is generally very pleasant.
There are plenty of storage spaces up front, and the seats are not only comfortable but highly adjustable, so drivers of all shapes and sizes can find a good driving position. It’s not as roomy for those in the back, as the high floor and lack of legroom mean you might end up with your knees by your ears. The 260-litre boot is quite small, too.
The Performance version of the EX30 can only be had with a 69kWh battery, plus two electric motors for a combined 429hp and 0-62mph time of 3.6 seconds. The claimed range is 279 miles, but you’ll have to drive like a saint to achieve that figure.
Around town the EX30 is a fantastic car, because it’s hugely comfortable and easy to flick around tight roads, while motorway journeys are just as pleasant. Unlike the properly sporty Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the EX30 Performance hasn’t been fettled for corner carving, so while it’s fun it doesn’t fill you with the confidence you need to use all of that power.
3. Kia EV6 GT
Kia EV6 review
Battery range up to 361 miles
Best for: grown-up siliness
You can consider the Kia EV6 GT as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in a sleeker, more futuristic body. It’s stylish, practical and absolutely rapid while being fun to drive, but it’s not quite as performance-focused as the Ioniq 5 N.
It has an outlandish body shape, with a pseudo SUV/estate car/hatchback silhouette that looks great to our eyes. It’s rather large, again like its Hyundai cousin, almost SUV-esque in stature, but the rounded corners and crisp wheel arch details mean the EV6 GT looks smaller in photos than it does in person.
The interior is fantastic, with lots of plush-feeling materials in a handsome cabin. The dashboard curves up away from you with a pair of widescreen displays perched on top, while sporty seats keep you supported in corners and around town. There’s a funky fingerprint scanner that loads your profile, remembering your preferred seating position amongst other details.
A benefit of its large size is the sheer amount of interior space, and the EV6 GT is chock-full of handy storage spaces in the front - not only in the door bins but there’s lots of storage in between the seats. Rear seat space is generous and the backrests recline, while the 480-litre boot is plenty big for a family of four’s road-trip supplies. There’s a 20-litre front boot, too.
You get an 84kWh battery and dual-motors, producing 641hp - enough for a 0-62mph time of 3.5 seconds. The 279-mile claimed range is on par with the Ioniq 5 N, and while that’s not bad, you’ll struggle to reach it unless you’re very careful with the throttle.
Around town the EV6 GT is as easy to drive as the regular version even with all that power. It can be a bit tricky to place on narrow roads, but other than that you have good visibility and one pedal driving, plus a well-insulated cabin for quiet motorway journeys.
On a country lane, however, the EV6 GT isn’t quite as impressive as the sum of its parts. It gets the same trick simulated gearshift as the Ioniq 5 N, but it doesn't feel quite as agile or fun to chuck into bends.
You can consider the Kia EV6 GT as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in a sleeker, more futuristic body. It’s stylish, practical and absolutely rapid while being fun to drive, but it’s not quite as performance-focused as the Ioniq 5 N.
It has an outlandish body shape, with a pseudo SUV/estate car/hatchback silhouette that looks great to our eyes. It’s rather large, again like its Hyundai cousin, almost SUV-esque in stature, but the rounded corners and crisp wheel arch details mean the EV6 GT looks smaller in photos than it does in person.
The interior is fantastic, with lots of plush-feeling materials in a handsome cabin. The dashboard curves up away from you with a pair of widescreen displays perched on top, while sporty seats keep you supported in corners and around town. There’s a funky fingerprint scanner that loads your profile, remembering your preferred seating position amongst other details.
A benefit of its large size is the sheer amount of interior space, and the EV6 GT is chock-full of handy storage spaces in the front - not only in the door bins but there’s lots of storage in between the seats. Rear seat space is generous and the backrests recline, while the 480-litre boot is plenty big for a family of four’s road-trip supplies. There’s a 20-litre front boot, too.
You get an 84kWh battery and dual-motors, producing 641hp - enough for a 0-62mph time of 3.5 seconds. The 279-mile claimed range is on par with the Ioniq 5 N, and while that’s not bad, you’ll struggle to reach it unless you’re very careful with the throttle.
Around town the EV6 GT is as easy to drive as the regular version even with all that power. It can be a bit tricky to place on narrow roads, but other than that you have good visibility and one pedal driving, plus a well-insulated cabin for quiet motorway journeys.
