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| New Bravo engine boosts Fiat's green credentials |
A new diesel engine, introduced initially for use in the Bravo range, has again demonstrated Fiat Group's commitment to the production of increasingly environmentally-friendly cars.
Fiat's new 1.6 MultiJet 16v unit, announced just last week, promises sparkling performance, outstanding torque, increased noise suppression and lower running costs for the Bravo range. The addition also makes Bravo the first car in its category to be fitted with a Euro 5-compliant engine, well ahead of the 2009 deadline.
The new Bravo 1.6 MultiJet is also available with a special eco-package in 105 bhp form. In addition to revised engine ECU settings, this 'Eco' pack employs special measures to optimise aerodynamics, and incorporates low rolling resistance tyres and 'taller' gear ratios to return some outstanding fuel consumption and CO2 figures: 62.7 mpg in the combined cycle (an increase of some 5 mpg on the standard 105 bhp 1.6 MultiJet) and CO2 emissions of just 119 g/km.
This latter figure will assist in Fiat Group's pledge to be the leading manufacturer in terms of weighted average CO2 levels. Last year, Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne told the international media that: "regardless of what other car makers will do, our Group is committed, by 2012, to reaching the lowest weighted average CO2 emission level for the cars it produces, with respect to competitors."
Fiat is currently among the top performers in Europe for having the lowest average CO2 emissions, posting 144 g/km, according to figures published by the European Federation for Transport and Environment (EFTE).
The new 1.6 MultiJet has four cylinders in line, 16 valves, and a displacement of 1598 cc. Two different engines are being produced: one developing 105 bhp at 4000 rpm and torque of 290 Nm (214 lb ft) at 1500 rpm; the other developing 120 bhp at 4000 rpm and torque of 300 Nm (221 lb ft) at 1500 rpm. Both engines come with a manual six-speed gearbox.
These engines are boosted by either electronically-controlled fixed-geometry (105 bhp version) or variable-geometry (120 bhp version) turbochargers, to enhance power output while providing very high torque even at low revs. Compared with the current Fiat 1.9 MultiJet 120 bhp unit, the 1.6 MultiJet series represents an important step forward - with the same power, torque is improved by almost 25 per cent at 1500 rpm, and consumption is reduced by eight per cent.
Another factor in the improved all-round performance is the high pressure multi-injection system, which goes from 1300 bar in the 1.9 MultiJet to 1600 bar in the 1.6 MultiJet (in both power versions). The injectors adapt to engine speed, thus optimising performance in terms of perceived power and driveability. |
| New Fiat 500 in UK |
When the new Fiat 500 goes on sale in the UK on 21 January 2008, it will be exactly 500 hours after the start of the New Year.
Designed by Fiat Centro Stile, the new car's chic styling boasts visual cues from the past, but it is far from a simple, nostalgic interpretation of Dante Giacosa's iconic Fiat 500 of July 1957.
Taking a quantum leap forward in terms of safety, technology, comfort and equipment for this segment, it represents a company blueprint for a future which embraces a modern approach, new brand strategies, radical innovations in customer relations and a lasting process of expansion.
Significantly, the highly innovative Fiat 500 brings several unprecedented attributes to this segment for the first time: The new Fiat has been awarded a maximum 5-star rating in the gruelling Euro NCAP crash test safety programme, placing it at the very top of its category in terms of passive, active and preventive safety. This is the first time that a car of such compact dimensions, (3.5 metres in length), has achieved a maximum rating, and the first time that a car of its type has been equipped with seven airbags as standard across the entire range.
The new Fiat 500 is also the first car to be launched with a full range of frugal, low emissions engines that are not only Euro 4 compliant, but also meet emissions limits which are expected to be set by forthcoming Euro 5 standards, more than two years before the legislative deadline.
These and other attributes have already been recognised and rewarded with prestigious international awards, including Car of the Year 2008, which is bestowed by 58 specialist journalists from 22 European countries.
Nine versions of the new 500, priced from £7900-£10,700 on-the-road, go on sale in the UK at launch, embracing three trim levels - Pop, Lounge and Sport. The new Fiat offers levels of equipment more usually associated with cars of a far higher segment, with ABS anti-lock braking, remote central locking, seven airbags, electric front windows and door mirrors, an MP3-compatible CD player and Dualdrive electric power steering fitted as standard even on entry level models.
The new Fiat 500's comprehensive standard equipment package is further enhanced by a range of innovative, safety and comfort-enhancing options such as automatic climate control, a SkyDome sunroof, parking sensors, an anti-glare electro-chromatic rear mirror, an Interscope Sound System Hi-Fi and Blue&Me mobile phone and MP3 player connectivity with steering wheel controls.
Moreover, the Fiat 500 personalisation programme offers an additional range of over 100 bespoke accessories which, generating more than 500,000 possible trim, colour and option combinations, gives owners the opportunity to personalise the new Fiat to levels unprecedented in this segment.
The new Fiat 500 goes on sale with a choice of three powerplants; the latest 75 bhp derivation of Fiat Group Automobiles' widely acclaimed, state-of-the-art 1.3 litre 16-valve MultiJet turbodiesel, and two refined and economical FIRE petrol engines - a 1.2 litre 8-valve 69 bhp unit, and a spirited 100 bhp version of the 1.4 litre 16-valve powerplant.
Both 1.2 litre petrol engine and 1.3 litre turbodiesel come with 5-speed manual gearboxes, while the 1.4 litre petrol unit is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Dualogic - a clutchless, 5-speed sequential manual shift with a selectable fully automatic mode - is offered as an optional transmission on all petrol-engined Fiat 500 models.
With a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating to its name, the new Fiat 500 builds on an already impressive safety portfolio with the full range of braking, traction control and stability systems available on the market today: ABS anti-lock brakes, complete with electronic brakeforce distribution, ASR to limit wheel spin during acceleration, MSR to modulate brake torque while changing down, and a sophisticated ESP to control stability through bends. Vehicles fitted with ESP - standard equipment on 1.4 litre versions - also benefit from hydraulic brake assistance and a unique Hill Holder function to facilitate smooth hill starts.
Building on Fiat's unrivalled reputation as the world's pre-eminent small car specialists, the new Fiat 500 was created in just 18 months from completed production specification to launch.
To achieve this remarkable development time, Fiat Group Automobiles employed new, groundbreaking, state-of-the-art Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) systems of unprecedented power and complexity. So sophisticated is the computer software involved, that not only could Fiat's engineers simulate every aspect of the new 500's structural, dynamic, NVH and accommodation characteristics to a level of unprecedented detail, but they were also able to create a virtual production-line to ensure consistently outstanding component and build quality.
The benefits of these all-encompassing developments in virtual design and engineering are clearly evident in every aspect of the new Fiat 500, from unprecedented build quality and capacious passenger accommodation, to superior driving dynamics, minimal NVH levels and, of course, outstanding safety. In recognition of its high quality construction, the new Fiat 500 recently won the world's most prestigious prize for car bodies.
Designed by Fiat Centro Stile and built at the company's Tychy plant in Poland, the new Fiat 500 has a significance far greater than that of simple, nostalgic interpretation. While respecting the iconic original's concept in shape, functional simplicity, reliability and economy, Fiat's fundamental goal has not been to design a car that 'looks like' a 500 but, rather, one that 'could be' a 500 again.
Dante Giacosa's outstandingly successful 500 - a masterpiece of industrial design of which exactly 3,893,294 examples were built between 1957 and 1975 - was launched on 4 July 1957 as a period of post-war regeneration was closing and radical renewal to the company's product range was also coming to an end, presaging a cycle of successes in the coming decade which hallmark it as one of the brightest periods in the brand's 108-year history.
Although parallels with the new Fiat 500 are obvious, the latter has been developed in close collusion with potential customers through a communications project known as '500 wants you'.
Derived from Fiat Centro Stile's widely applauded Trepiuno concept car first shown at the 2004 Geneva Motorshow, the 3-door Fiat 500's very short bonnet and minimal front and rear overhangs create an exceptionally compact bodyshell, measuring just 3546mm in length, 1627 mm in width and 1488 mm in height.
