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Cat S vs Cat N Cars: Which One Is Actually Safe to Buy?

     What Do They Really Mean and Should You Buy One? If you have ever searched for a second-hand car in the UK, you have probably noticed something interesting. Two cars can look almost identical, have similar mileage, the same engine and similar specifications, yet one can be several thousand pounds cheaper. Then you notice a small but very important detail in the advert: “Category S”  or  “Category N.” For some buyers, those letters immediately mean “stay away.” For others, they represent an opportunity to buy a much newer or better-equipped car for considerably less money. So what do these categories actually mean? Are Category S and Category N cars dangerous? Why do insurance companies write cars off when they appear perfectly repairable? Is a Category N better than a Category S? Can you insure them? Will they pass an MOT? And most importantly,  should you actually buy one? The answer is not simply yes or no. A Category S or N car can potentially be a ...

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The Fiat Abarth 600e: A Tiny Electric Monster or an Overpriced Dream?

The Car That Makes You Smile, Scream… and Question the Price

There was a time when the name Abarth immediately meant a small, noisy, petrol-powered machine with a cheeky personality. Tiny cars, big exhaust sounds, turbocharged engines and a driving experience that made ordinary journeys feel like a rally stage. But times have changed, and Abarth has entered the electric age with one of its most ambitious creations yet: the Fiat Abarth 600e.

This is not just another electric crossover wearing a sporty badge. The Abarth 600e is the most powerful production Abarth ever made, offering up to 280 PS from its electric motor, supercar-like instant torque delivery and acceleration that can embarrass many traditional hot hatches.

Electric Abarth

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However, there is one huge question hanging over this aggressive little EV: is it worth nearly £40,000?

That price puts the Abarth 600e into a very competitive part of the market, where buyers can choose from larger electric cars, premium brands and performance models. The Abarth 600e is exciting, unusual and extremely fast but its price could be the biggest challenge.

So the question for UK drivers is simple:

Would you spend almost £40,000 on a small electric Abarth, or is this too expensive for what it offers?

Abarth 600e: Small Body, Serious Performance

The Abarth 600e takes the regular Fiat 600e and transforms it into something far more aggressive. The styling has been heavily redesigned with sportier bumpers, larger wheels, a wider stance and a more dramatic appearance.

It looks like a car that wants attention.

The front end is sharper, the rear spoiler adds a performance-inspired touch and the special colours make it impossible to ignore. The top Scorpionissima version is especially eye-catching, with exclusive colours including Acid Green and Hypnotic Purple.

But underneath the aggressive styling is where the biggest changes happen.

Abarth engineers have upgraded the chassis, brakes, suspension and electronics to make the 600e feel more like a proper performance car rather than simply a faster electric crossover.

The car uses a front-mounted electric motor driving the front wheels, with a mechanical limited-slip differential helping to improve traction during hard acceleration and cornering.

That is important because electric cars often produce huge amounts of instant torque, which can overwhelm front-wheel-drive systems. Abarth has clearly tried to make the 600e not only quick in a straight line but enjoyable on twisting roads.

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Power Figures: Up To 280 PS Makes This The Strongest Abarth Ever

The Abarth 600e comes in two main versions for UK buyers.

Abarth 600e Turismo

  • Power: 240 PS (around 237 bhp)
  • Torque: 345 Nm
  • Drive: Front-wheel drive
  • Top speed: 124 mph
  • Estimated 0–60 mph: around 6.1 seconds
  • Starting price: £36,975

The Turismo is already a very quick car. A six-second acceleration time means it can easily compete with many petrol hot hatches.

Abarth 600e Scorpionissima

  • Power: 280 PS (around 276 bhp)
  • Torque: 345 Nm
  • Drive: Front-wheel drive
  • Top speed: 124 mph
  • Estimated 0–60 mph: around 5.7 seconds
  • Starting price: £39,875

The Scorpionissima is the real headline model. It delivers the highest power output ever seen from an Abarth road car.

For a small crossover weighing around 1.6 tonnes, reaching 60 mph in under six seconds is genuinely impressive. The instant electric torque means acceleration feels violent compared with traditional petrol engines because there is no waiting for turbo boost or gear changes.

Press the accelerator and the 600e simply launches forward.

The Scary Part: The Price

Performance is impressive, but the biggest talking point is the cost.

The Abarth 600e Turismo starts at £36,975, while the more powerful Scorpionissima costs £39,875 in the UK.

Nearly £40,000 is serious money.

For comparison, many buyers looking at this budget may consider larger electric cars with longer range, more practicality or premium interiors. The Abarth is not trying to be the sensible choice, but the price does make people question whether the fun factor is enough.

A small electric performance crossover costing almost £40,000 needs to feel special every time you drive it.

Luckily for Abarth, that is exactly what the company has tried to achieve.

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Driving Experience: More Than Just Numbers

Electric performance cars can sometimes feel too perfect. They are fast, but they can lack character.

Abarth has attempted to solve this problem by giving the 600e a more emotional personality.

The car includes different driving modes:

  • Turismo mode for smoother everyday driving
  • Scorpion Street mode for stronger performance
  • Scorpion Track mode for maximum aggression

The Track setting sharpens the throttle response, adjusts the driving systems and allows the car to deliver its full performance.

The suspension is also tuned for sportier driving, while the bigger brakes and performance tyres help the car feel more confident when driven hard.

This is where the Abarth identity survives.

It is not simply an electric Fiat with extra horsepower. It has been engineered to feel playful and exciting.

Range And Everyday Practicality

Of course, performance is only one side of electric car ownership.

The Abarth 600e uses a 54 kWh battery, with an official WLTP range of up to around 207 miles, depending on specification and tyres.

That figure is reasonable, but not class-leading.

Drivers who regularly travel long distances may find the range less impressive compared with some rivals. The Abarth is clearly designed more for excitement and shorter trips rather than being an electric motorway cruiser.

Charging is also important. The 600e supports rapid charging, making longer journeys easier, but it is not designed to compete with the biggest-range EVs available today.

Inside, the Abarth feels sporty rather than luxurious.

The Scorpionissima features supportive Sabelt seats, sporty details and a driver-focused atmosphere.

However, buyers expecting a premium cabin for almost £40,000 may find some materials less impressive than luxury competitors.

Is The Abarth 600e Too Expensive?

This is where opinions will divide.

Fans will argue that the Abarth 600e is unique. It offers something many electric cars cannot: personality.

It looks different.

It feels different.

It has a performance badge with decades of racing history behind it.

The instant acceleration, aggressive styling and sporty setup create an experience that ordinary EVs cannot match.

But critics will say the price is simply too high.

Almost £40,000 buys a lot of car today. Some buyers may prefer a larger electric vehicle with better range, more space and a more premium feel.

The Abarth 600e is not a logical purchase.

It is an emotional one.

Nobody buys an Abarth because it is the most practical choice. They buy it because they want something exciting.

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Final Verdict: A Brilliant Electric Toy For A Serious Price

The Fiat Abarth 600e is one of the most interesting electric performance cars currently available in Britain.

With up to 280 PS, a 0–62 mph time of 5.85 seconds, a 124 mph top speed and aggressive styling, it proves that electric cars do not have to be boring.

It is fast.

It is bold.

It has personality.

But the price is difficult to ignore.

At almost £40,000, the Abarth 600e enters a market where buyers expect a lot. For some drivers, the unique character and performance will justify the cost. For others, it will simply feel too expensive for a small electric crossover.

The biggest question remains:

Is the Abarth 600e the future of exciting electric driving or has Abarth gone too far with the price?

That is something every enthusiast will have their own opinion about.

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