The Fiat 500 is now a £27k electric hatchback

This is a new electric car. Except it’s not ‘new-new’, because the 500 dates back to the 1950s, and this modern electric version was initially launched as a convertible back in March. It’s a ‘sort-of-new’ electric car, then.

Because today is the first time we’re seeing it as a full hatchback. Fiat has announced that this new electric 500 hatch will cost from £26,995 – including the Plug-In Car Grant – and the fitment of something called ‘easyWallbox’. Which isn’t a fitness craze but, well, a charging box for thine wall.

So, here’s the deal. Fiat will still sell combustion-engined 500s alongside this new, bigger hatch for the foreseeable future. Like the convertible EV, this hatch features lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 42kWh, connected to an electric motor that will allow up to 199 miles of range on the WLTP cycle. That’s… that’s really good.

Fiat reckons the 500’s 85kW fast-charge setup can charge up to 30 miles of range in five minutes, and 80 per cent in 35 minutes where possible. At home, it takes a little longer of course – if you upgrade the wallbox thingy to 7.4kW, you can fully charge at home in six hours.

What to do with all that charge, then? 0-62mph - which isn’t really relevant in an electric car designed for cities - takes 9 seconds, while 0-31mph which is relevant, takes just 3.1s. There are three driving modes, including Normal, Range (which is a sort of ‘one-pedal’ option) and the hilariously titled ‘Sherpa’.

That latter mode optimises the battery to allow you to reach whatever your programmed destination is, and does things like limit the top speed to 50mph, and cancel the climate control.

The 500 also has level two autonomy – cameras, adaptive cruise control, lane centring, speed assist and 360-degree sensors – to make your lives just that little bit easier. There’s a big 10.25in display front and centre, plus lots of other digital aids and connectivity.

The launch cars are dubbed ‘la Prima’, and come with a panoramic sunroof, a ‘more pronounced’ rear spoiler, and three exclusive paint options (green, grey, blue). You also get LED headlights, 17in wheels, chrome inserts and ‘eco-leather’.

Adorable little tyke, isn't it? Tell us: can this reinvented 500 cut it with the likes of the Honda e and Mini Electric?