The front of the new 500 is designed to combine styling cues of the latest models in the Fiat family with the most distinctive elements of the original 500, the strongest references to the latter being a combination of circular upper headlights, separate, lower, full beam lamp housings and the trademark 'whisker and logo' badging derived from the name of the very first Fiat 500, the 1936 Topolino - 'little mouse'.
The short bonnet and steeply raked, 'cab forward' A pillar location belie the 500's highly compact, front engine FWD format, while the resultant aerodynamic efficiency awards the new Fiat a drag coefficient of just Cd 0.325, promoting exceptional high-speed stability, a marked reduction in wind noise intrusion to the interior, and enhanced fuel economy. Safety has also been an important design consideration, and despite the highly compact nature of the design, the tapered bumper structure and rounded front profile award the new Fiat a high standard of pedestrian protection.
In profile, muscular front and rear wheel arches and crisp door sill detailing highlight the new Fiat's wide track and reinforce the car's exceptional dynamic abilities. Aerodynamic, door-mounted mirrors not only further reduce interior wind noise levels, but also emphasise the 500's tapering waistline, which, allied to a blacked out B pillar and seamless roofline, reinforces the smoothly integrated look of the design.
At the rear, a large, chrome plated tailgate handle recalls the 'bicycle saddle' motif of the original 500's registration plate light holder. Large, high visibility tail light clusters flank a practical, top-hinged tailgate - with an integral roof spoiler and third stop light - which offers full-width access to the loadspace across a low-silled aperture. The new Fiat's broad, purposeful rear stance is further strengthened by an integral lower bumper housing a full width nudge bar.
Augmented by a range of seven alloy wheel and two wheel trim designs; a choice of eight sticker kits which combined with body colours yield 19 possible personalisations; and 10 different badges combining to offer a wide variety of custom finishes themed on the chequered flag, monochrome stripes, a barcode, and even the Italian flag, the new Fiat 500 will be available in a range of 12 body colours, (eight pastel, three metallic, plus the exclusive pearl-effect Funk White), many of which have been inspired by the original shades of the first 500.
Despite its compact overall dimensions, the new Fiat 500's 2300 mm wheelbase affords it a capacious, flexible interior with seating for four adults. Painstaking detailing of the seat bases and tailgate hinges has created surprisingly commodious rear seat accommodation.
The combination of a height adjustable seat, rake adjustable steering wheel, tapering A pillar and generous glazing offer the Fiat 500 driver a comfortable, highly adaptable driving position with excellent all-round visibility. Unrivalled driver ergonomics have been achieved through painstaking detailing and the careful placement of switchgear.
Complementing a clear, functional driver's instrument binnacle which houses both rev counter and speedometer within a single, double-bezelled dial, the high quality centre console raises the gear lever to within the closest practical proximity of the steering wheel, allowing for quick, accurate changes with minimal physical effort. Careful consideration has gone into the placement of all other console-based functions, with the stereo CD/radio placed at the highest level to offer ease of access with minimal driver distraction.
The steering wheel, together with the central dashboard area which houses ventilation/air conditioning controls, may be specified in a choice of finishes, black or ivory, whilst the main fascia panel has a paint finish to match the exterior bodywork colour. Extensive cabin storage includes two large dashboard compartments, a bin under the front passenger seat cushion, generous door pockets, small and medium sized drawers, centre console cup holders and a removable rear parcel shelf.
Via a top hinged tailgate and low loading threshold, the luggage compartment offers 185 litres of storage, and a maximum of 550 litres with the rear seat back folded.
Fiat is widely considered to be among the 'greenest' car manufacturers in the world, and its cars boast some of the most impressive CO2 figures available.
Fiat Group has led the way in responding effectively to the need to limit the impact that transport has on the environment. And to achieve this important goal, Fiat continues to propose concrete solutions that are within everyone's reach and are on the market today. For example, Fiat is European leader in the production of compact cars - by definition, among the most environment-friendly. And the launch of the new Fiat 500, which introduces Euro 5-ready engines, (petrol and diesel), is two years ahead of the legislative deadline.
Additionally, Fiat's commitment to environmental concerns has resulted in the decision to introduce Euro 5 engines on the majority of its range by the end of 2009.
Protection of the environment is an essential aspect of the development of all Fiat Group Automobiles models, and this constant commitment has won the company acknowledgement as the best European brand for the reduction in CO2 emissions. That recognition came in 2005, from an independent source (European Federation for Transport and Environment - EFTE), and in 2006 the Group achieved an 18 per cent reduction on 1995. That same year, 55 per cent of all the cars sold by Fiat had CO2 emissions below 140 g/km - an industry voluntary target - while 13 per cent were below 120 g/km.
For 2007, the company again leads the way with regard to low CO2 emissions, and continues to make improvements in terms of average emissions (g/km), according to the latest report from the EFTE. Its figures show that Fiat's average CO2 output was 144 g/km for 2006, down from 145 g/km - a change of -0.5 per cent. This puts it in second place among all the major manufacturers included in the research.
The carbon dioxide benchmark figures for an entire fleet average, form the basis of a car maker's environmental, or 'green', credentials, and future European Union regulations are likely to be based upon them.
But, regardless of any decisions taken by the EU, Fiat is committed to reaching the lowest average level for CO2 emissions for its cars by 2012. Of course, it helps that a high proportion of Fiat sales are small cars, but the company will continue to strive for improvements through a programme targeting its engines, transmissions and vehicle design.
Stop&Start, which reduces fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent around town, the Multiair electronic inlet valve control system, and a new modular two-cylinder petrol engine all feature among Fiat's environmentally-friendly developments.
With a major objective to develop and apply innovative technologies for improving powerplant performance while cutting fuel consumption and engine emissions, the major thrust of Fiat's research is towards integrating mechanical and hydraulic drive systems with electronic regulation schemes in order to control the combustion process and exhaust gas treatment.
With safety and the environment top of Fiat's agenda, nowhere is this attention more evident than in the research and real-world application made in several key areas. These include:
- reducing emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases
- reducing fuel consumption and dependency
- developing emissions-curbing systems such as diesel particulate filters
- extending the range of vehicles that are powered by alternative fuels
- continuing work on diesel engines equipped with the MultiJet system
Additionally, Fiat has teamed up with software giant Microsoft to help teach motorists to drive their cars more economically and to reduce emissions. Using a system called EcoDrive, owners will be able to download information about their fuel consumption, driving conditions, emissions and how the car has been driven after every journey, and replay it on their personal computers.
The system will encourage drivers to set themselves challenges such as CO2 reduction targets for each journey or over a set period of time. In a business community, several drivers could be encouraged to come together to achieve joint targets to make a bigger, collective impact.
Finally, all the vehicles in the Fiat range are already 95 per cent recoverable, anticipating the homologation deadline imposed by Directive 2005/64/CE, which will become obligatory for newly homologated models in December 2008 and for new registrations from July 2010.
At the same time, to improve the environmental impact of its cars at the end of their life-span, Fiat has reduced the use of PVC and thermo-setting polymers, and has considerably increased the quantity of recyclable materials - thus making a significant contribution to the re-use of materials from scrapped cars.
A first for vehicles in this segment, the new Fiat 500 has been awarded a maximum 5-star safety rating in the gruelling Euro NCAP crash test programme, placing it at the very top of its category in terms of passive, active and preventive safety.
This is an important accolade which, together with similar safety ratings already achieved by the Grande Punto and new Bravo, is further confirmation of Fiat's commitment to all aspects of driver and occupant protection.
To achieve this outstanding result, several thousand hours of computations were carried out, along with innumerable crash tests, simulations with the HyGe sled and tests on components and subsystems, encompassing every possible type of accident: head-on and lateral collisions, rollovers, rear-end collisions and fire. Other factors taken into consideration included the different speeds at which accidents occur, obstacles, pedestrian protection, and the protection of occupants with widely differing physical attributes.
