We are pleased to announce that the dualogic (semi automatic transmission ) gearbox is now available with the TwinAir engine.
With TwinAir dualogic, the world leading CO2 emissions and outstanding fuel consumption figures will improve even further achieving CO2 of just 92 g/Km and a combined fuel consumption of 70.6 mpg.
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Friday, 12 November 2010
FIAT 500 TWINAIR TOP PRIZE IN ECO:DRIVE GP COMPETITION
Fuel-conscious UK drivers are being offered the chance to win a new Fiat 500 TwinAir in an exciting Europe-wide competition from Fiat’s award-winning eco:Drive.
The meticulous motorists are being asked to demonstrate their environmental prowess behind the wheel – eco:Drive-style – for an opportunity to go to Italy to compete in an eco:Drive GP grand final with one of Fiat’s new two-cylinder city cars as top prize.
eco:Drive is free to download and works with Fiat’s widely acclaimed Blue&Me entertainment and communications system. Plugging a USB key into the Blue&Me port allows eco:Drive to record information about a motorist’s driving style and award an eco:Index score. By inserting the USB into a computer it shows how the user can become a more efficient driver.
To qualify, entrants must first register for the competition on the eco:Drive website: www.fiat.co.uk/ecodrive then collect at least five days’ worth of driving data to get on to the leaderboard. Then they must attempt to achieve the highest eco:Index, with the best male and female participant being declared the UK winners. The competition closes on 22 November.
UK victors will be invited to December’s Bologna Motor Show in Italy where they’ll compete against winners from other European countries in the grand final, a pre-determined driving course, in a bid to win the Fiat 500 TwinAir which can achieve 68.9mpg and emits just 95g/km CO2. Runners-up will receive a Blue&Me TomTom satnav.
“This is a wonderful competition for all Fiat users whose cars are fitted with eco:Drive,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK and Ireland. “Not only will it encourage people to think about how they are driving, but it also provides the opportunity for an exciting trip to Italy and the chance to win a great car which is already creating a buzz with both customers and the media.”
The new 500 TwinAir range starts at £10,665 (OTR) for the TwinAir Pop and rises to £16,065 (OTR) for the convertible 500C TwinAir byDIESEL.
Sign up to ecoDrive here and see how well you can do.
The meticulous motorists are being asked to demonstrate their environmental prowess behind the wheel – eco:Drive-style – for an opportunity to go to Italy to compete in an eco:Drive GP grand final with one of Fiat’s new two-cylinder city cars as top prize.
eco:Drive is free to download and works with Fiat’s widely acclaimed Blue&Me entertainment and communications system. Plugging a USB key into the Blue&Me port allows eco:Drive to record information about a motorist’s driving style and award an eco:Index score. By inserting the USB into a computer it shows how the user can become a more efficient driver.To qualify, entrants must first register for the competition on the eco:Drive website: www.fiat.co.uk/ecodrive then collect at least five days’ worth of driving data to get on to the leaderboard. Then they must attempt to achieve the highest eco:Index, with the best male and female participant being declared the UK winners. The competition closes on 22 November.
UK victors will be invited to December’s Bologna Motor Show in Italy where they’ll compete against winners from other European countries in the grand final, a pre-determined driving course, in a bid to win the Fiat 500 TwinAir which can achieve 68.9mpg and emits just 95g/km CO2. Runners-up will receive a Blue&Me TomTom satnav.
“This is a wonderful competition for all Fiat users whose cars are fitted with eco:Drive,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK and Ireland. “Not only will it encourage people to think about how they are driving, but it also provides the opportunity for an exciting trip to Italy and the chance to win a great car which is already creating a buzz with both customers and the media.”
The new 500 TwinAir range starts at £10,665 (OTR) for the TwinAir Pop and rises to £16,065 (OTR) for the convertible 500C TwinAir byDIESEL.
Sign up to ecoDrive here and see how well you can do.
INTERNATIONAL SINGER TOURS EUROPE WITH FIAT 500C
An internationally renowned singer-songwriter is undertaking a European concert tour, using three Fiat 500C convertible city cars as his transport.
Israeli-born Yoav Sadan launched his road trip, called Escape Plan 500C, on 20 September and has so far visited 18 major cities in 10 countries, including Milan, Paris, Lausanne, Munich, Copenhagen, Brussels and Berlin.
A critically acclaimed recording artist, Yoav is particularly admired across Europe, Canada and South Africa, where he was brought up. His whistle stop tour of Europe in the Fiat 500C has caught the imagination of his internet followers.
On his website (www.yoavmusic.com) Yoav tells fans: “I’m embarking on a massive road trip mission. I’m picking up three Fiat 500s and driving across Europe. We’ve just discovered that all my equipment fits in this tiny little car – and I fit in the trunk!”
Fiat Group Automobiles UK’s involvement is just one of many music-related projects being undertaken by the company, following the huge success of the Punto Evo Music Rooms in April this year and sponsorship of the new Faithless single Feelin Good this summer. In March the Fiat 500C Feelgood Playlist – which allowed owners to share favourite tracks, won a top innovation award.
“Yoav has a wonderful following here in the UK and we are delighted to help bring him to British fans,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK and Ireland. “The Fiat 500C makes a perfect touring car for Yoav – especially if the weather is fine, when he can roll the roof back and enjoy the last of any good weather as he makes his way to the next concert.”
Launched in July 2009, the Fiat 500C is available with a choice of three Euro 5-specification engines – 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre 16v petrol, and 1.3-litre 16v MultiJet diesel. Prices start at £12,465 OTR for the 1.2 Pop.
Israeli-born Yoav Sadan launched his road trip, called Escape Plan 500C, on 20 September and has so far visited 18 major cities in 10 countries, including Milan, Paris, Lausanne, Munich, Copenhagen, Brussels and Berlin.
A critically acclaimed recording artist, Yoav is particularly admired across Europe, Canada and South Africa, where he was brought up. His whistle stop tour of Europe in the Fiat 500C has caught the imagination of his internet followers.
On his website (www.yoavmusic.com) Yoav tells fans: “I’m embarking on a massive road trip mission. I’m picking up three Fiat 500s and driving across Europe. We’ve just discovered that all my equipment fits in this tiny little car – and I fit in the trunk!”
Fiat Group Automobiles UK’s involvement is just one of many music-related projects being undertaken by the company, following the huge success of the Punto Evo Music Rooms in April this year and sponsorship of the new Faithless single Feelin Good this summer. In March the Fiat 500C Feelgood Playlist – which allowed owners to share favourite tracks, won a top innovation award.
“Yoav has a wonderful following here in the UK and we are delighted to help bring him to British fans,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK and Ireland. “The Fiat 500C makes a perfect touring car for Yoav – especially if the weather is fine, when he can roll the roof back and enjoy the last of any good weather as he makes his way to the next concert.”
Launched in July 2009, the Fiat 500C is available with a choice of three Euro 5-specification engines – 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre 16v petrol, and 1.3-litre 16v MultiJet diesel. Prices start at £12,465 OTR for the 1.2 Pop.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
FIAT WINS THE 2010 TECHNOBEST PRIZE AWARD
For the second year running, Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the engine and transmission development and production division of the Fiat Group, has been awarded the prestigious international Technobest prize, with the 2010 honour going to the new Fiat TwinAir twin-cylinder engine, following last year’s award for MultiAir technology.
The Technobest 2010 prize was awarded by the international, independent Autobest jury made up of 15 specialist journalists from a number of countries whose populations together make up 300 million people: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Turkey and Ukraine.
Autobest was founded in 2000, and in the Automotive sector is considered among Europe’s most important automobile juries.
When it communicated the prize, the Autobest jury acknowledged the absolute technological innovation of the new TwinAir, which by taking the concept of downsizing to an extreme, thanks to innovative technology of electro-hydraulic control of the engine inlet valves, (MultiAir), has made it possible to achieve outstanding efficiency and minimal consumption.
