ABARTH'S first all-electric car will make its public UK debut next month Salon Privé London next month.

The new Abarth 500e Scorpionissima is the collectable launch edition for the new Abarth 500e range, co-created with the Abarth community itself.

It's available in Acid Green paint, a bold new colour choice, with an equally eye-catching Poison Blue hue also offered and just 1,949 Abarth 500e Scorpionissima will be produced - a number that pays homage to the brand's birth year.

Special features for the new Abarth 500e Scorpionissima include 18-inch diamond-cut titanium grey alloys, front and rear Abarth lettering, and an ‘electrified' new take on the famous Abarth Scorpion signature logo.

Both hatchback and convertible versions are available, all wearing a sporty body kit that includes white front dam and rear diffuser.

The Abarth also has the performance to match its looks and with 155PS from the high-power electric motor, 0-62mph takes seven seconds. At city speeds from 12 to 25mph, it's a full 50 per cent faster than its petrol-powered counterpart.

The new electric 500e is a second faster than the potent Abarth 695 petrol turbo on the firm's Balocco test track, too.

And it has a unique soundtrack, courtesy of a distinctive sound generator that replicates the sound effects dedicated Abarthists seek.

A 42kWh battery gives the Abarth 500e Scorpionissima an ‘ample' driving range according to the company, and it comes as standard with an 85kW fast charging system.

This means up to 25 miles of range can be added in less than five minutes - and it can fast-charge to 80 per cent battery capacity in 35 minutes.