The new Fiat 500 meets preventive safety needs with an adjustable cockpit that adapts to drivers of any size. The combination of a height adjustable driver's seat and rake adjustable steering, allied to an extensive glazed area, allows the best possible view of the road ahead. User-friendly ergonomics allow drivers to operate all instruments and controls without taking their eyes off the road, and the headlamps incorporate a switchable Daylight Running facility controlled via the vehicle's on-board computer.
State-of-the-art passive safety is provided by a chassis/platform designed to provide maximum torsional stiffness yet absorb impact with maximum efficiency. Moreover, the new Fiat 500 is the first car in its class to offer seven airbags fitted as standard throughout the range, while front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, three-point rear seat belts, anti-submarining seats, ISOFIX child seat attachments in the rear seats and an FPS Fire Prevention System are also all fitted as standard.
The new Fiat 500 will become available in nine versions at launch, as follows:
1.2 Fire Pop - £7900
1.4 16v Fire Pop - £9300
1.3 16v MultiJet Pop - £9300
1.2 Fire Lounge - £9300
1.2 Fire Sport - £9300
1.4 16v Fire Lounge - £10,700
1.3 16v MultiJet Lounge - £10,700
1.4 16v Fire Sport - £10,700
1.3 16v MultiJet Sport - £10,700
The new Fiat 500 range is available in three trim levels - Pop, Lounge and Sport. A particularly generous equipment specification has been carefully considered to simplify and enhance life on board, with ABS anti-lock braking, remote central locking, seven airbags, electric front windows and door mirrors, an MP3-compatible CD player and Dualdrive electric power steering fitted as standard, even at entry level.
The three specification levels include the following:
Pop:
- ABS anti-lock braking with EBD
- Remote central locking
- Seven airbags
- Electric front windows and door mirrors
- Height adjustable driver's seat
- Seat-back pockets
- Radio with MP3-compatible CD player and 6 speakers
- Front passenger under-seat stowage
- Dualdrive electric power steering
- Folding rear seat
- Follow Me Home headlights
- Trip computer
Lounge:
In addition to the Pop specification, Lounge adds:
- Leather steering wheel with Blue&Me controls
- Blue&Me
- Air conditioning
- Luxury interior trim
- 15" alloy wheels
- Body coloured door mirrors
- Exterior chrome trim
- Glass roof (fixed)
- 50:50 split/folding rear seat with head restraints
Sport:
In addition to the Pop specification, Sport adds:
- Sports leather steering wheel with Blue&Me controls
- Blue&Me
- Air conditioning
- Sports interior trim
- 15" sports alloy wheels
- Body coloured door mirrors
- Dark tinted rear windows
- Spoiler
- Foglights
Weighing just 130 kg, the 1.3 litre 16v MultiJet - a 1248 cc, 4-cylinder in-line unit with a bore of 69.6 mm and a stroke of 82 mm - is the smallest and most advanced second generation Common Rail direct injection turbodiesel in the world. More than two million units have been built to date.
It features twin overhead camshafts, a chain driven timing system, hydraulic tappets, a cast iron crankcase with an aluminium base, a steel crankshaft and an aluminium cylinder head. The cylinder head is equipped with highly efficient directional intake ports to ensure an optimum fuel mix despite the small bore. The 1.3 MultiJet engine is boosted by a Borg-Warner fixed geometry turbocharger with wastegate and intercooler, and possesses an electronically controlled exhaust gas recirculation and cooling system.
The engine offers two highly innovative features: extremely compact dimensions (460 mm long, 500 mm wide and 650 mm high) that enable it to be installed in city cars, and the sophisticated MultiJet technology of second generation JTDs. The latter is the result of groundbreaking and ongoing development work at the Fiat Research Centre in Turin, itself responsible for the introduction of the world's first UniJet Common Rail engine in 1997.
Within a UniJet engine, a pilot injection raises temperature and pressure inside the cylinder to improve combustion at the time of the main stroke. However, by dividing the main injection into a number of smaller injections, a MultiJet engine affords a fuller, more gradual combustion whilst the amount of diesel burnt at each stroke remains the same. This promotes smoother, quieter combustion, reduced emissions and increased performance.
A MultiJet engine differs from its UniJet counterpart in two essential areas: the injectors and the electronic control unit.
To facilitate multi-injection, the new injectors can both reduce the time lag between injections from 1500 to just 150 microseconds, and reduce the minimum quantity of fuel injected from 2 to less than 1 mm3. In tandem, the new control unit modulates injection strategy continually to adjust to changes within three parameters: engine rpm, torque required at any given time by the driver, and coolant temperatures.
Thus, when coolant temperature is less than 60 degrees and torque requirement low, two small and one large injection are performed. As torque demand increases,the number of injections drops to two; one small and one large. Under conditions of high rpm and high torque demand, only one injection is required while, with coolant temperature at over 60 degrees, emissions are minimised with one small, one large, then one small injection in the sequence.
Start-up times and exhaust smoke are significantly reduced; noise levels and vibration are lowered to ensure a quieter drive and improved passenger comfort; fuel consumption is reduced by a further 10 per cent and emission control reduction is greatly enhanced.
The compact, efficient and reliable 75 bhp 1.3 16v MultiJet engine is extremely eco-friendly, thanks to an emissions control system which features an electronically triggered Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve managed directly by the engine control system, a heat exchanger to cool recirculating exhaust gas and a close coupled catalytic converter. Also fitted as standard is a particulate trap (DPF) - a 'for life' system that needs no regenerating additives. This is a mechanical filter, integral with the exhaust system, that physically traps particulates in the diesel engine's exhaust gases. It almost totally eliminates particulates in compliance with current and future legal regulations.
A range of reliable, robust and sophisticated gearboxes has been developed to match the new Fiat 500 engine range; a 5-speed manual gearbox mated to the 1.2 litre FIRE petrol and 1.3 16v MultiJet powerplants, and a 6-speed manual gearbox mated to the 1.4 litre FIRE petrol engine. Dualogic, an innovative, power assisted, semi- or fully-automatic transmission is available with the 5- and 6-speed manual gearboxes of the 1.2 and 1.4 litre FIRE petrol units.
A light, accurate gear change has been effected by the reduced inertia of the driven clutch plate and the introduction of new seals. The gear casings, developed using finite element structural computing methods, are light yet display high noise absorption efficiency. Fifth speed and final drive gear sets are machined to a superfinish after heat treatment, to further reduce noise levels.
Both gearboxes feature a dual cable external control that filters engine vibrations transmitted to a dashboard-mounted gear lever offering outstanding selection manoeuvrability, hydraulic clutches are used to promote ease of use, efficiency and low running noise, and a 'syringe' mechanism is employed to prevent involuntary reverse engagement.
The innovative Dualogic transmission system features a servo automated clutch and gear lever, while retaining all the attributes of a dry clutch and manual gearbox; low weight, strength, reliability and fuel economy.
Two operating modes are selectable; semi-automatic and automatic. In the absence of a clutch pedal, fast, accurate gear changing in semi-automatic mode simply requires the movement of the lever forward to change up and back to change down.
Once the new Fiat 500 has been started, brake pedal pressure allows the selection of either first or reverse gear (second gear may be selected to aid traction in slippery conditions). To ensure safety and prevent unsolicited gear changes, the system automatically engages neutral when the engine is still running and the door is
opened. Dualogic also prevents gear changing errors that risk damage to engine or transmission, reinforced with both visual and aural alarms.
In fully automatic mode, Dualogic offers two options: Normal and Economy. The Normal option offers outstanding driving comfort through the smoothest gearchanges under all conditions. Pressing the Economy button on the gear control panel offers reduced fuel consumption whilst maintaining driving comfort.
The Dualogic system offers the ideal compromise for those who prefer an automatic gearbox for day-to-day use, but do not wish to relinquish the driver involvement and satisfaction of a manual change.
Allied to a bodyshell of exceptional torsional stiffness, the new 500 employs a derivation of the highly acclaimed Fiat Panda's proven suspension set-up within a wheelbase of 2300 mm and with the front track increased by 36 mm and the rear by 40 mm. The combination of an independent MacPherson strut front configuration and a lightweight torsion beam axle at the rear offers a high level of driving precision, roadholding and ride comfort.