The 85 hp turbo version of the new family of TwinAir engines made its official debut at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show. Its distinctive features are its compact size and cutting edge technology, which enables the engine to set new efficiency standards, with consumption that is the lowest in its class, confirming the Fiat Group’s leadership in this sector.
The TwinAir boasts a number of particularly sophisticated technological features, normally only found in higher engine classes. Two examples are the electro-hydraulic control of the inlet valves, (MultiAir), which is installed on all TwinAir engines, and the timing chain which drastically cuts engine running costs because it does not need any maintenance. A balancing countershaft also guarantees that vibrational comfort is maintained in all operating conditions.
Depending on the version (normally aspirated, turbocharged and bi-fuel CNG), the TwinAir can deliver from 65 to 105 bhp. The top-of-the-range versions in particular, stand out for their excellent specific power and torque figures, delivered with a cylinder capacity of just 875 cc.
Because of its extremely small size, the new TwinAir engine is ideally suited to being coupled with an electric engine, producing a hybrid propulsion unit that is particularly suitable for use in town. It maximises the advantages of hybrid propulsion by making it possible to store and recover the energy normally dissipated during frequent deceleration and braking.
The 85bhp TwinAir engine now becoming available in the new Fiat 500, produces CO2 emissions of just 92 g/km with the version with MTA Dualogic gearbox, the lowest offered today in the petrol engine market.
The 2010 Technobest Prize is further confirmation of the attention that the Fiat Group and Fiat Powertrain Technologies focus on respect for the environment, and their consequent and continuous commitment to the reduction of polluting emissions.
Fiat Automobiles has again demonstrated its environmental credentials after registering the lowest average CO2 emissions for cars sold in Europe in the first half of 2010. The figure of 123.5 g/km was corroborated by leading automotive adviser, JATO, and is one of a succession of landmark results dating back to 2007.
Fiat Group Automobiles also remains in first place in the classification by company, with a value of 126.2 g/km, which underlines yet again its technological leadership in terms of environmental sustainability.
The Technobest 2010 prize was awarded by the international, independent Autobest jury made up of 15 specialist journalists from a number of countries whose populations together make up 300 million people: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Turkey and Ukraine.
Autobest was founded in 2000, and in the Automotive sector is considered among Europe’s most important automobile juries.
When it communicated the prize, the Autobest jury acknowledged the absolute technological innovation of the new TwinAir, which by taking the concept of downsizing to an extreme, thanks to innovative technology of electro-hydraulic control of the engine inlet valves, (MultiAir), has made it possible to achieve outstanding efficiency and minimal consumption.
The 85 hp turbo version of the new family of TwinAir engines made its official debut at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show. Its distinctive features are its compact size and cutting edge technology, which enables the engine to set new efficiency standards, with consumption that is the lowest in its class, confirming the Fiat Group’s leadership in this sector.
The TwinAir boasts a number of particularly sophisticated technological features, normally only found in higher engine classes. Two examples are the electro-hydraulic control of the inlet valves, (MultiAir), which is installed on all TwinAir engines, and the timing chain which drastically cuts engine running costs because it does not need any maintenance. A balancing countershaft also guarantees that vibrational comfort is maintained in all operating conditions.
Depending on the version (normally aspirated, turbocharged and bi-fuel CNG), the TwinAir can deliver from 65 to 105 bhp. The top-of-the-range versions in particular, stand out for their excellent specific power and torque figures, delivered with a cylinder capacity of just 875 cc.
Because of its extremely small size, the new TwinAir engine is ideally suited to being coupled with an electric engine, producing a hybrid propulsion unit that is particularly suitable for use in town. It maximises the advantages of hybrid propulsion by making it possible to store and recover the energy normally dissipated during frequent deceleration and braking.
The 85bhp TwinAir engine now becoming available in the new Fiat 500, produces CO2 emissions of just 92 g/km with the version with MTA Dualogic gearbox, the lowest offered today in the petrol engine market.
The 2010 Technobest Prize is further confirmation of the attention that the Fiat Group and Fiat Powertrain Technologies focus on respect for the environment, and their consequent and continuous commitment to the reduction of polluting emissions.
Fiat Automobiles has again demonstrated its environmental credentials after registering the lowest average CO2 emissions for cars sold in Europe in the first half of 2010. The figure of 123.5 g/km was corroborated by leading automotive adviser, JATO, and is one of a succession of landmark results dating back to 2007.
Fiat Group Automobiles also remains in first place in the classification by company, with a value of 126.2 g/km, which underlines yet again its technological leadership in terms of environmental sustainability.
Monday, 18 October 2010
TWINAIR: the latest in a long line of innovative engines from Fiat
Fiat's new TwinAir engine is no flash-in-the-pan, sudden stroke of genius. Over the years, Fiat has been at the forefront of new engine technology, developing innovations that many other manufacturers have subsequently adopted.
1985: Fiat introduces its Fully Integrated and Robotized Engine (FIRE). Still in production today, its success speaks for itself.
1987: Fiat launches the world's first direct injection diesel engine for cars in the Fiat Croma.
1997: The world's first Common Rail, direct injection Unijet diesel engine - Now in all diesel cars!
2003: UniJet gives way to MultiJet fuel injection, which means up to 5 injections per fuel cycle.
2009: MultiJet II technology delivers 8 fuel injections instead of 5 for even better fuel consumption, lower emissions, smoothness and refinement.
2009: MultiAir technology, with it's revolutionary electro-hydraulic valve control system. It wins 'Technobest 2009' and 'Best New Engine' in the International Engine of the Year Awards.
2010: Now TwinAir, the world's first two-cylinder, turbocharged MultiAir engine. It delivers class leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions along with the kind of performance, refinement and fun that drivers expect from a conventional 4 cylinder petrol engine.
Fiat's credentials for producing inspirational engines are second to none. TwinAir now continues it's traditions of radical thinking and groundbreaking engineering
1985: Fiat introduces its Fully Integrated and Robotized Engine (FIRE). Still in production today, its success speaks for itself.
1987: Fiat launches the world's first direct injection diesel engine for cars in the Fiat Croma.
1997: The world's first Common Rail, direct injection Unijet diesel engine - Now in all diesel cars!
2003: UniJet gives way to MultiJet fuel injection, which means up to 5 injections per fuel cycle.
2009: MultiJet II technology delivers 8 fuel injections instead of 5 for even better fuel consumption, lower emissions, smoothness and refinement.
2009: MultiAir technology, with it's revolutionary electro-hydraulic valve control system. It wins 'Technobest 2009' and 'Best New Engine' in the International Engine of the Year Awards.
2010: Now TwinAir, the world's first two-cylinder, turbocharged MultiAir engine. It delivers class leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions along with the kind of performance, refinement and fun that drivers expect from a conventional 4 cylinder petrol engine.
Fiat's credentials for producing inspirational engines are second to none. TwinAir now continues it's traditions of radical thinking and groundbreaking engineering
TWINAIR - THE PETROL ENGINE REINVENTED
Just two years ago, as part of Fiat's Extreme Downsizing programme, work began on a small, 2-cylinder petrol engine with not only class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions, but also with all the performance of a 4-cylinder unit. This incredible new powerplant is a revolution that has stunned the automotive world. A quick look at the facts and figures explains why:
* 95 g/km CO2 emissions: the lowest of any petrol engine in the world
* 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle: the most fuel efficient petrol engine
* 85 bhp: as powerful as a mainstream B segment vehicles
* Top speed: 108 mph
* 0-62 mph: 11.0 seconds
* 145 Nm at just 1900 rpm: high torque at low rpm, meaning rapid acceleration and responsiveness
Compared to the Fiat 500's popular 1.2 litre engine, the TwinAir delivers 23% more power, a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 15% reduction in fuel consumption!
* 95 g/km CO2 emissions: the lowest of any petrol engine in the world
* 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle: the most fuel efficient petrol engine
* 85 bhp: as powerful as a mainstream B segment vehicles
* Top speed: 108 mph
* 0-62 mph: 11.0 seconds
* 145 Nm at just 1900 rpm: high torque at low rpm, meaning rapid acceleration and responsiveness
Compared to the Fiat 500's popular 1.2 litre engine, the TwinAir delivers 23% more power, a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 15% reduction in fuel consumption!
