Last week, MotorMartin was in the fortunate position of being able to take a drive in a FIAT Panda 4×4 around the streets and hills of Keighley, West Yorkshire. A Panda also powered by the same 1.3 MultiJet II Turbo diesel and MotorMartin can confirm that this engine should be a perfect fit for the 500 as it performed perfectly well in the heavier Panda.
https://youtu.be/uWdNE3-LKYQ
Building on from the launch of the new 500 and following the introduction of this New FIAT 500 1.3 MultiJet II turbo diesel, the FIAT 500 range is expanding further with the launch of the 1.2-litre 69hp ‘Eco’ which is equipped with a host of efficiency technologies including a smart alternator, improved underbody aerodynamics and low rolling resistance 15-inch tyres, as well as Start & Stop which is standard across the FIAT 500 range. As a result of these combined technologies, the official CO2 emissions figure for the FIAT 500 1.2 ‘Eco’ is reduced from 110 to just 99g/km which, in turn, cuts the annual road tax bill from £20 to £0 and reduces company car BIK tax liability from 17% to just 14% compared to the standard 1.2 69hp model. Figures that are certain to interest both the public and company car drivers alike as CO2 emissions and economy have become such important parts of the car buying decision.
FIAT have been able to share with MotorMartin the news that they have also improved the official fuel economy figures for the new ‘Eco’ model which can now achieve 58.9 MPG (urban cycle), 70.6 MPG (extra urban cycle) and 65.7 MPG (combined cycle) compared to the standard 1.2 69hp (51.4 / 65.7 / 60.1 MPG respectively) meaning that, according to FIAT, the 500 1.2 ‘Eco’ will recoup the £100 price premium in no time at all. Another box ticked then.
As far from the FIATs of old as it’s possible to be, FIAT have engineered the new 500 to comply with the toughest standards, the FIAT 500 is one of the safest cars in its segment with larger front brake discs on the 1.2 69hp plus seven airbags (front, window and side airbags, plus a driver’s knee airbag), ABS with electronic brake distribution (EBD), advanced electronic stability control (ESC), anti-slip regulation (ASR), Hill Holder and hydraulic brake assistance (HBA) all as standard.
Available in Pop Star and Lounge trim levels, prices for the FIAT 500 1.2 ‘Eco’ start at just £11,865 OTR with the convertible FIAT 500C 1.2 ‘Eco’ priced from £14,515 OTR (both in Pop Star specifications).
The FIAT 500 has been ever present on our roads since its reintroduction way back in 2007, the 50th anniversary of the Nuova 500’s launch and this most recent model has ensured that this is not a situation that will change any time soon.
Well done FIAT.
Where will you go?