The front MacPherson strut suspension layout features transverse lower wishbones anchored to an auxiliary crossbeam, an anti-roll bar connected by rods to the shock absorbers (a first in this category), new design coil springs that increase the absorption of minor surface roughness, and wishbones with both front bushes and new vertical rear bushes of rubber and metal. The new bushes contain an increased percentage of rubber, offering an excellent compromise between vibration suppression and road adhesion.
The rear suspension configuration combines a folded sheet steel torsion beam with double acting telescopic hydraulic dampers located beneath the floor to improve comfort without compromising load space. Single rubber and metal bush attachment of the rear axle to the body further lowers noise and vibration intrusion into the passenger compartment, while promoting greater driving stability under all conditions by generating a wheel toe-in effect during cornering.
The new Fiat 500 is equipped with Dualdrive electric power assisted, rack and pinion steering requiring 2.5 turns lock-to-lock. 1.2 8v FIRE and 1.3 16v MultiJet models have a turning circle of just 9.2 metres, while the 1.4 16v FIRE version has a turning circle of 10.6 metres. |
| Fiat 500 is Car of The Year |
The iconic new Fiat 500 has taken the top spot in this year's Car of The Year competition, winning the approval of 58 jury members from 22 countries.
Scoring 385 points, the Fiat beat the Mazda 2, which took second place with 325 votes, and the third-placed Ford Mondeo, which received 202 points.
Fourth went to the Kia Cee'd (166 points), fifth to the Nissan Qashqai (147), sixth to the Mercedes C-Class (128) and seventh to the Peugeot 308 (97).
Steve Cropley, COTY juror and Autocar editor-in-chief said "Every now and then a car comes along that undoubtedly deserves to be Car of The Year - the Fiat 500 is one of those cars. 34 of the 58 jurors placed the Fiat 500 at the top of their lists, a clear indication that this was indeed the year for Fiat. Good things come in small packages".
Fiat will collect the award at an official ceremony in Berlin on the 28th January 2008.
The COTY jury is made up of 58 senior motoring journalists from 22 countries. Their objective is to choose the most outstanding new car to go on sale in the past 12 months. Jurors vote twice: first to select a short-list of seven from the new cars launched in Europe, then again to choose the winner.
Autocar is one of seven leading publications from around Europe which organise the COTY contest. Each publication takes it in turn to organise the vote, publicise and promote the contest and hold the prize-giving ceremony.
The jury is completely independent of the Organising Committee in matters connected with the award itself, the selection of eligible cars and the voting. |
| 120BHP 1.4 T-Jet joins new Bravo range |
Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd has just announced a new addition to its mid-size Bravo range - a 120bhp version of the 1.4 T-Jet - which goes on sale throughout the company's UK dealer network at the end of this month.
Starting at just £12,895 for the Bravo 1.4 T-Jet 120 Active, the car significantly undercuts 1.6-litre engined rivals such as the Peugeot 308, Renault Mégane, Ford Focus and Toyota Auris.
"This engine should prove to be the mainstay of our new Bravo range, competing as it does with the 1.6 litre engines of all our rivals," says Andy Rowe, Commercial Director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd. "As well as very competitive pricing, the new engine version beats all our main rivals as a complete package, being on a par with the best for emissions, fuel consumption and power output."
Three versions of the new Bravo T-Jet 120 will become available: new Bravo T-Jet 120 Active, which costs £600 more than the base 1.4 90bhp unit; T-Jet 120 Active Sport which costs £13,595, and T-Jet 120 Dynamic which is priced at £13,995.
At the same time as the introduction of this new engine, Fiat is repositioning the Bravo in the market. From 1 October, new Bravo prices increase by £500 on all versions, except the entry Bravo 1.4, which remains at £10,995. |
| Panda 100hp debuts at MPH '06 |
A new breed of Panda will be making its UK public debut at MPH '06, which opens at the NEC, Birmingham on Thursday 26 October, and then in London's Earls Court on Thursday 2 November.
Panda 100HP is an entirely new sporty addition to the Panda family, featuring a 1.4 litre 16v FIRE engine tuned to develop 100bhp at 6000rpm, and 97lb.ft of torque at 4250rpm, driving through a six speed manual gearbox.
This latest fun-loving Panda represents an entirely usable performance package, with all-round disc brakes, ventilated at the front, together with modified springs, dampers, bushes and compliance. With a modest kerb weight of 1015kg, Fiat Auto's latest addition to the Panda range possesses lively performance, with 0 - 62mph acceleration in 9.5s and a maximum speed of 115mph, while still offering economical fuel consumption (43.4mpg in the combined cycle) and modest (154g/km CO2) emissions.
Externally, both the front and rear bumpers are a new, sporty design. A chrome tailpipe is standard, as are body coloured door handles and wing mirrors. The wheel arches are enlarged and blend into new sideskirts. Front fog lights and a tailgate spoiler are standard. The 15 alloy wheels are an all-new design, carrying 195/45 x 15 tyres.
Internally, the dashboard is of a new darker grey. A leather steering wheel and gear knob are standard, as are split folding rear seats, height adjustable driver's seat, automatic climate control, and a new 'Sport' button! The latter enables the driver to select the sensitivity of both the steering and throttle - normal or sport. When 'Sport' is selected, the steering offers less power assistance to provide improved feedback, and the throttle pedal becomes more sensitive. Bluetooth® hands-free technology is also standard equipment.
At £9,995 OTR, the new Panda 100HP, 'flagship' of a revised 2007 Panda range, represents a highly competitive package, with rivals being generally less powerful, less well equipped and more expensive. Panda 100HP goes on sale here in December. |
| Sedici secures towcar award |
Fiat Auto's Sedici 4x4 compact SUV, (Sport Utility Vehicle), has secured a major award in this year's Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2007 Competition.
During an awards ceremony held at the RAC Club in London last week, The Caravan Club named the Fiat Sedici 1.9 MultiJet Eleganza as its £13,501-£16,500 class winner. In so doing, it beat off strong competition from the Daihatsu Terios 1.5 SX, Kia Magentis 2.0 CRDi GS Manual, Nissan Note 1.6 SVE and Vauxhall Meriva Active 1.3 CDTi.
Commenting on the Sedici, The Caravan Club's magazine says: One of the great surprises in this year's Competition, the Sedici's one of those cars you want to drive enthusiastically, and it pays off. The Fiat stormed up the test track's long 14% gradient in the third of its six gears, braked nicely and handled a 17% stop and restart with no problem.
The magazine continues: Rear end styling makes the Sedici a useful load carrier - the test car took the whole of our typical load with all seats available. Operating costs are reasonable given the added complication of 4x4 transmission.
Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Auto UK, says: We are delighted to receive this award from The Caravan Club. The award represents recognition of Sedici's genuine off-road ability, versatility and practicality. These attributes, together with Fiat's widely acclaimed 120 bhp 1.9 MultiJet diesel engine, offer customers great value and formidable performance, making the vehicle an ideal towcar.
Forty-two cars were put rigorously through their paces over an intensive four-day period at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. An independent panel of six driving judges assessed handling, stability, the cars' attitude when hitched, acceleration and braking. 'Caravanability' judges also appraised the cars on their ability to accommodate large, bulky loads such as water carriers and awning bags, and checked for ease of access to electrics sockets.
Test vehicles were divided into six price classes and two All-Wheel Drive categories: Under 1800kg and Over 1800kg. Vehicles were split into classes to enable The Caravan Club's 900,000 members, and consumers in general, to make an informed choice regarding their car purchase depending upon their ideal spending figure. These results are not only important to caravanners, but to any car driver who tows; boat and horsebox owners have an equally keen interest in these awards.
Fiat Auto's Sedici, priced from £12,495 on-the-road, went on sale in April this year and was initially available in two trim levels - Dynamic and Eleganza - and powered by a spirited 107 bhp 1.6 litre, 16 valve petrol engine mated to a five speed manual transmission. The range was extended recently with the arrival of a second powerplant - Fiat's widely acclaimed 120 bhp 1.9 MultiJet turbodiesel, allied to a six-speed manual gearbox. |
| New Fiat Sedici in the UK |
The new Fiat Sedici, which goes on sale in the UK on Saturday 22 April, is Fiat Auto's first entry in the compact SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) market. In a steadily growing segment, the market share for vehicles with off-road capability has risen from 1.7% in 1992 to the current level of over 6% for the entire European fleet, and the compact SUV arena continues to attract increasing public interest.