On a country lane, however, the EV6 GT isn’t quite as impressive as the sum of its parts. It gets the same trick simulated gearshift as the Ioniq 5 N, but it doesn't feel quite as agile or fun to chuck into bends.
Battery range up to 367 miles
Best for: sensible fun
The Cupra Born is one of our favourite small electric hatchbacks, and the VZ version is the spicy range-topper, with more power, sportier steering and stiffer suspension than the regular model, making it a proper little hot hatch.
It doesn’t look much sportier than the regular Cupra Born, that being said. You get the same pointy headlights and deep front bumpers, with big VZ-specific wheels and a funky light bar at the back. The copper-coloured accents brighten up the exterior, and truth be told the Born looks sporty enough that any extra would be overkill.
The cabin isn’t quite as funky, but again there are lots of copper flashes dotted around to give a sporty feel to the electric hatchback. You do get a pair of supportive bucket seats up front, but otherwise the interior is identical to the regular model, with lots of space in the back and an adequate 385-litre boot.
Where the Born VZ really stands out from the normal model is in the way it drives, because it gets a 326hp electric motor driving the rear wheels and a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds. That may not be as quick as the ludicrous Kia EV6 GT and Volvo EX30 Performance, but it’s also far less expensive. The 342-mile claimed range is significantly better than its pricier alternatives, too.
Around town the Cupra is a very pleasant car to drive, with good visibility and a tight turning circle, but it is a bit firm and you get jiggled around over bumps. It gets more comfortable the faster you go, making motorway journeys a breeze, while it’s most fun on a country lane thanks to the lack of body roll and darty steering.
The Cupra Born is one of our favourite small electric hatchbacks, and the VZ version is the spicy range-topper, with more power, sportier steering and stiffer suspension than the regular model, making it a proper little hot hatch.
It doesn’t look much sportier than the regular Cupra Born, that being said. You get the same pointy headlights and deep front bumpers, with big VZ-specific wheels and a funky light bar at the back. The copper-coloured accents brighten up the exterior, and truth be told the Born looks sporty enough that any extra would be overkill.
The cabin isn’t quite as funky, but again there are lots of copper flashes dotted around to give a sporty feel to the electric hatchback. You do get a pair of supportive bucket seats up front, but otherwise the interior is identical to the regular model, with lots of space in the back and an adequate 385-litre boot.
Where the Born VZ really stands out from the normal model is in the way it drives, because it gets a 326hp electric motor driving the rear wheels and a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds. That may not be as quick as the ludicrous Kia EV6 GT and Volvo EX30 Performance, but it’s also far less expensive. The 342-mile claimed range is significantly better than its pricier alternatives, too.
Around town the Cupra is a very pleasant car to drive, with good visibility and a tight turning circle, but it is a bit firm and you get jiggled around over bumps. It gets more comfortable the faster you go, making motorway journeys a breeze, while it’s most fun on a country lane thanks to the lack of body roll and darty steering.
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5. Smart #1 Brabus
Smart #1 review
Battery range up to 273 miles
Best for: spaceship styling
Though it’s all curves and smooth shapes, the Smart #1 is actually related to the Volvo EX30 under the skin, and the top-dog #1 Brabus shares its electric motors and battery with the EX30 Performance. The Smart has a nicer interior and it’s spacious, but it’s not that much fun to drive.
While both look futuristic, the #1 Brabus could come from a different world to the EX30. It’s full of flowing lines and smooth surfaces, with light bars at both ends and some rather funky wheel choices. It’s not quite as striking, but the #1 is a good looking little car, and the Brabus version gets aggressive details such as red pin striping and extra intakes in the front bumper.
The cabin is fantastic, with a minimalist design that isn’t quite as barren as the Volvo. The dashboard is just as swoopy as the exterior, with funky plastics that curve down and join up to the centre console, while the infotainment screen is crisp and clear.
It’s very spacious inside, with enough room and adjustability across both rows for tall adults to get comfortable, but boot capacity suffers as a result at only 273 litres with the rear seats slid back, or 411 litres with them all the way forwards at the expense of legroom.
The #1 Brabus has 429hp and a 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds, offering 248 miles of range to a charge.