Thursday, 14 October 2010
NEW FIAT 500 TWINAIR - COMMING SOON
Class leading economy from the world's most eco-friendly petrol-powered car
When it goes on sale on the 28th October; the sensational new Fiat 500 TwinAir is destined to be a massive hit with car buyers all over the world. Not only will it delight cost conscious customers with best-in-class fuel economy, it will also please everyone who's concerned with the environment by being the cleanest petrol engined car in the world! But what's guaranteed to put a smile on everyone's faces is the way the Fiat 500 TwinAir performs. It delivers all the fun and excitement that you'd expect of a Fiat 500, plus brilliant response that makes it a sensational car to drive around town. Another first for Fiat, it's the perfect city car.
When it goes on sale on the 28th October; the sensational new Fiat 500 TwinAir is destined to be a massive hit with car buyers all over the world. Not only will it delight cost conscious customers with best-in-class fuel economy, it will also please everyone who's concerned with the environment by being the cleanest petrol engined car in the world! But what's guaranteed to put a smile on everyone's faces is the way the Fiat 500 TwinAir performs. It delivers all the fun and excitement that you'd expect of a Fiat 500, plus brilliant response that makes it a sensational car to drive around town. Another first for Fiat, it's the perfect city car.
Thursday, 7 October 2010
Lowest CO2 manufacturer in Europe
Fiat Automobiles has again demonstrated its environmental credentials after registering the lowest average CO2 emissions for cars sold in Europe in the first half of 2010.
The figure of 123.5 g/km was corroborated by leading automotive advisor JATO, and is one of a succession of landmark results dating back to 2007.
Of the top 10 brands, Fiat is ahead of Toyota (128.0 g/km), Peugeot (132.3 g/km), Citroen (133.4 g/km), Renault (134.6 g/km), Ford (137.0 g/km), Opel/Vauxhall (141.0 g/km), Volkswagen (142.2 g/km), Audi (154.2 g/km) and BMW (154.5 g/km).
This important outcome is one of three exceptional results recorded in the model and group rankings. Although all the 20 best-selling models in Europe reduced their emissions in the first half of 2010, no fewer than three Fiat vehicles are ranked in high positions: the Fiat 500 is first with 116.0 g/km of CO2, the Fiat Panda comes second (118.9 g/km) and the Fiat Punto is in fourth place (123.5 g/km).
Fiat Group Automobiles was also confirmed first among the groups (126.2 g/km), increasing the gap with respect to Toyota (130.0 g/km), PSA (132.8 g/km), Renault (136.7 g/km) and Hyundai (138.3 g/km). It means Fiat is the only automotive group that is already below the European average goal of 130 g/km set for 2015.
Fiat SpA is also widely recognised as a sustainability leader. For the second consecutive year the corporation has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World and Dow Jones Sustainability Europe indexes, receiving a score of 93/100 compared with the Automobiles sector average of 70/100.
And last month Fiat Group was recognised as the Automobiles sector leader in the Sustainalytics assessment with a score of 79/100. Sustainalytics is a global provider of environmental, social and governance research.
These ecological achievements are the result of a long-term strategy based on a two-pronged approach: implementing technological solutions aimed at containing consumption and emissions, and raising the awareness of motorists to encourage a more responsible, eco-compatible use of their cars.
The figure of 123.5 g/km was corroborated by leading automotive advisor JATO, and is one of a succession of landmark results dating back to 2007.
Of the top 10 brands, Fiat is ahead of Toyota (128.0 g/km), Peugeot (132.3 g/km), Citroen (133.4 g/km), Renault (134.6 g/km), Ford (137.0 g/km), Opel/Vauxhall (141.0 g/km), Volkswagen (142.2 g/km), Audi (154.2 g/km) and BMW (154.5 g/km).
This important outcome is one of three exceptional results recorded in the model and group rankings. Although all the 20 best-selling models in Europe reduced their emissions in the first half of 2010, no fewer than three Fiat vehicles are ranked in high positions: the Fiat 500 is first with 116.0 g/km of CO2, the Fiat Panda comes second (118.9 g/km) and the Fiat Punto is in fourth place (123.5 g/km).
Fiat Group Automobiles was also confirmed first among the groups (126.2 g/km), increasing the gap with respect to Toyota (130.0 g/km), PSA (132.8 g/km), Renault (136.7 g/km) and Hyundai (138.3 g/km). It means Fiat is the only automotive group that is already below the European average goal of 130 g/km set for 2015.
Fiat SpA is also widely recognised as a sustainability leader. For the second consecutive year the corporation has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World and Dow Jones Sustainability Europe indexes, receiving a score of 93/100 compared with the Automobiles sector average of 70/100.
And last month Fiat Group was recognised as the Automobiles sector leader in the Sustainalytics assessment with a score of 79/100. Sustainalytics is a global provider of environmental, social and governance research.
These ecological achievements are the result of a long-term strategy based on a two-pronged approach: implementing technological solutions aimed at containing consumption and emissions, and raising the awareness of motorists to encourage a more responsible, eco-compatible use of their cars.
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
FIAT 500 BLACK JACK
Fancy a Fiat 500 with a bit more aggression? The BlackJack special edition could be just the car. Steve Walker reports.
Next to the loud and vibrant paint colours that are available on modern cars in various shiny finishes, matt black sounds like a bit of a come down. You might be thinking that you could achieve a passable matt black effect for your car with a spare hour and a tin of Dulux but there’s more to it than that. The latest matt paint finishes produce a high quality and highly distinctive look, one which also happens to be the height of current automotive fashion.
Such luminaries as the Lamborghini Gallardo and the Ford Focus RS500 have recently wowed the public in matt black and now it’s the turn of the somewhat more affordable Fiat 500 BlackJack.
The Fiat 500 has a growing catalogue of special edition versions to its name and like the limited run models that went before it, the BlackJack represents a good value way of getting into Fiat’s irrepressibly chirpy little citycar. Time may be of the essence though as only 200 examples are set to make their way onto the UK’s streets.
Sitting at the bottom of the Fiat 500 engine line-up, the 1.2-litre unit is nothing to get overly excited about but it keeps costs down and the BlackJack is also offered with 1.4-litre power for those seeking more pace. The 1.2 is an 8-valve 4-cylinder engine that produces a maximum of 69bhp at 5,500rpm and only 102Nm of torque. At least the 500 is both lightweight and used primarily for short journeys in urban areas. This means that the engine isn’t asked to work too hard and shouldn’t be too often exposed to the open road, where its lack of punch might be more evident. The 1.4 has 98bhp and torque of 130Nm, enough to make the 500 a more adept all-rounder.
The 0-60mph sprint time of the 1.2 cars is nothing to be ashamed of at 12.9s but that’s nearly two and a half seconds down on the 1.4-litre unit. With top speeds of 99mph and 113mph respectively, occasional motorway jaunts are far from out of the question with either engine installed but the 1.4 will feel more at home.
"The limited run of 200 models should enhance the car’s appeal…"
The 500 is notably less cute than normal in BlackJack guise. The Matt black paintwork combined with the 16" matt black alloy wheels with red detailing give it a mean and moody look of the kind that isn’t usually associated with Fiat’s lovable tot. The cars with the 1.4-litre engine get red brake callipers as well while all models feature door handles, mirrors and body mouldings in a contrasting black metallic finish.
At 1.65m wide, 1.49m high and 3.55m long, the 500 doesn’t take up a great deal of space. For reference, a MINI is 1.91m wide, 1.40m high and 3.68m long: in other words much wider, a little lower and a fair bit longer. Even Renault’s second generation Twingo, at 3.60m, won’t fit into some parking spaces the 500 will be able to squeeze into.