The new Fiat Sedici - Italian for sixteen, in reference to its innovative 4x4 drivetrain - represents an intelligent evolution of the all-wheel drive genre, combining genuine off-road ability with all the versatility and practicality demanded by the modern family on the move.
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in conjunction with Fiat Centro Stile, the new Sedici is the end-product of a recent collaboration between Fiat Auto and Suzuki. Built at Suzuki's advanced new Hungarian production facility, the new compact SUV made its international public debut at the recent Winter Olympic Games, held in Fiat's home city of Turin in February.
The new Sedici, priced from £12,495 on-the-road, will be available from launch in two trim levels - Dynamic and Eleganza - and powered by a spirited 107 bhp 1.6 litre, 16 valve petrol engine mated to a five speed manual transmission. Later this year the range will be extended by the arrival of a second powerplant - Fiat's proven 120 bhp 1.9 MultiJet turbodiesel, allied to a six-speed manual gearbox.
Successfully combining SUV off-road performance with the dynamic agility of a front-wheel drive hatchback, the Fiat Sedici is fitted with a new, on-demand 4x4 system which features an electrically controlled centre differential and three driver-selected operating modes - 2WD, AUTO and LOCK - activated by a three-way transmission control rocker-switch housed in the centre console.
Via a central, electromagnetically controlled multi-plate clutch that transfers engine torque to the wheels with the most grip, the Sedici driver can easily and quickly select a transmission configuration best suited to the most diverse of driving conditions; conventional front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive with torque automatically modulated between front and rear axles, and, at speeds up to 37 mph, full-time four-wheel drive with an ideal, 50:50 torque split between front and rear wheels.
This simple, intuitive, electronic solution does away with the need for any cumbersome and intrusive transfer box gearlevers, whilst providing optimal traction and driving safety whatever the conditions.
Within a compact design that is lower and shorter than average for SUVs in this segment, yet boasts a generous 2500 mm wheelbase, the new Fiat Sedici's spacious, flexible cabin meets the diverse demands of today's active family, with numerous practical storage facilities, a full-width, top-hinged tailgate, and 60:40 split/folding and reclining rear seats which may be stowed compactly to increase the flat-floor luggage compartment volume from 270 to 670 litres.
The new Fiat Sedici's comprehensive equipment specification has been carefully considered to enhance the comfort and safety of those on board, with ABS anti-lock brakes and EBD electronic brakeforce distribution, four airbags, remote central locking, electric front windows, air conditioning and an eight speaker radio/CD player fitted as standard across the range.
This generous standard equipment package is boosted by a range of innovative, safety and comfort enhancing options such as tinted rear windows, leather upholstery, a Safety Pack incorporating full-length curtain airbags and ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), an MP3 player, a 5-disc, centre console mounted CD changer and Fiat's unique Connect NAV+ satellite navigation system.
With innovative engineering, sharp styling and practical versatility, the new Fiat Sedici will appeal to those drivers who demand genuine all-wheel drive ability without the associated size, weight and dynamic penalties. The Sedici is expected to attract some 1000 buyers within its first 12 months on the UK market, with the Eleganza model accounting for over 80% of sales, and an equal overall split between petrol and diesel engine choice. |
| Revised Fiat Idea in the UK |
A revised Fiat Idea range has just gone on sale in the UK. It features detailed styling changes, new interior trim and upholstery, comprehensive standard equipment specification upgrades, and significant performance enhancements achieved through an expanded engine and transmission range. An attractive contender in the mini-MPV market, the versatile, practical Idea reflects Fiat Auto's unrivalled expertise in the field of small cars. Its design provides an elevated driving position, impressive interior space, seating flexibility and class-leading storage facilities, despite exterior dimensions only marginally bigger than those of the average supermini.
Five versions of the 2006 Idea, priced from £10,295 - £13,195 on-the-road, are available, embracing three trim levels - Active, Dynamic and Eleganza - and a choice of three engines: a further refined version of the spirited FIRE 1.4 litre 16 valve 95 bhp petrol unit, and both 70 bhp and 90 bhp versions of Fiat Auto's widely acclaimed 1.3 litre 16 valve MultiJet diesel engine - the smallest and most advanced second generation common rail direct injection turbodiesel in the world.
Dynamic and Eleganza 1.4 litre petrol versions of the latest Idea are now mated to a new 6-speed transmission, whilst both 70 bhp and 90 bhp versions of the 1.3 litre MultiJet powerplant as well as the Active 1.4 litre petrol version incorporate a 5-speed manual gearbox. Dualogic transmission, a sophisticated, clutchless, 5-speed sequential manual shift with a selectable, fully automatic mode is available as an option throughout the range.
The 2006 Fiat Idea's improved equipment specification has been carefully considered to simplify and enhance life on board, with a stereo radio/CD player, remote central locking, driver and front passenger airbags, electric front windows, three rear headrests, Dualdrive power steering, Follow Me Home headlamps, ABS anti-lock braking and body coloured bumpers now fitted as standard across the range.
Numerous options more usually reserved for vehicles in a higher segment include parking sensors, curtain airbags (fitted as standard with Dynamic and Eleganza trim levels), ESP (including ASR, MSR and Hill Holder), a CD sound system that can play MP3 music files and a SkyDome glass sunroof occupying nearly 70% of the new Idea's roof area (also fitted as standard to Eleganza models).
At the heart of the new Fiat Idea's outstanding interior flexibility is a unique rear seat - set 5 mm higher than the front seats at 70 mm off the ground - combining a 40:20:40 split/folding and 60 degree reclining backrest with a 60:40 split/folding, and sliding, seat base. In conjunction with front and centre rear seats which fold forwards to form flat table tops, the system offers no less than 32 different seating configurations allied to a luggage capacity of between 320 to 1420 litres. Moreover, extensive cabin storage features no less than 27 different storage points.
Fiat Auto has equipped the 2006 Idea with class-leading levels of both passive and active safety. Allied to a chassis designed to provide exceptional torsional stiffness yet absorb impact with maximum efficiency, the Idea may be fitted with up to four airbags, whilst height adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, three-point rear seat belts, anti-submarining front and rear seats, and Fiat's FPS Fire Prevention System are all fitted as standard.
The 2006 Fiat Idea also offers the full range of braking, traction control and stability systems available today: ABS anti-lock brakes complete with electronic brakeforce distribution, ASR to limit wheelspin during acceleration, MSR to modulate engine torque whilst changing down, and a sophisticated ESP to control stability through bends. Vehicles fitted with ESP also benefit from hydraulic brake assistance and a unique Hill Holder function to facilitate smooth hill starts.
Incorporating true Multi Purpose Vehicle space efficiency and flexibility practicality, the 2006 Fiat Idea offers enhanced performance, improved specification levels and exceptional comfort, combined with unrivalled safety and outstanding value for money.
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| Off to a Grande start |
Fiat Auto UK's national dealer network has reported a very strong and enthusiastic reaction to the company's all-new Grande Punto, which went on sale on Saturday (11 February).
Fiat's UK dealers had been expecting a large number of interested visitors to their 'open door' weekend, as excitement surrounding Fiat's stylish new supermini has gathered pace in recent weeks; but last weekend's activities dramatically exceeded their expectations.
Over the weekend, more than 12,000 would-be Punto fans visited Fiat's dealer network, completing over 3300 test drives, with a further 3600 booked. And dealers also reported some 1285 confirmed sales orders for Grande Punto.
Commenting on the weekend's results, Fiat Auto UK managing director, Giulio Salomone, remarked: This is a most encouraging start. We are delighted that our beautiful, brilliant and solid new car is already making so many friends across the UK, especially as some 25% of these new customers have, up to now, been driving other brands. We're also very pleased that the tremendous value inherent in this car has been widely appreciated, as we can see from the percentage of sales being taken by Dynamic and Active Sport versions.
