Fiat's Puro-O2 range has arrived in Malta, identifying with versions of the Cinquecento, Grande Punto and Bravo with the lowest emissions of carbon dioxide.

The new Puro-O2 range will be equipped with specific technologies developed to minimise cars' ecological impact, using a mix of aerodynamic tweaks, low-rolling-resistance tyres, low-viscosity fluids and gearboxes with modified ratios to help reduce a car's carbon dioxide emissions.

In addition to these modifications, the Puro-O2 models may also come with a stop-start system.

This technology automatically switches off the engine when the car is stationary.

This means zero emissions and zero fuel consumption when the car comes to a halt.

As soon as the clutch pedal is pushed or the brake pedal is released the engine starts up immediately without any impact in the drivability thanks to the electronic control and the specific starter motor which starts the engine particularly quickly and quietly.

Francesca Mamo, managing director of Fiat local agent UCIM, says that this is another commitment by Fiat to retain its leadership role in the environment stakes.

The recently launched Ecodrive software is available for free from www.fiat.com/ecodrive and is also assisting drivers to adopt driving patterns which help them be more efficient.

The Fiat Bravo 1.6 JTD 16v Common Rail 105 CV Puro-O2 starts at €19,300 and comes with power steering, air-conditioning with pollen filter and rear vents, ABS and EBD, driver and passenger airbag, remote central locking with safelock, radio CD with MP3, and electric mirrors.