The new Fiat 500 represents the biggest change in the Italian hatchback's entire history. For the 2020 model year, the next-generation Fiat 500 is being offered as a fully electric car only. Fiat unveiled the all-new 500 electric convertible back in March, and now the hatchback version has made its world debut. Don't get your hopes up about it coming to America, however, because the Fiat 500 was discontinued Stateside after the 2019 model year, leaving just the 500X, 500L, and 124 Spider in Fiat's current US lineup.

Like the convertible, the 2020 Fiat 500 is equipped with a 42kWh lithium-ion battery providing a driving range of up to 199 miles on a single charge based on the European WLTP cycle.

Using an 85kW fast charger, the 2020 Fiat 500 can be charged up to 30 miles in five minutes and up to 80 percent in 35 minutes. An electric motor delivers an output of 116 horsepower, enabling the electric hatchback to accelerate from 0-62 mph in nine seconds and onto a top speed of 93 mph. Three driving modes are available: Normal, Range, and Sherpa. Range mode supports one-pedal driving with regenerative braking, while Sherpa mode reduces the top speed to 50 mph, manages the accelerator response to reduce energy consumption, and deactivates the climate control and heated seats.

Visually, the 2020 Fiat 500 retains its predecessor's iconic silhouette. A closed-off grille, split headlights, and a more sculpted body distinguish it from its combustion-powered predecessor. Other exterior touches include a chrome slat above the license plate, the new Fiat insignia, and the symbols and horizontal lines in the tailgate and headlights highlighting the car's width.

Inside, the new 500 hatchback is equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. According to Fiat, the new 500 hatchback is the first car in its segment to offer level 2 autonomous driving, with driver assists including intelligent adaptive cruise control, lane centering, intelligent speed assist, urban blind spot, and attention assist.

At launch, the new Fiat 500 hatchback will be sold as a special 'la Prima' edition, which includes a panoramic glass sunroof a more pronounced spoiler to improve aerodynamic efficiency, full LED headlights, 17-inch diamond-cut wheels, chrome-plated inserts on the side panels, and dashboard and eco-leather seat upholstery as standard. Three exclusive paint colours will be available for the launch edition model: pearlescent Ocean Green, metallic Mineral Grey, and three-layer Celestial Blue. Reservations for the Fiat 500 hatchback la Prima are open in the UK, with prices starting from £26,995 ($34,160) with the government's Plug-in Car Grant incentive.