Around town it’s very comfortable, with softer suspension than most of its alternatives making light work of bad roads. The same applies to motorway driving thanks to a well-insulated cabin, but it’s a bit of a let-down on twisty roads, where the Brabus is no better through bends than the regular #1.
Though it’s all curves and smooth shapes, the Smart #1 is actually related to the Volvo EX30 under the skin, and the top-dog #1 Brabus shares its electric motors and battery with the EX30 Performance. The Smart has a nicer interior and it’s spacious, but it’s not that much fun to drive.
While both look futuristic, the #1 Brabus could come from a different world to the EX30. It’s full of flowing lines and smooth surfaces, with light bars at both ends and some rather funky wheel choices. It’s not quite as striking, but the #1 is a good looking little car, and the Brabus version gets aggressive details such as red pin striping and extra intakes in the front bumper.
The cabin is fantastic, with a minimalist design that isn’t quite as barren as the Volvo. The dashboard is just as swoopy as the exterior, with funky plastics that curve down and join up to the centre console, while the infotainment screen is crisp and clear.
It’s very spacious inside, with enough room and adjustability across both rows for tall adults to get comfortable, but boot capacity suffers as a result at only 273 litres with the rear seats slid back, or 411 litres with them all the way forwards at the expense of legroom.
The #1 Brabus has 429hp and a 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds, offering 248 miles of range to a charge.
Around town it’s very comfortable, with softer suspension than most of its alternatives making light work of bad roads. The same applies to motorway driving thanks to a well-insulated cabin, but it’s a bit of a let-down on twisty roads, where the Brabus is no better through bends than the regular #1.
6. Genesis GV60 Sport Plus
Genesis GV60 review
Battery range up to 348 miles
Best for: a posh badge
While the Genesis GV60 Performance is mechanically similar to the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, the range-topper is nowhere near as extreme as the Ioniq 5 N or EV6 GT. It’s just as handsome and posh as the regular GV60, but with more power and a slightly sportier look.
In fact, it might just be the best looking of the electric Korean trio, with a sleek silhouette, aggressive front bumper and split-level headlights and taillights. There’s even a cute little boot spoiler built into the back window, and some great colour choices, too.
The cabin is also suitably posh for a premium brand, with trimmed surfaces all around you, quirky climate control buttons and two crisp widescreen displays on top of the dash, integrated in one slack panel. The seats are also hugely comfortable.
Interior storage isn’t great, and while there are a fair amount of small storage cubbies up front and highly adjustable seats, there isn’t as much headroom or legroom in the back - so you might find your knees rubbing up against the front seatbacks. The 432-litre boot is, again, adequate if not impressive.
While it’s not got over 600hp as in its Kia and Hyundai counterparts, you still get dual motors and a spicy 490hp in the GV60 Performance. Combined with a 77.4kWh battery, that equates to 289 miles of range and a 0-60mph time of 4.0 seconds.
It's a little bit uncomfortable around town and it can be hard to come to a smooth stop with the notchy brakes, but it’s far more relaxing to drive on the motorway. It also gets the virtual gear shift feature that its counterparts do, but the GV60 Performance still doesn’t feel all that sporty on a country lane.
While the Genesis GV60 Performance is mechanically similar to the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, the range-topper is nowhere near as extreme as the Ioniq 5 N or EV6 GT. It’s just as handsome and posh as the regular GV60, but with more power and a slightly sportier look.
In fact, it might just be the best looking of the electric Korean trio, with a sleek silhouette, aggressive front bumper and split-level headlights and taillights. There’s even a cute little boot spoiler built into the back window, and some great colour choices, too.
The cabin is also suitably posh for a premium brand, with trimmed surfaces all around you, quirky climate control buttons and two crisp widescreen displays on top of the dash, integrated in one slack panel. The seats are also hugely comfortable.
Interior storage isn’t great, and while there are a fair amount of small storage cubbies up front and highly adjustable seats, there isn’t as much headroom or legroom in the back - so you might find your knees rubbing up against the front seatbacks. The 432-litre boot is, again, adequate if not impressive.
While it’s not got over 600hp as in its Kia and Hyundai counterparts, you still get dual motors and a spicy 490hp in the GV60 Performance. Combined with a 77.4kWh battery, that equates to 289 miles of range and a 0-60mph time of 4.0 seconds.
