A new take on a classic Italian car, the Fiat 500 offers the ultimate small car for urban driving but without compromising style or performance. It is an economical car and is ideal for those seeking sharp performance and relatively small insurance costs.
With two versions to choose from, the Fiat 500 offers a good range of engine options and, of course, excellent economy and low CO2 emissions. Choose from the Pop, Lounge or Twinair to get a full idea of the range available.
The Pop offers a 1.2-litre petrol engine, a 1.3 16v multijet diesel and a 0.9 Twinair. The 1.2 Pop gives a seriously economical 58.9 mpg combined fuel consumption and has carbon emissions of a very low 113 g/km, making the road tax cost very attractive. It can also hit a top speed of 99 mph, though in town travelling that may not be strictly necessary. The multijet Pop offers a superb combined fuel economy of 72.4 miles and with CO2 emissions at 104 g/km, this is one of the most environmentally sound cars around.
Move up to the Fiat 500 Lounge and the Twinair engine gives a top speed of 108 mph combined with an average fuel consumption of 68.9 mpg. CO2 emissions are an amazing 95 g/km, falling into band A for road tax and thus with no tax payable. The Lounge also comes with other engines and some with Gucci styling, but they are all focused on getting excellent economy in these days of spiralling fuel prices.
There are many variants of the Fiat 500, and for anyone looking for a small, efficient car there is likely to be something that fits the bill perfectly.
Safety is always a concern, especially with small cars, but the Fiat 500 has emerged with flying colours from safety tests. The European NCAP crash test programme is noted for its stringent conditions and the Fiat 500 has come out with a five-star rating thanks to its passive and active preventive safety aspects.
Passive safety includes seven airbags, automatic door locks when the car reaches 12 mph, Isofix mountings for the installation of safety seats for children, and a fire prevention system in case of a serious accident.
For active safety, there are anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and an electronic stability program that helps when negotiating bends. Add in the hill holder function for those tricky hill starts, and the Fiat 500 range offers a safe and secure environment for drivers and passengers.
Available in hatchback and open-top models, the new Fiat model is the fresh, quirky small car choice. Boasting well-weighted steering and available with either a nippy petrol engine or an economical diesel option, the Fiat 500 is flexible and fun to drive. Compact and fuel efficient, the new Fiat is a great choice whether you’re driving through city streets or hitting the open road.
For more information on the new Fiat 500, contact Lookers Fiat in Stockport to book a test drive today.