Last month's West European sales figures show that the Punto (original and Grande) was not only the leading seller in the B-segment, but also in the European car market outright. (Punto 37,977; Clio 36,016; Fiesta 31,470.) |
| Fiat and Microsoft launch all-new in-car system |
Fiat and Microsoft will launch Blue&Me, based on Windows Mobile for Automotive, at the 2006 Geneva International Motorshow, (28 February - 12 March), providing Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Fiat Commercial Vehicle ranges with the ultimate in-car communications and entertainment system.
This is the first product to follow the formation of a long-term strategic industrial partnership between Microsoft and Fiat Auto, (signed in July 2004), with the objective of co-designing innovative automotive telematics systems.
Blue&Me represents a complete redefinition of in-car communication, infotainment and entertainment systems. It is an all-new system, easy to use, accessible and price competitive, that will make car journeys both safer and more comfortable.
The system will become available exclusively on new Fiat and Alfa Romeo cars as well as on Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles. Grande Punto, Alfa Romeo 159, 159 Sportwagon, Brera and Spider will be equipped with this system from mid-2006, followed by the other models in Fiat Auto's product range.
Fiat Auto's Blue&Me, based on Windows Mobile for Automotive, relies on an open system which is always up-to-date, upgradeable, and flexible. It is content modular, and can be matched with a wide service offer.
Instead of costly and rigid hardware, Fiat Auto and Microsoft - with the support of Magneti Marelli - will offer a platform that can be adapted to most mobile phones, digital media players and other mobile systems. The customer is free to change them with new models without compromising compatibility with the car.
Blue&Me guarantees maximum security levels and user-friendliness. The voice-activated system, and complete integration of steering wheel controls and information on the dashboard display, will allow users to utilise any Bluetooth-based mobile phone - even if it is in a pocket or handbag - without removing hands from the steering wheel.
Thanks to a modern voice-recognition system, no preliminary voice training is needed, and even incoming SMS messages are read aloud to the driver.
Among audio functions, it is possible to listen to music stored on a mobile phone, in the newest 'smart' phones, and in MP3 readers or USB removable sticks. All this thanks to a USB port, located in the glovebox, which enables the connection to any digital system with the corresponding port.
The collaboration between Fiat and Microsoft allows Blue&Me to be based on an open platform, compatible with the largest number of systems such as mobile phones, Palms and MP3 players, with the real benefit of continuously maintaining pace with market innovations, thus perpetuating the perfect integration with the car at an entry-level price.
A further short-term evolution will offer a particularly simple and interactive navigation system, and access to a set of services among which are a personal assistant to check addresses, weather and traffic forecasts, satellite localisation in case of theft, SOS, and other services currently under development.
The system is a completely integrated technology, featuring one-to-one relations with the customer, as the name Blue&Me underlines.
Details of vehicle applications and availability will be released as models equipped with Blue&Me arrive in individual markets. |
| New Grande Punto in UK |
The widely acclaimed all-new Fiat Punto, known as Grande Punto in deference to its class-leading overall size, goes on sale in the UK on Saturday 11 February.
Fiat Auto's attractive new supermini is the largest car in the highly competitive B segment, combining class-leading accommodation with high quality build, flexible and practical interiors, comprehensive equipment levels, state-of-the-art technology and the superior driving dynamics of larger, higher segment vehicles.
As a result of top quality construction, research and development, Grande Punto, which has undergone a gruelling testing regime comprising more than 3,000,000 miles, also meets the highest safety standards. Benefiting from the company's unrivalled expertise in the field of small cars, new Punto has been awarded a maximum 5-star safety rating in the gruelling Euro NCAP crash test programme. Achieving 5 stars for passenger safety, 3 stars for child protection and a further 3 for pedestrian protection, the new Fiat recorded a total of 33 points out of a possible 37 - the highest overall score yet recorded in its market category.
Thirteen versions of the new Punto, priced from a remarkably competitive £7594 - £12,295 on-the-road, will be available from launch, embracing five trim levels - Active, Active Sport, Dynamic, Eleganza and Sporting. Augmenting an interior design founded on the fundamental pre-requisites of class-leading space, high quality build, and visual and tactile sophistication, the new Fiat's equipment specification has been carefully considered to simplify and enhance life on board. Standard equipment on all versions includes ABS anti-lock braking, remote central locking, driver and passenger front airbags, electric front windows, a CD player, Dualdrive electric power steering and Follow Me Home headlamps.
This comprehensive equipment package is boosted by a range of innovative, safety and comfort enhancing options more usually reserved for higher segment cars, such as dual-zone climate control, cruise control, rain and parking sensors, a SkyDome glass sunroof occupying almost the entire roof area, a multi-CD and MP3 player with subwoofer, and hands-free Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity.
The all-new Punto has already picked up some notable international media awards, including The Golden Steering Wheel (Germany); Auto Europa (Italy), and Best City Car (France). It goes on sale in the UK, which has been its predecessor's leading export market, with a choice of six powerplants, including the widest diesel engine range in its category: 1.2 litre, 65bhp and 1.4 litre, 77bhp versions of the renowned 8-valve Fire petrol engine, and four turbocharged examples of Fiat's sophisticated direct injection MultiJet diesel engine technology: 120bhp and 130bhp variants of the widely acclaimed 1.9 litre 8-valve MultiJet, as well as 75bhp and 90bhp versions of the award winning 1.3 litre 16-valve unit - the world's smallest and most advanced second generation common rail direct injection turbodiesel.
Both petrol engines, together with the 75bhp, 1.3 litre MultiJet unit, are mated to 5-speed manual gearboxes; whilst the 90bhp, 1.3 litre turbodiesel as well as the 120bhp and 130bhp versions of the 1.9 litre MultiJet engine are equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions.
Future additions to the engine range include a 95bhp 1.4 litre 16-valve petrol engine, which, along with the option of Dualogic - a sophisticated, clutchless, 5-speed sequential manual shift with a selectable, fully automatic mode - will be available later in the year. Further, more powerful engine options are in the 'pipeline'.
These developments will equip the all-new Punto with the widest, most comprehensive range of engines and transmissions available in B-segment today.
With a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating to its name, the new Punto builds on an already impressive safety portfolio with the full range of braking, traction control and stability systems available on the market today. Along with standard equipment ABS anti-lock brakes, complete with electronic brakeforce distribution, Grande Punto versions can be equipped with ASR to limit wheelspin during acceleration, MSR to modulate brake torque whilst changing down, and a sophisticated ESP to control stability through bends. Vehicles fitted with ESP also benefit from hydraulic brake assistance and a unique Hill Holder function to facilitate smooth hill starts.
With 15,000 orders placed and 100,000 test-drives booked within just five days of the new Punto going on sale in Europe, Fiat expects to better initial global sales predictions of 360,000 cars per annum. Over 100,000 versions of the all-new Punto have been sold since its launch in late September last year. The current Punto continues in production, and a limited range will remain on sale in the UK throughout 2006.
The original Punto was introduced in 1993 and immediately became a hugely successful product throughout Europe. By its second year in production, it had already been voted European Car of the Year, and became Europe's best selling small car, ahead of the Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 206 and Renault Clio. In 1997, it was the best selling car in Europe, outright. Still in production today, there are currently more than 500,000 examples of the Punto active on Britain's roads.
So Grande Punto is one of the most important vehicles in Fiat's 107 year history, because it is the latest in a long line of advanced, stylish small cars that has created and built Fiat's legendary heritage.
These advanced small cars started with the original Fiat 500, launched in 1936 as the world's smallest mass production car and nicknamed Topolino, or Mickey Mouse.
The price of the original Fiat 500 made it accessible to people who had hitherto never been able to afford one, and it did it with the style and panache of much larger, more expensive cars.
In 1955 the Fiat 600 was launched, followed by a new 500 in 1957. Another classic small car, the 600 was also the basis for the Fiat 600 Multipla, launched in 1956. With its revolutionary six seat layout in a small car, it laid the foundations for the millions of people movers that followed more than 40 years later.
