Way back in 1968, I enjoyed a Fiat 500 twin-cylinder run-about. Marcel Loporto, who joined me on this run, also had a Fiat 500 years ago, and we were both more than interested in sampling the latest twin-cylinder Fiat.

Truth to tell, we were both expecting the delightful, small, two-door 500 that reminds keen types of what the original model looked like. You know the sort of thing, a classic Mini alongside a BMW Mini.

However, we were given the full-luxury treatment, a suave, five-door, five-seat chariot absolutely right for the family man, or the really keen motoring types. Two cylinders are all you get for your money and they displace a miserly 875cc, but turbocharged cc and this little ‘mill’ poke out an outstanding 105bhp at 5,500rpm, while developing an impressive 145Nm of torque at a lowly 2,000rpm.

In reality, this translates into scooting the TwinAir up to a maximum of 180km/h (more than twice our local maximum speed) while wafting this object of absolute motoring pleasure to 100km/h in only 12.3 seconds.

McPherson struts cope with the dynamic front end with a torsion set up at the rear.

Obviously, the front wheels drive this car, but the fact that the machine comes with a six-speed manual transmission is a joy to play with, and the close ratio box means that all the gears are meant to be used to their best advantage.

The seats hold all occupants in a state of firm but delightful relaxation. Legroom and headroom are in ample supply and the rear seats fold away to improve on a very large and well-planned ‘hold’.

In fact, the good old ‘boot’ comes with a shelf that sits on runners in either of two positions. This means that various things can be carried under the rear shelf, while a new fridge or some other white goods are carried in the enormous rear space. Impressive is a word that comes to mind.

When the sublime moment is touched upon, the road clear of traffic and the right foot firmly planted towards the floor, acceleration builds up lustily, but the absolute in pleasure comes from this fantastically responsive and delightfully resonant engine note or should I say, exhaust note.

People go into raptures when listening to the keen sound of this beautifully tuned twin-cylinder blasting through the revs, with the turbo giving vent to all those frustrations kept lidded in a normal-sounding motor car.

Fiat, of course, is the specialist manufacturer when it comes to delicate, not to say, small cars. Having said that, the X1/9 I still enjoy immensely belies this fact, and of course this TwinAir which is actually 4,147 mm long, proves that Fiat can make what is, arguably, the most absorbingly different and exciting five-seater in the class without going into the heroics of producing a GTi.

The car actually handles darn well to boot, stops in a pleasant straight line, accelerates up most of our hilly bits as if they had been flattened and, of course, with that irresponsibly delightful gear change, the driver is faced with all the selfish desires that are normally kept well and truly under wraps.

OK with both the steering and the driver’s seat being height adjustable, the perfect driving position can be easily found.

You obviously get an air-conditioner, Electric Servo Assisted Steering, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Cruise Control, and both driver and passenger have dual advanced front airbags.

Front seat side airbags are in place with head-side airbags. The radio has a 5” touchscreen with Bluetooth.

You get front power windows rear windshield defrost along with defrost on the electrically-operated outside mirrors.

The front fog light is a factory fitting. It comes with Safe Lock remote control unlocking/locking. We’ve already talked about the cargo box but haven’t mentioned the pleasant side mouldings with inserted chrome trims (on front and rear doors).

This intriguing family car really is a most interesting way to go forward now that turbo technology is so well developed and the various problems that arose years ago seem to have all been ironed out.

Frankly, if an 875cc turbo twin can perform so well, this may well be the way to go forward until electric cars are a realistic offering.

Verdict

Comfort
More than enough room for five adults.

Performance
Bearing in mind the size of the vehicle and the engine size.

Cool
What can I say?

Quality
Stars in class very hard to beat.

At a glance

Top speed
180km/h.

0-100km
12.3 seconds.

Economy
4.8 litres per 100km.

C02
112g/km. Euro 6 rating.

Engine
Twin cylinders in line.

Power
105 at 5,500rpm.

Maximum torque
145Nm at 2000rpm.

Dimensions
Length: 4,147mm; Width: 1,784mm; Height: 1,665 mm.

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