It's a little bit uncomfortable around town and it can be hard to come to a smooth stop with the notchy brakes, but it’s far more relaxing to drive on the motorway. It also gets the virtual gear shift feature that its counterparts do, but the GV60 Performance still doesn’t feel all that sporty on a country lane.
7. MG4 XPower
MG MG4 EV XPOWER review
Battery range up to 239 miles
Best for: value-for-money performance
The MG4 XPower is a very old-school approach to building a sporty car, having had lots and lots of power thrown at what is already quite a fun car to chuck around. It offers excellent value for money, but the MG4 XPower is corrupted by its sporty motors – it’s such a handful that the regular MG4 EV is actually more fun to drive.
Still, it looks just as good as the regular MG4, or even better if you opt for it in XPower-specific green. The orange brake callipers are a bit flashy, but it pulls them off with all of its aggressive, pointy lines and angles. It certainly looks like a hot hatchback outside.
Step inside and things are a bit more restrained. It has a very straight-laced cabin, with basic lines and dark materials all around you. There are some funky Alcantara seat trims and squishy plastics up-high on the door cards and dash, but aside from the little control panel under the dashboard it all looks a bit bland.
There’s plenty of space to get comfortable both front and rear in the MG4 XPower, and the front seats offer a lot of adjustment to get into a good driving position with ease, but the 363-litre boot is a down on space compared to the similarly-sized Cupra Born VZ.
A 66kWh battery pack and the powerful motors mean you only get a 239-mile range in the MG4 XPower, which is lacklustre, but the 435hp and 3.8-second 0-60mph time makes it a riot when you put your foot down.
It’s a bit harsh over bad roads in town, but it’s still easy to drive and does a decent job of cushioning out rough motorway surfaces. The MG has too much power for its own good, though, and it never feels composed enough on a twisty road to enjoy fast corners.
The MG4 XPower is a very old-school approach to building a sporty car, having had lots and lots of power thrown at what is already quite a fun car to chuck around. It offers excellent value for money, but the MG4 XPower is corrupted by its sporty motors – it’s such a handful that the regular MG4 EV is actually more fun to drive.
Still, it looks just as good as the regular MG4, or even better if you opt for it in XPower-specific green. The orange brake callipers are a bit flashy, but it pulls them off with all of its aggressive, pointy lines and angles. It certainly looks like a hot hatchback outside.
Step inside and things are a bit more restrained. It has a very straight-laced cabin, with basic lines and dark materials all around you. There are some funky Alcantara seat trims and squishy plastics up-high on the door cards and dash, but aside from the little control panel under the dashboard it all looks a bit bland.
There’s plenty of space to get comfortable both front and rear in the MG4 XPower, and the front seats offer a lot of adjustment to get into a good driving position with ease, but the 363-litre boot is a down on space compared to the similarly-sized Cupra Born VZ.
A 66kWh battery pack and the powerful motors mean you only get a 239-mile range in the MG4 XPower, which is lacklustre, but the 435hp and 3.8-second 0-60mph time makes it a riot when you put your foot down.
It’s a bit harsh over bad roads in town, but it’s still easy to drive and does a decent job of cushioning out rough motorway surfaces. The MG has too much power for its own good, though, and it never feels composed enough on a twisty road to enjoy fast corners.
8. Abarth 500e
Abarth 500e review
Battery range up to 164 miles
Best for: old-school hot hatch vibes
The Abarth 500e looks fantastic and it’s a hoot to drive quickly on a twisty road. It’s got all of the attitude of its petrol-powered predecessor with none of the CO2 emissions, but it’s just as impractical and has poor electric range.
If you opt for a 500e in acid yellow or Simpsons-sky blue then you’ll be seen from a mile away, because with its aggressive bumpers and big alloy wheels the little Abarth is far from a shrinking violet. In fact, it’s one of the few cars on this list that actually looks like a proper hot hatch.
The interior looks good too, with a big oval-shaped detail on the dashboard that encompasses an Alcantara panel and floating infotainment display. The standard-fit bucket seats are suitably sporty and supportive, and the Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel is a joy to hold.
It’s a shame that there’s almost no back seat space or boot space, because even children will struggle to get comfortable back there, and 185 litres of cargo capacity is barely enough for a big shop.
You get a 153hp electric motor driving the 500e’s front wheels, with a 37.8kWh battery that equates to 157 miles of range on a full charge. It’s safe to say you won’t be doing many road trips, but a 7.0-second 0-62mph time is quick enough for short fun blasts.