These classic small cars, which provided real value for their customers, have been followed by generations of world-beating designs, such as the Fiat 127 in 1971, fore-runner of the modern front-wheel drive hatchback, the first and second generation Pandas, the Fiat Uno, and the first generations of the Fiat Punto, a car that has been purchased by more than six million people, and is still in production.
The all-new Grande Punto, therefore, has a hefty reputation to maintain. So it's not surprising that it sets safety and quality standards that are particularly high for its category. It boasts the widest range of diesel engines, has a very competitive price/content ratio, and offers conspicuous value to customers. As a result, Grande Punto meets the fundamental requirements of this class, and then it adds a new level of styling, along with a driving experience that befits a country that produces the world's best sports cars, and does it all in a highly original way.
Developed by Italdesign, together with the Fiat Styling Centre, Grande Punto stands out in the current automotive scene for its appearance, which is modern, elegant and distinctly Italian, with a Mediterranean stylistic 'language' inspired by the sports cars of the 1950s and 1960s.
Like the exterior, the interior of Grande Punto represents the most evolved expression of Italian styling, thanks to the quality of the materials and the care that has gone into detailing. The result is a bright, welcoming, yet still functional environment.
This is a car created to 'excite', but also to express the solidity that comes from high quality standards. This is borne out by extremely high safety standards; attention to detail that is unusual in this market bracket, and exceptional comfort.
This impression is confirmed by the car's external dimensions, which put it at the top of its category: it is 4030mm long, 1687mm wide, 1490mm high and has a wheelbase of 2510mm, measurements which translate into an extraordinary amount of interior space and comfort, and which are also significant in terms of the car's crash safety performance.
Grande Punto is clearly a car of superior quality: from the very first stages of the project, the team working on it pursued very high standards, drawing on a stringent engineering process, based on a very strong all-new platform, while it applied the most advanced, innovative reliability methodologies throughout the model's development and construction. This is a car built to be solid and safe.
And finally, Grande Punto is agile and enjoyable to drive in all situations, and its engines combine strong performance, low fuel consumption and respect for the environment.
Styling, comfort, best-in-class safety standards, solidity and a highly competitive price: these are the guidelines along which Grande Punto was developed; a car created for young adults, for first-time car buyers, for women, and for young families. To meet the requirements of this broad customer base, Grande Punto offers vibrant Italian styling, a symbol of character and refinement, in three or five door form. The three door version is more assertive and dynamic, and will appeal above all to performance and style-driven owners, while the five door version strikes a balance between styling and comfort, performance and safety, access and its distinctive look.
Both versions share a broad, comprehensive range with five UK trim levels, each capable of satisfying different customers who share the same youthful, dynamic spirit. |
| Grande Punto rocks Capital |
The first Fiat Grande Punto to arrive in the UK zipped around the capital city Wednesday 18 January, with the chart-topping Bodyrockers.
The electro rock duo sampled Fiat's all-new supermini while finding time for a speedy shopping trip at the world famous Harrods department store in Knightsbridge, where Grande Punto will take centre stage from the end of January through until March.
Two new Grande Puntos will be showcased in Harrods' Brompton Road shop windows for a two month period from the end of this month, and visitors to the store will be able to experience the car for themselves at close quarters, together with the possibility of a test drive. Grande Punto goes on sale throughout the UK on Saturday 11 February.
The Fiat Punto has been a highly successful product since the original was launched in 1993. Voted European Car of the Year in 1995, it became Europe's best selling car in 1997, and in the UK, its largest export market, some 500,000 examples are active on our roads today.
The all-new Punto has elegant lines courtesy of Italian design maestro, Giorgetto Giugiaro. It is built on a completely new platform, making it the largest and safest in its category. It boasts the widest diesel engine range in its class, and a maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Mainland Europe has taken to the new Italian in a big way. Over 100,000 customer orders have been received since Grande Punto first went on sale at the end of September, and it has already picked up some notable international media awards, including the Golden Steering Wheel (Germany), Auto Europa (Italy), and Best City Car (France). |
| Grande Punto heads for Harrods |
The all-new Fiat Grande Punto, which goes on sale in the UK next month, is making its London debut at the world famous Harrods department store in Knightsbridge from 29 January.
This is the first time that window shoppers and visitors to the London store will be able to view the sleek new Italian supermini, before a high profile national advertising campaign 'breaks' on 5 February, in advance of the 11 February on-sale date, when Grande Punto will be rolled out at UK Fiat dealerships nationwide.
Two of Fiat Auto's new superminis will be showcased in Harrods Brompton Road shop windows for a two month period from the end of January, and visitors to the store will be able to experience the car for themselves at close quarters, and may even have the chance of a test drive. Numerous posters and plasmas installed at key locations throughout the store will inform Harrods customers that Grande Punto has moved in, and is awaiting them!
The Fiat Punto has been a highly successful product since the original was launched in 1993. Voted European Car of the Year in 1995, it became Europe's best selling car in 1997, and some 500,000 examples are on the roads of Britain today. The all-new Punto which goes on sale here next month, and which will shortly be seen in Harrods, has elegant lines courtesy of Italian design maestro, Giorgetto Giugiaro. It is built on a completely new platform, and is the largest and safest in its category, boasting the widest diesel engine range in its class, and a maximum 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating. |
| 3000-Strong fleet for winter Olympics |
In keeping with its role as an official sponsor of the 2006 Winter Olympics, Fiat is delivering some 3000 cars to the organisers of the Games, which are taking place in the company's home town, Turin, next month. The Italian car maker's new four-wheel drive Fiat Sedici is the official car of the 2006 Games.
As well as providing transport for officials, Fiat has also provided additional vehicle support for particular teams, including the Jamaican Bobsleigh team, made famous in a film featuring the unlikely scenario of a tropical nation tackling an archetypal winter sport.
The Olympic fleet will be made up of 2000 Fiat Sedicis and other Group cars that meet the various operating requirements, including the new Grande Punto which goes on sale in the UK next month, the Fiat Croma, Panda 4x4, Fiat Idea, Alfa 159 and Alfa Crosswagon.
Some of these cars will be assigned to delegations and television operators from all parts of the world, while hundreds of other cars will be used by the operational heart of the Games: the 3000 Torino 2006 volunteer drivers.
Safe Driving courses have been organised for these volunteers, and thanks to Magneti Marelli, all the Fiat Cromas and Alfa 159s in the Olympic fleet have been equipped with the latest generation info-telematic and satellite navigation systems that will enable them to reach the various Olympic sites and areas of interest by following directions given vocally or on-screen.
Further cars are being provided as part of various initiatives put in place by Fiat Auto. These include the Fiat Freestyle Team, which brings together the most talented Italian snowboarders and freestyle skiers; the Alfa Romeo Ski Racing Team, which is made up of leading members of the Italian Alpine Skiing team;
sponsorship of the Jamaican Bob Federation; the bond between Lancia and the world of figure skating through the Lancia Ice team; and finally, sponsorship of the Italian men's and women's ice hockey teams by Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles.
Fiat is also an Institutional Sponsor of the Olympic Flame Relay, which started from Rome on 8 December, 2005, and will reach Turin on Friday, 10 February, the day of the inauguration of the XX Olympic Winter Games, having covered over 11,300 kilometres in little more than two months. |
| Revised Doblo range in UK |
A new Fiat Doblo range has just gone on sale in the UK, featuring extensively revised styling, further interior refinement, upgraded specifications, improved functionality and significant performance enhancements achieved through the most comprehensive engine range available in its category.
Doblo has sold over 150,000 units in Europe since going on sale at the end of 2000. The model has achieved great popularity due to its outstanding practicality, flexibility and comfort, together with class-leading interior dimensions.
Priced from £9595-£11,995 on-the-road, the new range continues to represent outstanding value for money. No other competitor rivals the Doblo Dynamic specification in offering air conditioning, radio/CD player and 15 alloy wheels as standard. And no other competitor offers a 7-seat version to rival the Doblo Family, still the best value MPV on the UK market. Moreover, the Doblo is unique in offering a High Roof version, making it ideal for use as a Taxi, or Motability vehicle.
