Fiat 500e La Prima Convertible – The Perfect Eco-Friendly City Car

La Prima means ‘the first’ in Italian, so it’s a fitting name for the limited edition trim version of Fiat’s first mass-produced electric car.

If you’re looking for a compact city car to whizz around town in, this is the one. As well as seriously cool retro good looks, the La Prima Convertible offers a tight turning circle and plenty of grip, but that’s not to say it can’t handle the pace of motorway driving. Even with the roof down, the air cap on top of the windscreen is designed to divert air over the heads of the driver and front passenger to ensure a comfortable drive.

This car is slightly bigger than its predecessors, but it still only has three doors. And while it might not be able to accommodate many passengers in the back seats or store lots of luggage in the 182-litre boot, this small electric convertible still has plenty going for it.

Video Review With Jack The Lad

What’s inside?

Let’s take a closer look.

Although this car looks retro from the outside, you should never judge a book by its cover. Take a look inside to find stylish eco-leather seats adorned with the Fiat 500 monogram and a host of other modern features including a 10.3-inch touchscreen and built-in satellite navigation.

This electric car is fitted with an impressive 87kW electric motor and 42kWh battery, so it’s capable of delivering up to 199 miles of range. Best of all, you can use the 85kW fast-charge system to restore 80% of the charge in just 30 minutes. Need a quick top-up? The fast charge system can give you 30 miles of range in only five minutes. The car comes complete with a compact 500-branded wall box charger. Be sure to stay informed about all the latest Update on Grants & Schemes For EV Drivers to ensure you don’t miss out on an opportunity to get funding assistance with your EV!

The UConnect 5 infotainment system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can access the system from both inside and outside the vehicle, which means you can get the temperature just right or set up the satellite navigation before getting in. The system can also help you to find the closest available charging station.

If you need a high driving position for better visibility, the 500e is perfect. Even better, the adjustable steering wheel can be moved both up and down and in and out, while the driver’s seat offers adequate support in all the right places.

The La Prima trim is on par with the top-spec Icon trim, so you can expect height adjustable seating and a central armrest. You’ll also get rear parking sensors and the Eye Park Pack, which means more parking sensors along the front and flanks, as well as a rear-view camera.

For better nighttime driving visibility, the 500e La Prima includes LED headlights. For a safer driving experience, the car features Level 2 autonomous driving features like lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. New amazing features being added to relatively averaged priced vehicles makes you excited for the future right? Be sure to check out The Most Promising Concept Cars to find out more about up and coming vehicles and features.

What’s it like to drive?

Like any electric car, this vehicle lacks engine noise. To warn pedestrians, the 500e La Prima Convertible is set up to play Amarcord by Nino Rota whenever you’re driving at speeds up to 12mph. You can even choose a different melody if you want the car to play something else.

The car has three driving modes – Normal, Range and Sherpa. Normal is much like any other two-pedal automatic, whilst Range allows the driver to speed up or slow down just using the accelerator. In Range, lifting off the throttle slows the car down and brings it to a standstill. Sherpa can be used when the battery is running low – it allows the driver to get the maximum range by lowering throttle response and turning off optional features like air-conditioning.

The drive feels solid and smooth on motorways and dual carriageways, although the short wheelbase can make for a firmer ride on uneven surfaces. The car accelerates easily and holds the road well with responsive steering. Perhaps most importantly, it’s great fun to drive.

Who are its rivals?

Similar options include the Smart Fortwo Electric Coupe, Mini Electric and Renault Zoe. The 500e is cheaper than many of its competitors and thanks to its desirability and appeal, it’s expected to hold its value pretty well.

Conclusion

The Fiat 500e La Prima Convertible is an affordable all-electric convertible. It’s practical, looks great and offers a fun driving experience for city slickers and suburban drivers.

Want to know more about this car? Get in touch with Rivervale today to discuss car leasing. Call us on 01273 433 480 or request a callback at a time that suits you.