Despite these compact measurements, interior space is OK for a citycar. You can seat adults in the back, though they may not thank you for it, and there’s no problem up front even if driver and passenger are somewhat big boned. The luggage capacity of 185-litres doesn’t give owners too many options but if, like most citycar owners, your back seats are invariably unoccupied, they can cope with the boot’s overspill. The design inside follows the cute, retro themes of the exterior and feels special – a difficult thing to achieve in a car at this price point. The black theme is carried over in the cabin and special floor mats are thrown in as part of the package.
It’s the Sport trim level from the standard Fiat 500 range that forms the basis of the BlackJack special edition. That means the car features air-conditioning, remote central locking, a CD stereo and a trip computer. There are also styling enhancements like front fog lights, a rear spoiler and dark tinted windows. Fiat’s innovative Blue&Me system is also thrown in with its Bluetooth phone connectivity and voice recognition. 1.4-litre models also include ESP stability control while all models have a fuel-saving Stop&Start system.
The point of the Stop&Start system in the BlackJack is to lower fuel consumption and emissions, so how well does it do? On the combined cycle, there’s a 3.5mpg improvement over a standard 1.2-litre 500 taking the figure to 60.1mpg with emissions of CO2 at 110g/km. That’s a useful amount multiplied out across a typical ownership period and the advantages are likely to be even more pronounced if you do most of your driving in congested urban areas where being stationary is par for the course. The 1.4-litre models make 50.4mpg with 130g/km emissions,
Matt black is the new black according to the automotive industry’s trend setters and Fiat’s 500 is full onboard the bandwagon. The BlackJack special edition models benefits from a slick and mysterious matt black paint finish that sets them apart from other citycar options. The limited run of 200 models should enhance the car’s appeal and anyone wanting the cute Fiat city car with a little more attitude is likely to be persuaded.
The Fiat 500 has always operated at the trendy end of the city car market with its retro styling and endearing design features. The BlackJack models further its appeal in this direction but it’s the fun, easy-driving feel of the car that will remain its trump card.
© 2010 Car & Driving
Next to the loud and vibrant paint colours that are available on modern cars in various shiny finishes, matt black sounds like a bit of a come down. You might be thinking that you could achieve a passable matt black effect for your car with a spare hour and a tin of Dulux but there’s more to it than that. The latest matt paint finishes produce a high quality and highly distinctive look, one which also happens to be the height of current automotive fashion.
Such luminaries as the Lamborghini Gallardo and the Ford Focus RS500 have recently wowed the public in matt black and now it’s the turn of the somewhat more affordable Fiat 500 BlackJack.
The Fiat 500 has a growing catalogue of special edition versions to its name and like the limited run models that went before it, the BlackJack represents a good value way of getting into Fiat’s irrepressibly chirpy little citycar. Time may be of the essence though as only 200 examples are set to make their way onto the UK’s streets.
Sitting at the bottom of the Fiat 500 engine line-up, the 1.2-litre unit is nothing to get overly excited about but it keeps costs down and the BlackJack is also offered with 1.4-litre power for those seeking more pace. The 1.2 is an 8-valve 4-cylinder engine that produces a maximum of 69bhp at 5,500rpm and only 102Nm of torque. At least the 500 is both lightweight and used primarily for short journeys in urban areas. This means that the engine isn’t asked to work too hard and shouldn’t be too often exposed to the open road, where its lack of punch might be more evident. The 1.4 has 98bhp and torque of 130Nm, enough to make the 500 a more adept all-rounder.
The 0-60mph sprint time of the 1.2 cars is nothing to be ashamed of at 12.9s but that’s nearly two and a half seconds down on the 1.4-litre unit. With top speeds of 99mph and 113mph respectively, occasional motorway jaunts are far from out of the question with either engine installed but the 1.4 will feel more at home.
"The limited run of 200 models should enhance the car’s appeal…"
The 500 is notably less cute than normal in BlackJack guise. The Matt black paintwork combined with the 16" matt black alloy wheels with red detailing give it a mean and moody look of the kind that isn’t usually associated with Fiat’s lovable tot. The cars with the 1.4-litre engine get red brake callipers as well while all models feature door handles, mirrors and body mouldings in a contrasting black metallic finish.
At 1.65m wide, 1.49m high and 3.55m long, the 500 doesn’t take up a great deal of space. For reference, a MINI is 1.91m wide, 1.40m high and 3.68m long: in other words much wider, a little lower and a fair bit longer. Even Renault’s second generation Twingo, at 3.60m, won’t fit into some parking spaces the 500 will be able to squeeze into.
Despite these compact measurements, interior space is OK for a citycar. You can seat adults in the back, though they may not thank you for it, and there’s no problem up front even if driver and passenger are somewhat big boned. The luggage capacity of 185-litres doesn’t give owners too many options but if, like most citycar owners, your back seats are invariably unoccupied, they can cope with the boot’s overspill. The design inside follows the cute, retro themes of the exterior and feels special – a difficult thing to achieve in a car at this price point. The black theme is carried over in the cabin and special floor mats are thrown in as part of the package.
It’s the Sport trim level from the standard Fiat 500 range that forms the basis of the BlackJack special edition. That means the car features air-conditioning, remote central locking, a CD stereo and a trip computer. There are also styling enhancements like front fog lights, a rear spoiler and dark tinted windows. Fiat’s innovative Blue&Me system is also thrown in with its Bluetooth phone connectivity and voice recognition. 1.4-litre models also include ESP stability control while all models have a fuel-saving Stop&Start system.
The point of the Stop&Start system in the BlackJack is to lower fuel consumption and emissions, so how well does it do? On the combined cycle, there’s a 3.5mpg improvement over a standard 1.2-litre 500 taking the figure to 60.1mpg with emissions of CO2 at 110g/km. That’s a useful amount multiplied out across a typical ownership period and the advantages are likely to be even more pronounced if you do most of your driving in congested urban areas where being stationary is par for the course. The 1.4-litre models make 50.4mpg with 130g/km emissions,
Matt black is the new black according to the automotive industry’s trend setters and Fiat’s 500 is full onboard the bandwagon. The BlackJack special edition models benefits from a slick and mysterious matt black paint finish that sets them apart from other citycar options. The limited run of 200 models should enhance the car’s appeal and anyone wanting the cute Fiat city car with a little more attitude is likely to be persuaded.
The Fiat 500 has always operated at the trendy end of the city car market with its retro styling and endearing design features. The BlackJack models further its appeal in this direction but it’s the fun, easy-driving feel of the car that will remain its trump card.
© 2010 Car & Driving
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
FIAT’S NEW FOOTBALL DEAL SET TO BE AN ASTON THRILLER
Fiat Group Automobiles UK is to extend its football associations following the announcement of a new fleet deal with high-achieving Premier League club Aston Villa Football Club.
The company is already official vehicle supplier to the England football team and Wembley Stadium, and this new arrangement marks a move into top-level club soccer.
The four-year agreement, which kicks off today (2 August) – just before the start of the new Premier League football season – includes Fiat cars and Fiat Professional commercial vehicles, and is the latest in a series of high profile deals which also include tie-ins with British Cycling, and the BSM driving school.
The arrangement perfectly complements the history and heritage enjoyed by both businesses – Fiat has produced around 90 million vehicles since it was founded in Turin in 1899, while Aston Villa FC formed in 1874 and was a founder member of the Football League in 1888.
Fiat’s award-winning 500 city car, the new Fiat Punto Evo, new Fiat Doblo and rugged Fiat Ducato are among the vehicles being taken by Aston Villa. With such a huge fan base at the football club, the deal will increase awareness of the Fiat brand among thousands of potential customers.
“This is another fantastic opportunity for both Fiat and Aston Villa,” says Andrew Humberstone, Managing Director, FGA UK & Ireland. “We are enjoying considerable success with current sports tie-ins and I am sure this latest deal with Aston Villa will bring us similar results.”
“Aston Villa represents a key partner in the newly launched MyFiat loyalty card,” adds Paolo Lo Monaco, Finance and Business Development Director, FGA UK & Ireland. “And on top of the significant cross-marketing opportunities from the loyalty card, the partnership will offer Fiat brands major exposure into the Birmingham automotive market through both the retail and corporate environments of the Aston Villa network.”