Three brand new engines make their first appearance in the new Doblo range, which now features two 1.4 8v petrol and two 1.3 16v MultiJet turbodiesel versions, with two 105bhp and three 120bhp 1.9 MultiJet turbodiesel versions completing the nine model line-up. All four powerplants are mated to 5-speed manual transmissions.
The previous 1.2 65bhp petrol engine has been replaced by a spirited, 77bhp 1.4 litre FIRE unit, whilst Fiat Auto's highly successful 105bhp 1.9 litre MultiJet turbodiesel with common rail technology is augmented by a more powerful variant equipped with a variable geometry Garrett turbocharger which boosts power output to 120bhp.
Fiat's 1.3 litre 16v MultiJet turbodiesel is the smallest and most advanced second generation common rail direct injection turbodiesel in the world. This state-of-the-art powerplant - a 1248cc, 4-cylinder in-line unit with a bore of 69.8mm and stroke of 82mm - features twin overhead camshafts, a chain driven timing system, hydraulic tappets, a cast iron crankcase with an aluminium base, steel crankshaft and connecting rods, and an aluminium cylinder head. It develops 85bhp and an impressive 200Nm of torque at only 1750rpm.
Start-up times, exhaust smoke and fuel consumption are all significantly reduced, noise levels and vibration are lowered to ensure a quieter drive and improved passenger comfort, whilst emissions are also greatly reduced.
Both 1.3 16v and 1.9 8v MultiJet turbodiesels now incorporate a maintenance-free Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), whilst the entire new Doblo range is readily compliant with EURO 4 emissions requirements.
The new Fiat Doblo features extensive styling enhancements, combining an enhanced visual flair which instantly identifies it as the latest addition to the Fiat family with a proven sturdiness and protective solidity. The revised front end weds functionality with a distinctive personality, featuring prominent dual-barrel headlamp clusters mounted above generous, practical, scuff-resistant bumpers. A purposeful new deep V grille design runs full height between the bonnet and a large, aerodynamic front air dam which incorporates integral fog lamps.
At the sides, the practicality of large sliding doors and particularly generous glazing -including an extra-deep front door window to aid low speed manoeuvring, is further enhanced by enlarged protective rubbing strips. At the rear, new high visibility, two tone, vertical tail lamp clusters frame a practical, full height, top hinged tailgate, whilst a new rear bumper design now houses built-in reflectors and optional parking sensors.
At 4250mm long, 1720mm wide and 1818mm in height, the new Doblo is 90mm longer, 10mm wider and 10mm higher than its predecessor, yet it retains the compact dimensions essential to urban practicality. The new Doblo can seat five people in comfort - two large sliding doors allied to raised seating positions making it particularly easy for passengers to climb in and out - whilst offering abundant luggage space; a class leading 750 litres to parcel shelf level. The back seats may also be folded down to create a massive 3000 litres of loadspace, allowing the new Fiat to carry bulky sports or leisure equipment when used for recreation, or large quantities of merchandise when used on business.
The availability of a 7-seat family version further reinforces the versatility of the Doblo range, with the addition of a third row of passenger accommodation in the form of a sliding, foldable bench seat. Offered with a new, more powerful, 85bhp version of Fiat Auto's groundbreaking 1.3 litre 16v MultiJet turbodiesel, or a 120bhp version of the renowned 1.9 litre 8v MultiJet powerplant, the Doblo Family remains the most affordable 7-seater MPV in the UK market today.
In addition, and unique to this market segment, Doblo can be specified as a High Roof version, this format offering capacious interior volume and making the new Fiat ideal for use as a Motability vehicle, or in the rapidly expanding taxi market.
Already acclaimed for its spacious interior, comfortable seats, first class driving ergonomics and exceptional all-round visibility, the new Doblo further benefits from enlarged door trim panels and a revised dashboard finish featuring dark grey upper, and pale grey lower sections. In addition, on-board practicality has been further improved with the addition of a new, full-width shelf over the windscreen. The Doblo is available in a range of four new cloth upholstery trims and 12 exterior colours, including nine metallic finishes.
The new Fiat Doblo is on sale here in three specification levels - Active, Family and Dynamic - and offers comprehensive standard equipment. Active versions include electric front windows, remote central locking, driver and passenger airbags, a height adjustable driver's seat and armrest, 60:40 split/folding rear seats with a central, 3-point seatbelt, three rear head restraints, a stereo radio/cassette, ABS with EBD, Follow Me Home headlamps, and larger, 15 wheels.
Family versions boast the same specification as Active models, with the addition of two extra seats with 3-point seatbelts, front fog lights and colour coded bumpers. Over and above the Active specification, Dynamic models feature air conditioning, a stereo radio/CD player, front fog lights, colour coded bumpers and 15 alloy wheels, a standard specification unmatched by any competitor in this market segment.
An options list carefully considered to both enhance life on board and further improve the new Doblo's flexibility includes a unique high roof version, glazed double rear doors, front seat side airbags, heated electric door mirrors, roof bars, a reverse parking sensor, air conditioning, a radio/CD player and CONNECT Nav + - Fiat Auto's unique communications system which is the most advanced infotelematic package on the market. CONNECT NAV+ comes with a wide, 7, full colour active matrix display screen, and offers a map navigation system, atlas function and voice activated commands for the telephone and a voice memo. |
| Prestigious Award for Grande Punto |
The accolade which is awarded by a jury of car experts, celebrities from the entertainment world, and racing drivers.
Organised by the weekly magazine Bild am Sonntag, the prize is now in its thirtieth year, and is annually awarded to a model in each of four different categories. Grande Punto has just won the trophy for the Compact category, ahead of the Volkswagen Fox, Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris and Peugeot 1007.
The Golden Steering Wheel prize-giving ceremony took place in Berlin today. Collecting the trophy, Werner Fry, Managing Director Fiat Auto AG commented: Winning the Golden Steering Wheel fills us with pride and confidence, and opens an important new chapter in the history of the success of both Grande Punto and the Fiat brand. |
| Panda Passes The 500,000 Mark |
Fiat Panda production has just passed the manufacturing milestone of 500,000 units.
Panda is built in Fiat Auto's Polish plant at Tychy, and although destined primarily for European markets, it is also sold in countries like Malaysia, Taiwan and Martinique, and there are almost 2000 Pandas on Japanese roads.
Panda is currently the second best selling car in Italy, behind the Fiat Punto, and it dominates the city car market (A-segment) in Europe.
Panda's on-going commercial success has been repeatedly underwritten by the number of prizes awarded to it by the international automotive media - 18 to date - including the prestigious Car of the Year 2004 title.
Over 16,000 Pandas have been sold in the UK since the car's launch in 2004, and the range now includes turbodiesel and 4x4 versions. |
| Punto Is 'Best Environmental Car 2005' In Sweden |
In fact, the Swedish association has voted it number one both in the overall rankings, and in the 'Small Car' category.
According to the Swedish Association of Green Motorists, Fiat Punto Natural Power is the best car for the environment. In fact, the Swedish association has voted it number one both in the overall rankings, and in the 'Small Car' category.
Launched in Sweden in May 2004, the Punto Natural Power was immediately well received thanks to its compact yet roomy design, outstanding safety features and excellent fuel consumption. This was confirmed when the municipality of Gothenburg became the first public authority in Sweden to choose it: as of today the municipality's Technical Service departments have purchased 130 units.
To date, about 300 Punto Natural Power versions have been delivered to the Swedish market, the majority sold as demo-cars for applications in the professional field. Over the coming months, municipalities in Sweden will be deciding the breakdown of their 'green' car fleets, and so sales could well grow significantly.
Punto Natural Power uses two independent fuel systems: one for natural gas and the other for petrol. The vehicle automatically switches to gas after the engine has been started, although the driver can change fuel manually at any time with the touch of a button on the facia. And when the natural gas level drops to near zero, the engine is switched automatically to petrol.
Maximum range with natural gas totals 260 km, whereas the combination of natural gas and petrol give the car a range of 960 km |
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