Italian flair – it can only be a Fiat

Blindfold me, stick me behind the wheel and I’ll tell you the make of car.

Sniff, sniff, it’s a Fiat. The aroma is quite distinctive. It must be the materials the Italian manufacturer uses as my snozzle can instantly pick up the slightly sweet scent.

And nothing better triggers memories than smell and all of a sudden I’m glazing over thinking about my dad’s old Supermirafiori. He lent me that once to attend an interview for a trainee reporter’s job in Kendal. I didn’t get it but loved the ride.

Then there was his sporty little Fiat X19. I thought the brakes needed bedding in so hammered the stop pedal at every occasion.

Turned out they weren’t servo-assisted which is why they needed a bit of a thump. He could tell I’d been doing something I shouldn’t have been as he spotted the thick brakes dust on his alloys. He should have been CSI my dad.

After that a Fiat was my very first car. I bought a brand new Fiat Uno 55S when I got my first trainee reporter’s job in North Yorkshire, with a loan from my brother who had loads of money as he worked in tax-free Saudi Arabia. It was great to have wheels. I fitted a banging stereo tape deck, complete with bassy speakers and would blast out Sade and Kate Bush until my ears bled.

Later on I had not one but three 595 Abarths, including two Turismos, in stealth grey. They were totally fab and possibly the best cars ever for fun-per-pound. I’ve just persuaded my friend to buy a range-topping Competizione and it looks resplendent in bright red. He’ll love it.

So when the opportunity to drive the latest generation of electric Fiats arose I jumped at the chance.

The 600e replaces the 500X, I would say, and it looks great. It has a girlie face as the lights have colour-matched eyelids and the grille seems to pout. It’s a nice looking car and well proportioned but then that’s Italian flair for you.

Strangely, when you pop the bonnet, not expecting to see much as it’s an EV, there’s a lump of technology, in fact, if you didn’t know better, you’d think it had an engine. It doesn’t, it has a 115kW electric motor which offers a healthy dose of performance and range of around 260 miles.

Being electric the 154hp, 260Nm of power is instantaneous, silky smooth and will keep our tubes clear of soot as emissions are zero. It recharges to 80 per cent rapidly then the last 20 per cent drops off. It’s also most not worth waiting the extra time as it only adds another 40 miles or so.

The 600e drives very nicely as it has positive steering and decent suspension that rides the bumps with aplomb.

There’s the option of three driving modes – eco, normal, sport – which can be selected to match your mood. It’s spirted enough for most people’s needs.

It’s a pleasant car to be in too with a light, bright, well-made interior featuring all the latest technology that is easy and intuitive to use in a way many EVs aren’t. The infotainment sounds good enough – no need to buy extra sound systems here – and interior space and the boot are generous in measure.