Aston Villa’s Chief Executive, Paul Faulkner says: "We are delighted to be entering this partnership with a leading international brand such as Fiat. Not only will this relationship benefit our fans by providing them with special terms on vehicles, it is also part of our continuing plan to develop and strengthen key commercial partnerships off the field alongside a successful team on the pitch.”
The company is already official vehicle supplier to the England football team and Wembley Stadium, and this new arrangement marks a move into top-level club soccer.
The four-year agreement, which kicks off today (2 August) – just before the start of the new Premier League football season – includes Fiat cars and Fiat Professional commercial vehicles, and is the latest in a series of high profile deals which also include tie-ins with British Cycling, and the BSM driving school.
The arrangement perfectly complements the history and heritage enjoyed by both businesses – Fiat has produced around 90 million vehicles since it was founded in Turin in 1899, while Aston Villa FC formed in 1874 and was a founder member of the Football League in 1888.
Fiat’s award-winning 500 city car, the new Fiat Punto Evo, new Fiat Doblo and rugged Fiat Ducato are among the vehicles being taken by Aston Villa. With such a huge fan base at the football club, the deal will increase awareness of the Fiat brand among thousands of potential customers.
“This is another fantastic opportunity for both Fiat and Aston Villa,” says Andrew Humberstone, Managing Director, FGA UK & Ireland. “We are enjoying considerable success with current sports tie-ins and I am sure this latest deal with Aston Villa will bring us similar results.”
“Aston Villa represents a key partner in the newly launched MyFiat loyalty card,” adds Paolo Lo Monaco, Finance and Business Development Director, FGA UK & Ireland. “And on top of the significant cross-marketing opportunities from the loyalty card, the partnership will offer Fiat brands major exposure into the Birmingham automotive market through both the retail and corporate environments of the Aston Villa network.”
Aston Villa’s Chief Executive, Paul Faulkner says: "We are delighted to be entering this partnership with a leading international brand such as Fiat. Not only will this relationship benefit our fans by providing them with special terms on vehicles, it is also part of our continuing plan to develop and strengthen key commercial partnerships off the field alongside a successful team on the pitch.”
Thursday, 15 July 2010
FIAT 500 SCOOPS ANOTHER TOP GREEN AWARD
The award-winning Fiat 500 supermini has received further confirmation of its green credentials after scooping top honours in the Supermini category of the What Car? Green Awards for the second year in a row.
The awards, which took place last night (14 July) at Twickenham Stadium, Middlesex, are designed to recognise and highlight motoring’s most economical and environmentally-friendly cars.
The What Car? judges chose the 1.2-litre version of the Fiat 500 for top supermini honours in this year’s competition – the same award as the one picked up by the popular city car in 2009. The vehicle is fitted as standard with Fiat’s fuel-saving Start&Stop system – as are all 500 models.
The Start&Stop system stops the engine automatically whenever traffic conditions bring the car to a complete halt, and restarts it when the driver wants to move off again.
“It’s everything that a green supermini should be – affordable, fun and easy on the environment,” says What Car? editor-in-chief Steve Fowler. “It’s no surprise Fiat’s brilliant 500 has won this category for the second year in a row. Nothing else in this class can mix as much style, affordability and fun with such green credentials.”
“Part of the 500’s attraction to customers is that it delivers great value for money at the fuel pumps,” adds Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd. “Add in the fact that the car is great to drive, stylish and fantastic to look at, and we think we have a winning formula. I’m delighted that the What Car? judges agree with us.”
Available with a choice of three frugal, ultra-low emissions, Euro 5-compliant engines: 69bhp 1.2-litre and 100bhp 1.4-litre petrol, or 95bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel, the new Fiat 500 can be ordered in three different trim levels – Pop, Sport and Lounge – along with a limited edition 500byDiesel version.
With a starting price of just £9,465 OTR for the 1.2 Pop, the new Fiat 500 represents outstanding value for money.
The awards, which took place last night (14 July) at Twickenham Stadium, Middlesex, are designed to recognise and highlight motoring’s most economical and environmentally-friendly cars.
The What Car? judges chose the 1.2-litre version of the Fiat 500 for top supermini honours in this year’s competition – the same award as the one picked up by the popular city car in 2009. The vehicle is fitted as standard with Fiat’s fuel-saving Start&Stop system – as are all 500 models.
The Start&Stop system stops the engine automatically whenever traffic conditions bring the car to a complete halt, and restarts it when the driver wants to move off again.
“It’s everything that a green supermini should be – affordable, fun and easy on the environment,” says What Car? editor-in-chief Steve Fowler. “It’s no surprise Fiat’s brilliant 500 has won this category for the second year in a row. Nothing else in this class can mix as much style, affordability and fun with such green credentials.”
“Part of the 500’s attraction to customers is that it delivers great value for money at the fuel pumps,” adds Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd. “Add in the fact that the car is great to drive, stylish and fantastic to look at, and we think we have a winning formula. I’m delighted that the What Car? judges agree with us.”
Available with a choice of three frugal, ultra-low emissions, Euro 5-compliant engines: 69bhp 1.2-litre and 100bhp 1.4-litre petrol, or 95bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel, the new Fiat 500 can be ordered in three different trim levels – Pop, Sport and Lounge – along with a limited edition 500byDiesel version.
With a starting price of just £9,465 OTR for the 1.2 Pop, the new Fiat 500 represents outstanding value for money.
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Fiat 500 Pink - Think Pink
If you want a pink car, there aren’t too many options but the Fiat 500 Pink is one. Steve Walker takes a look.
Close your eyes and imagine the least masculine car you can. A vehicle that will have certain socioeconomic groups swooning but would be the very last thing the stereotypical white van man, lumberjack or Royal Marine Commando would want to be seen driving around town in. You might never have seen or heard of a Fiat 500 but there’s a very good chance you’re currently picturing that car and that it’s in Pink special edition guise.
Fiat isn’t aiming for a broad appeal with this model, offered in fixed top or convertible 500C guises. Some people will run a mile at the prospect of the cheekily retro 500 citycar with shocking pink bodywork but others will doubtless see it as all their motoring fantasies made metal. Whatever your viewpoint, it’s hard not to have an opinion on the 500 Pink. It’s a difficult car to ignore and with only 500 examples due to be sold, a key reason for its existence is to raise awareness of the models in the Fiat 500 range that don’t look like giant marshmallows.
Sitting at the bottom of the Fiat 500 engine line-up, the 1.2-litre unit is nothing to get overly excited about but the Pink’s paintwork will bring all the excitement most people can take so that may not be a problem. It’s a 1,242cc 8-valve 4-cylinder engine that produces a maximum of 69bhp at 5,500rpm and only 102Nm of torque. At least the 500 is both lightweight and used primarily for short journeys in urban areas. This means that the engine isn’t asked to work too hard and should be exposed to the open road, where its lack of punch might be more evident, only infrequently.
The 0-60mph sprint time is nothing to be ashamed of at 12.9s and is less than half a second down on the range-topping diesel engine. With a top speed of 99mph, occasional motorway jaunts are far from out of the question.
"Fiat says that the 500 Pink will appeal "mainly to young women" and it’s not wrong"
It’s pink, I think we’ve established that. Otherwise, this special edition version of the 500 is similar to the standard car. There’s a side rubbing strip with the 500 badge on each flank and the interior is in black to give those scorched retinas a well earned break.
At 1.65m wide, 1.49m high and 3.55m long, the 500 doesn’t take up a great deal of space. For reference, a MINI is 1.91m wide, 1.40m high and 3.68m long: in other words much wider, a little lower and a fair bit longer. Even Renault’s second generation Twingo, at 3.60m, won’t fit into some parking spaces the 500 will be able to squeeze into.
