The arrival in Malta of Fiat’s 500 Twinair is the first taste of what the Italian car manufact-urers have in store for the future. Fiat has decided to take a different direction and embarked on its so-called twin air concept for the future. The twin air technology is based on downsizing engine size and reducing CO2 emissions.
Giovanni Mastrangelo, Gasoline platform manager at Fiat Powertrain Technologies explained that one would think that reducing an engine from four to two cylinders would result in a 50 per cent reduction in power and a bigger stress on the two cylinders to reach the desired torque.
The two-cylinder engine has been coupled with a Multi-air electronic inlet valve control system, allowing the engine to be appropriately balanced to minimise vibrations resulting in one of the most quite two-cylinder engines.
In addition to advantages in terms of consumption, the twin-cylinder engine also results in a 20 per cent reduction in weight and 25 per cent in volume inside the engine bay compared with a four-cylinder engine with the same power output.
The innovative Twinair brings around a different perspective to engine performance from econo-my to sheer speed.
The new 875cc engine performs better than the company’s existing 1.2-litre engine and is on par with its 1.4-litre, while offering a 30 per cent reduction in fuel consumption. The Fiat 500 can reach a top speed of 108 mph and can hit 60 mph in under 11 seconds.
Fuel consumption works out at 57 miles per gallon with emissions dropped to just 95 gm/km of CO2, with maximum torque sitting at approximately 107 ft.-lbs. at a low 1,900 rpm.
The innovative Multi-air system controls the air in controlled-ignition petrol engines without the usual throttle valve, and therefore with a greater degree of flexibility than mechanical timing systems. This electro hydraulic valve activation technology is based on the insertion between the camshaft and the engine inlet valve.
This allows the opening profile of the valve to be modified in response to the request for air from the engine and to the running speed, with considerable benefits in terms of power output, torque, consumption and emissions.
Another advantage of this system is the fact that the air pressure upstream of the valves is always constant. This allows the torque response of the engine to be increased without delay, on both an aspirated (being developed) and a turbocharged engine, increasing the ‘fun to drive’ factor.
Verdict
Comfort
The car provides adequate space for two adults at the front and two average adults fit comfortably at the back.
Performance
Nippy and a fantastic roar.
Cool
Fiat’s superlative – a catalogue of modes and configurations to choose from.
Quality
Definitely a plus, especially the parts where metal and plastic come together.
Handling
Typically Fiat, bridges the gap from a small city car to a rocket .
Practicality
Excellent to get around the city and to park, but you might need to reorganise your loads.
At a glance
Price
Starting from €15,400
Top speed
173 km/h
0-100 km
11 seconds
Economy
4.1 litres/100 km (combined and utilising Start/Stop)
C02
95g/km
Engine
875cc, two-cylinder turbo assisted fully variable valve lift – Euro 5
Power
85 bhp @ 5,5000 rpm
Transmission
Five speed MT