Naturally, such a small car is most at home in town where it’s good fun to dart between lanes and around tight corners, but its synthesised noise is irritating on the motorway. Get it on your favourite twisty road and you’re in for a laugh with the 500e’s sharp steering and agile cornering.
The Abarth 500e looks fantastic and it’s a hoot to drive quickly on a twisty road. It’s got all of the attitude of its petrol-powered predecessor with none of the CO2 emissions, but it’s just as impractical and has poor electric range.
If you opt for a 500e in acid yellow or Simpsons-sky blue then you’ll be seen from a mile away, because with its aggressive bumpers and big alloy wheels the little Abarth is far from a shrinking violet. In fact, it’s one of the few cars on this list that actually looks like a proper hot hatch.
The interior looks good too, with a big oval-shaped detail on the dashboard that encompasses an Alcantara panel and floating infotainment display. The standard-fit bucket seats are suitably sporty and supportive, and the Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel is a joy to hold.
It’s a shame that there’s almost no back seat space or boot space, because even children will struggle to get comfortable back there, and 185 litres of cargo capacity is barely enough for a big shop.
You get a 153hp electric motor driving the 500e’s front wheels, with a 37.8kWh battery that equates to 157 miles of range on a full charge. It’s safe to say you won’t be doing many road trips, but a 7.0-second 0-62mph time is quick enough for short fun blasts.
Naturally, such a small car is most at home in town where it’s good fun to dart between lanes and around tight corners, but its synthesised noise is irritating on the motorway. Get it on your favourite twisty road and you’re in for a laugh with the 500e’s sharp steering and agile cornering.
9. Mini Cooper SE Electric
MINI Cooper Electric review
Battery range up to 247 miles
Best for: city driving
Naturally, such a small car is most at home in town where it’s good fun to dart between lanes and around tight corners, but its synthesised noise is irritating on the motorway. Get it on your favourite twisty road and you’re in for a laugh with the 500e’s sharp steering and agile cornering.
While it may not look overtly sporty in standard trim, the Cooper SE is still one of the most handsome small cars on sale at the moment. The big, round headlights, smooth flanks and a pert rear look oh-so-classy.
The interior is even better, with a minimalist cabin covered in funky fabric trimming and a big, circular display mounted in the middle of the dashboard, as well as a small head-up display behind the steering wheel.
It’s spacious enough up front, but rear seat space is almost as tight as in the tiny Abarth 500e. Being a three-door only, it’s not so easy to get back there, either, and the 215-litre boot is similarly unimpressive.
With 218hp, the Cooper SE is certainly more powerful than the Abarth and its 49.2kWh battery means it gets more electric range of up to 249 miles. The 6.7-second 0-60mph time is plenty quick for a small hot hatch.
The Mini is easy to drive in town thanks to its dinky dimensions and punchy performance, but it’s not very refined at high speeds, so motorway journeys aren’t as fun. It’s not as light as Minis of old, but the Cooper SE is still a good laugh to chuck into corners on a tight road.
Naturally, such a small car is most at home in town where it’s good fun to dart between lanes and around tight corners, but its synthesised noise is irritating on the motorway. Get it on your favourite twisty road and you’re in for a laugh with the 500e’s sharp steering and agile cornering.
While it may not look overtly sporty in standard trim, the Cooper SE is still one of the most handsome small cars on sale at the moment. The big, round headlights, smooth flanks and a pert rear look oh-so-classy.
The interior is even better, with a minimalist cabin covered in funky fabric trimming and a big, circular display mounted in the middle of the dashboard, as well as a small head-up display behind the steering wheel.
It’s spacious enough up front, but rear seat space is almost as tight as in the tiny Abarth 500e. Being a three-door only, it’s not so easy to get back there, either, and the 215-litre boot is similarly unimpressive.
With 218hp, the Cooper SE is certainly more powerful than the Abarth and its 49.2kWh battery means it gets more electric range of up to 249 miles. The 6.7-second 0-60mph time is plenty quick for a small hot hatch.
The Mini is easy to drive in town thanks to its dinky dimensions and punchy performance, but it’s not very refined at high speeds, so motorway journeys aren’t as fun. It’s not as light as Minis of old, but the Cooper SE is still a good laugh to chuck into corners on a tight road.