Despite these compact measurements, interior space is OK for a citycar. You can seat adults in the back, though they may not thank you for it, and there’s no problem up front even if driver and passenger are somewhat big boned. The luggage capacity of 185-litres doesn’t give owners too many options but if, like most citycar owners, your back seats are invariably unoccupied, they can cope with the boot’s overspill. The design inside follows the cute, retro themes of the exterior and feels special – a difficult thing to achieve in a car at this price point.
Based on the Lounge trim level from the everyday 500 range, the Pink special edition adds £1,500 of extra equipment for a £1,000 increase in price. It sounds like a decent deal. The extras run to a sunroof, a leather gear knob, special carpet mats and a Pink key cover to let everyone know who owns that pink car in the car park. There’s also Fiat’s Start&Stop technology which enhances the 500’s fuel economy when driving in town.
You don’t catch sight of many pink cars on the road and there may well be a good reason for that but Fiat is confident of selling all 500 versions of the 500 Pink. The car is not without precedent because, if memory serves, Nissan once rolled out a Pink special edition version of its Micra C+C cabriolet. That car also caused quite a stir in the motoring press and there was the suspicion that all the publicity may have been an end in itself. Anyway, there will be people out there who have been yearning for a pink car - there may even be 500 of them - and if that particular shade can be said to suit any modern vehicle, the Fiat 500 is it.
The point of the Stop&Start system in the 500 Pink is to lower fuel consumption and emissions, so how well does it do? On the combined cycle, there’s a 3.5mpg improvement over a standard 1.2-litre 500 taking the figure to 58.9mpg with emissions of CO2 dropping from 119g/km to 113g/km. That’s a useful amount multiplied out across a typical ownership period and the advantages are likely to be even more pronounced if you do most of your driving in congested urban areas where being stationary is par for the course.
The 500 should prove a particularly cheap car to run - and not just because of its low fuel consumption. Insurance is in a reasonable group 4 for the Pink model but there must be a question mark over the residual value of a car with such a lurid colour scheme. .
The pink car has yet to catch on in any meaningful way with UK motorists but Fiat is hoping to change that with its 500 Pink special edition. It’s not just any old pink either: the car is shocking PINK with pink accessories. Needless to say, this model is not going to be for everyone but Fiat is hoping to sell 500 of them and failing that, it should generate a whole lot of publicity for the lower key versions of its 500 citycar.
Fiat says that the 500 Pink will appeal "mainly to young women" and it’s not wrong. It could even be the perfect vehicle for ladies fed up with the man in their life borrowing their car. With a decent haul of extra equipment and a reasonable price tag, it looks decent value but the 500 Pink could be a tricky car to sell on.
Close your eyes and imagine the least masculine car you can. A vehicle that will have certain socioeconomic groups swooning but would be the very last thing the stereotypical white van man, lumberjack or Royal Marine Commando would want to be seen driving around town in. You might never have seen or heard of a Fiat 500 but there’s a very good chance you’re currently picturing that car and that it’s in Pink special edition guise.
Fiat isn’t aiming for a broad appeal with this model, offered in fixed top or convertible 500C guises. Some people will run a mile at the prospect of the cheekily retro 500 citycar with shocking pink bodywork but others will doubtless see it as all their motoring fantasies made metal. Whatever your viewpoint, it’s hard not to have an opinion on the 500 Pink. It’s a difficult car to ignore and with only 500 examples due to be sold, a key reason for its existence is to raise awareness of the models in the Fiat 500 range that don’t look like giant marshmallows.
Sitting at the bottom of the Fiat 500 engine line-up, the 1.2-litre unit is nothing to get overly excited about but the Pink’s paintwork will bring all the excitement most people can take so that may not be a problem. It’s a 1,242cc 8-valve 4-cylinder engine that produces a maximum of 69bhp at 5,500rpm and only 102Nm of torque. At least the 500 is both lightweight and used primarily for short journeys in urban areas. This means that the engine isn’t asked to work too hard and should be exposed to the open road, where its lack of punch might be more evident, only infrequently.
The 0-60mph sprint time is nothing to be ashamed of at 12.9s and is less than half a second down on the range-topping diesel engine. With a top speed of 99mph, occasional motorway jaunts are far from out of the question.
"Fiat says that the 500 Pink will appeal "mainly to young women" and it’s not wrong"
It’s pink, I think we’ve established that. Otherwise, this special edition version of the 500 is similar to the standard car. There’s a side rubbing strip with the 500 badge on each flank and the interior is in black to give those scorched retinas a well earned break.
At 1.65m wide, 1.49m high and 3.55m long, the 500 doesn’t take up a great deal of space. For reference, a MINI is 1.91m wide, 1.40m high and 3.68m long: in other words much wider, a little lower and a fair bit longer. Even Renault’s second generation Twingo, at 3.60m, won’t fit into some parking spaces the 500 will be able to squeeze into.
Despite these compact measurements, interior space is OK for a citycar. You can seat adults in the back, though they may not thank you for it, and there’s no problem up front even if driver and passenger are somewhat big boned. The luggage capacity of 185-litres doesn’t give owners too many options but if, like most citycar owners, your back seats are invariably unoccupied, they can cope with the boot’s overspill. The design inside follows the cute, retro themes of the exterior and feels special – a difficult thing to achieve in a car at this price point.
Based on the Lounge trim level from the everyday 500 range, the Pink special edition adds £1,500 of extra equipment for a £1,000 increase in price. It sounds like a decent deal. The extras run to a sunroof, a leather gear knob, special carpet mats and a Pink key cover to let everyone know who owns that pink car in the car park. There’s also Fiat’s Start&Stop technology which enhances the 500’s fuel economy when driving in town.
You don’t catch sight of many pink cars on the road and there may well be a good reason for that but Fiat is confident of selling all 500 versions of the 500 Pink. The car is not without precedent because, if memory serves, Nissan once rolled out a Pink special edition version of its Micra C+C cabriolet. That car also caused quite a stir in the motoring press and there was the suspicion that all the publicity may have been an end in itself. Anyway, there will be people out there who have been yearning for a pink car - there may even be 500 of them - and if that particular shade can be said to suit any modern vehicle, the Fiat 500 is it.
The point of the Stop&Start system in the 500 Pink is to lower fuel consumption and emissions, so how well does it do? On the combined cycle, there’s a 3.5mpg improvement over a standard 1.2-litre 500 taking the figure to 58.9mpg with emissions of CO2 dropping from 119g/km to 113g/km. That’s a useful amount multiplied out across a typical ownership period and the advantages are likely to be even more pronounced if you do most of your driving in congested urban areas where being stationary is par for the course.
The 500 should prove a particularly cheap car to run - and not just because of its low fuel consumption. Insurance is in a reasonable group 4 for the Pink model but there must be a question mark over the residual value of a car with such a lurid colour scheme. .
The pink car has yet to catch on in any meaningful way with UK motorists but Fiat is hoping to change that with its 500 Pink special edition. It’s not just any old pink either: the car is shocking PINK with pink accessories. Needless to say, this model is not going to be for everyone but Fiat is hoping to sell 500 of them and failing that, it should generate a whole lot of publicity for the lower key versions of its 500 citycar.
Fiat says that the 500 Pink will appeal "mainly to young women" and it’s not wrong. It could even be the perfect vehicle for ladies fed up with the man in their life borrowing their car. With a decent haul of extra equipment and a reasonable price tag, it looks decent value but the 500 Pink could be a tricky car to sell on.
Fiat 500 C for Cute
Fiat’s lovable 500 city car is harder to resist in 500 C cabriolet form. Steve Walker reports.
New born kittens, baby seals, a panda licking a big lollipop, little kids dressed up as teddy bears with big fluffy ears and bow ties. At this point, some readers will be feeling their stomachs turn while others will have gone all gooey and weak at the knees just from the thought of all that cuteness bundled up together. The camp that you fall into will have a lot to do with whether or not you like Fiat’s 500 C. This car is cute made metal.
How much cute can you cram into one car? Well, even the Tichy manufacturing plant in Poland where Fiat builds this convertible version of its 500 city car has a cute name. It’s tempting to imagine the facility as a Willy Wonka style operation where the cars float on rivers of golden syrup down assembly lines run by a green-skinned chorus line of the vertically challenged. A factory of fun where the foreman is a talking spoon and there’s a gingerbread man in middle management. This probably isn’t the case, although Fiat has reported an upsurge in requests for factory visits since launching the 500 C.
The driving experience will be a virtual irrelevance to lots of Fiat 500 C buyers. They’ll have already fallen in love with the car in a brochure, on a TV ad or upon seeing one in the street. Nevertheless, the car promises to be fairly adept on the road with the same basic set-up as the hard-topped 500, a chassis that’s also shared with the Fiat Panda and Ford Ka. The engine range opens with a 69bhp 1.2-litre petrol but those seeking a little more thrust will step up to the 1.4 which has 100bhp. The 1.3-litre MultiJet engine is one of the leading small diesels on the market and packs more muscle than its 75bhp might suggest.
A choice of transmissions is available, with the 500 C getting a five-speed manual gearbox as standard while presenting customers with the option of upgrading to the Dualogic robotised gearbox. Fiat’s fuel saving Start&Stop technology is also available.
"Fiat could have sold its 500 city car in large quantities on its cute retro looks alone"
It’s hard not to appreciate the lovable looks of the standard 500 city car. Borrowing its retro design themes straight from the 1950s original, it’s undeniably a model with the rare capacity to bring a smile to your face. The convertible 500 C version cranks the cute factor up a couple of notches and it also has its roots in Fiat’s past as we’re told it pays homage to the original 500 cabriolet of 1957. It’s better to think of the roof arrangement as a huge canvas sunroof rather than a full folding canopy. At the touch of a button, the entire centre section of the roof retracts into a concertinaed bundle just above the boot. It’s not the most elegant piece of engineering but the sight of car with its roof retracted adds to the retro appeal and with the roof-up, it’s tough to tell a convertible 500 from a hard-top one. The roof itself features a glass rear window and is available in a choice of colours, so buyers can personalise their car.
The simple roof arrangement also means that there’s a decent amount of room in the rear seats of the 500 C. There are some convertible cars twice the size of the little Fiat that are stingier with the legroom they lay on for passengers in the back. Delicious design details drip from the 500’s interior. It’s like a tiny pearl, especially when the ivory finish is specified. There’s a very well-judged blend of retro chic and ruthlessly modern contemporary design inside, with circular head restraints and neat 500 C badging on the Panda-sourced dashboard. Chrome-ringed vents and a fascia that can be specified in the same colour as the body are other highlights.
The roof might be simple but the specification of the 500 C looks generous on Fiat’s part. The entry-level Pop models get the electrically-operated roof, air-conditioning, remote central locking, a CD stereo with MP3 compatibility, electric door mirrors and seven airbags. That’s a lot of kit for a £12,000 convertible.
The alternative trim level is the Lounge and these models add ESP stability control, front fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control and rear parking sensors to make manoeuvring in tight spaces even easier. The Lounge comes at a premium of £1,400, however, and so looks considerably less affordable than the entry-level cars. From launch, there’s a choice of 11 exterior colours and Fiat offers buyers a huge scope of optional extras to personalise their 500 C.
Predictably, the engines powering the diminutive 500 C turn in strong fuel economy and emissions figures. The diesel in particular will be a good choice for those looking to keep running costs under control. The Multijet diesel version will average over 65mpg, with the 1.2-litre petrol unit not far behind on around 50mpg.
Fiat has also taken further steps to boost the car’s environmental credentials with its Start&Stop technology and a clever system called eco:Drive. Bundled up with the Blue&Me Bluetooth telephone system on the Lounge models, eco:Drive is a computer that monitors your driving style and offers tips on how you can improve your fuel economy.
Fiat could have sold its 500 city car in large quantities on its cute retro looks alone and the 500 C cabriolet model is cuter still. It bodes well for a car that has unashamedly set out to become as much a trendy fashion accessory as a means of getting from A to B but that’s not the best part. Even beneath the curves and the chrome, Fiat looks to have a cracking little convertible on its hands.
New born kittens, baby seals, a panda licking a big lollipop, little kids dressed up as teddy bears with big fluffy ears and bow ties. At this point, some readers will be feeling their stomachs turn while others will have gone all gooey and weak at the knees just from the thought of all that cuteness bundled up together. The camp that you fall into will have a lot to do with whether or not you like Fiat’s 500 C. This car is cute made metal.
How much cute can you cram into one car? Well, even the Tichy manufacturing plant in Poland where Fiat builds this convertible version of its 500 city car has a cute name. It’s tempting to imagine the facility as a Willy Wonka style operation where the cars float on rivers of golden syrup down assembly lines run by a green-skinned chorus line of the vertically challenged. A factory of fun where the foreman is a talking spoon and there’s a gingerbread man in middle management. This probably isn’t the case, although Fiat has reported an upsurge in requests for factory visits since launching the 500 C.
The driving experience will be a virtual irrelevance to lots of Fiat 500 C buyers. They’ll have already fallen in love with the car in a brochure, on a TV ad or upon seeing one in the street. Nevertheless, the car promises to be fairly adept on the road with the same basic set-up as the hard-topped 500, a chassis that’s also shared with the Fiat Panda and Ford Ka. The engine range opens with a 69bhp 1.2-litre petrol but those seeking a little more thrust will step up to the 1.4 which has 100bhp. The 1.3-litre MultiJet engine is one of the leading small diesels on the market and packs more muscle than its 75bhp might suggest.
A choice of transmissions is available, with the 500 C getting a five-speed manual gearbox as standard while presenting customers with the option of upgrading to the Dualogic robotised gearbox. Fiat’s fuel saving Start&Stop technology is also available.
"Fiat could have sold its 500 city car in large quantities on its cute retro looks alone"
It’s hard not to appreciate the lovable looks of the standard 500 city car. Borrowing its retro design themes straight from the 1950s original, it’s undeniably a model with the rare capacity to bring a smile to your face. The convertible 500 C version cranks the cute factor up a couple of notches and it also has its roots in Fiat’s past as we’re told it pays homage to the original 500 cabriolet of 1957. It’s better to think of the roof arrangement as a huge canvas sunroof rather than a full folding canopy. At the touch of a button, the entire centre section of the roof retracts into a concertinaed bundle just above the boot. It’s not the most elegant piece of engineering but the sight of car with its roof retracted adds to the retro appeal and with the roof-up, it’s tough to tell a convertible 500 from a hard-top one. The roof itself features a glass rear window and is available in a choice of colours, so buyers can personalise their car.
The simple roof arrangement also means that there’s a decent amount of room in the rear seats of the 500 C. There are some convertible cars twice the size of the little Fiat that are stingier with the legroom they lay on for passengers in the back. Delicious design details drip from the 500’s interior. It’s like a tiny pearl, especially when the ivory finish is specified. There’s a very well-judged blend of retro chic and ruthlessly modern contemporary design inside, with circular head restraints and neat 500 C badging on the Panda-sourced dashboard. Chrome-ringed vents and a fascia that can be specified in the same colour as the body are other highlights.
The roof might be simple but the specification of the 500 C looks generous on Fiat’s part. The entry-level Pop models get the electrically-operated roof, air-conditioning, remote central locking, a CD stereo with MP3 compatibility, electric door mirrors and seven airbags. That’s a lot of kit for a £12,000 convertible.
The alternative trim level is the Lounge and these models add ESP stability control, front fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control and rear parking sensors to make manoeuvring in tight spaces even easier. The Lounge comes at a premium of £1,400, however, and so looks considerably less affordable than the entry-level cars. From launch, there’s a choice of 11 exterior colours and Fiat offers buyers a huge scope of optional extras to personalise their 500 C.
Predictably, the engines powering the diminutive 500 C turn in strong fuel economy and emissions figures. The diesel in particular will be a good choice for those looking to keep running costs under control. The Multijet diesel version will average over 65mpg, with the 1.2-litre petrol unit not far behind on around 50mpg.
Fiat has also taken further steps to boost the car’s environmental credentials with its Start&Stop technology and a clever system called eco:Drive. Bundled up with the Blue&Me Bluetooth telephone system on the Lounge models, eco:Drive is a computer that monitors your driving style and offers tips on how you can improve your fuel economy.
Fiat could have sold its 500 city car in large quantities on its cute retro looks alone and the 500 C cabriolet model is cuter still. It bodes well for a car that has unashamedly set out to become as much a trendy fashion accessory as a means of getting from A to B but that’s not the best part. Even beneath the curves and the chrome, Fiat looks to have a cracking little convertible on its hands.
Thursday, 8 July 2010
TwinAir - Fiat reinvents the Engine
Part of Fiat’s heritage and leadership in the automotive sector is driven by the fact that Fiat has always been developing engines that revolutionised the entire automotive world providing small, efficient engines, in line with the company’s ethos for low-cost, compact and ecological cars.
An example is provided by the invention of the Common Rail, now used in all diesel cars, with which Fiat Group revolutionised the Diesel Engine.
Today, TwinAir will represents a new chapter in the car’s history and a revolution in the automotive sector; It will reshape emissions, performance and fuel consumption standards for the whole industry leading the evolution towards environmental sustainability and downsizing.
Why is it called TwinAir?
The TwinAir is a two-cylinder petrol engine that delivers the horse power of four. Combining MultiAir technology with turbo-charging, the engine will be the lowest emission petrol engine available in the worldwide automotive market.
This engine will lead the future trend towards downsizing, helping to reduce weight, engine size, fuel consumption and emissions.
Today, when the strongest trends and needs of customers are towards the attention to the environment and downsizing, TwinAir meets these demands ahead of anybody else with ground breaking technology which will change the face of the automotive industry.
Fiat 500 and TwinAir
Such an eco-technological breakthrough deserves to be introduced on the most successful car around and the natural choice is the Fiat 500, our everyday masterpiece.
Starting from September, the Fiat 500 will be equipped with a 900cc twin-cylinder turbo-charged engine delivering 85bhp combined with outstandingly low CO2 emissions of 95g/km, the best level ever for a petrol engine.
The TwinAir engine will be introduced as a new engine across the entire Fiat 500 range, together with the current 1.2, 1.4 and 1.3 MultiJet engines
The comparison results are astonishing: compared to the best selling 1.2 litre engine, TwinAir delivers a 23% improvement in power coupled with a 17% reduction in CO2 emissions.
An example is provided by the invention of the Common Rail, now used in all diesel cars, with which Fiat Group revolutionised the Diesel Engine.
Today, TwinAir will represents a new chapter in the car’s history and a revolution in the automotive sector; It will reshape emissions, performance and fuel consumption standards for the whole industry leading the evolution towards environmental sustainability and downsizing.
Why is it called TwinAir?
The TwinAir is a two-cylinder petrol engine that delivers the horse power of four. Combining MultiAir technology with turbo-charging, the engine will be the lowest emission petrol engine available in the worldwide automotive market.
This engine will lead the future trend towards downsizing, helping to reduce weight, engine size, fuel consumption and emissions.
Today, when the strongest trends and needs of customers are towards the attention to the environment and downsizing, TwinAir meets these demands ahead of anybody else with ground breaking technology which will change the face of the automotive industry.
Fiat 500 and TwinAir
Such an eco-technological breakthrough deserves to be introduced on the most successful car around and the natural choice is the Fiat 500, our everyday masterpiece.
Starting from September, the Fiat 500 will be equipped with a 900cc twin-cylinder turbo-charged engine delivering 85bhp combined with outstandingly low CO2 emissions of 95g/km, the best level ever for a petrol engine.
The TwinAir engine will be introduced as a new engine across the entire Fiat 500 range, together with the current 1.2, 1.4 and 1.3 MultiJet engines
The comparison results are astonishing: compared to the best selling 1.2 litre engine, TwinAir delivers a 23% improvement in power coupled with a 17% reduction in CO2 emissions.
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
FIAT’S 1.4 MULTIAIR TURBO IS BEST NEW ENGINE OF THE YEAR
The FPT 1.4 Turbo engine, the first Fiat power unit to incorporate revolutionary MultiAir technology, has won the prestigious Engine of the Year award in the Best New Engine of the Year category. This innovative four-cylinder engine combines MultiAir, the electro-hydraulic management of the inlet valves, with a turbocharger, setting new efficiency standards.
Developed and manufactured by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies – the 1.4 MultiAir Turbo engines, with power outputs ranging from 135 to 170 bhp, now equip the Alfa Romeo MiTo and Giulietta, as well as the Fiat Punto Evo and Abarth Punto Evo, and will soon be introduced to the Fiat Bravo.
The top of the range 170 bhp version, with 124 bhp/litre, has an outstanding specific power output which, combined with peak torque of 250 Nm, guarantees sporty performance, together with record-setting fuel consumption and emissions (134 g/km of CO2 in the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta).
MultiAir technology, which has already won numerous awards, is based on direct control of the intake air, cylinder by cylinder and stroke by stroke, without a throttle valve, and reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 10%, while increasing power by 10% and improving torque by 15%. Additionally, all polluting emissions are also significantly reduced by careful monitoring of combustion. MultiAir technology is versatile, easily applicable to all petrol engines, and has the potential to be developed for diesel engines in future.
The Best New Engine of the Year award, bestowed by an international jury of 65 specialist journalists from 32 countries, was collected by Aldo Marangoni, FPT Product Engineering Vice President.
“The award is further confirmation of the Fiat Group’s acknowledged capacity for technological innovation. The Group won the prize in 2005, in the 1.0 to 1.4-litre capacity class of the International Engine of the Year, with the small but sophisticated 1.3 MultiJet, which opened a new chapter in the history of diesel engines, a field in which the Group has always been a leader, having been the first to launch innovations such as direct injection and common-rail technology on the market,” says Marangoni.“Lots of power combined with serious reductions in emissions makes this a very good engine. Then, when you look at the fuel economy, Fiat's MultiAir turbo powertrain becomes a great engine – it's easy to see why it has won Best New Engine for 2010,” says Dean Slavnich, Co-Chairman of the Awards, and editor of Engine Technology International.
Developed and manufactured by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies – the 1.4 MultiAir Turbo engines, with power outputs ranging from 135 to 170 bhp, now equip the Alfa Romeo MiTo and Giulietta, as well as the Fiat Punto Evo and Abarth Punto Evo, and will soon be introduced to the Fiat Bravo.
The top of the range 170 bhp version, with 124 bhp/litre, has an outstanding specific power output which, combined with peak torque of 250 Nm, guarantees sporty performance, together with record-setting fuel consumption and emissions (134 g/km of CO2 in the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta).
MultiAir technology, which has already won numerous awards, is based on direct control of the intake air, cylinder by cylinder and stroke by stroke, without a throttle valve, and reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 10%, while increasing power by 10% and improving torque by 15%. Additionally, all polluting emissions are also significantly reduced by careful monitoring of combustion. MultiAir technology is versatile, easily applicable to all petrol engines, and has the potential to be developed for diesel engines in future.
The Best New Engine of the Year award, bestowed by an international jury of 65 specialist journalists from 32 countries, was collected by Aldo Marangoni, FPT Product Engineering Vice President.
“The award is further confirmation of the Fiat Group’s acknowledged capacity for technological innovation. The Group won the prize in 2005, in the 1.0 to 1.4-litre capacity class of the International Engine of the Year, with the small but sophisticated 1.3 MultiJet, which opened a new chapter in the history of diesel engines, a field in which the Group has always been a leader, having been the first to launch innovations such as direct injection and common-rail technology on the market,” says Marangoni.“Lots of power combined with serious reductions in emissions makes this a very good engine. Then, when you look at the fuel economy, Fiat's MultiAir turbo powertrain becomes a great engine – it's easy to see why it has won Best New Engine for 2010,” says Dean Slavnich, Co-Chairman of the Awards, and editor of Engine Technology International.
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