We’ve all heard of Fiat new two-cylinder TwinAir turbocharged engine that has won numerous awards. In order to capitalize on its little technological marvel, the Italian carmaker has announced the market introduction of the new 500 TwinAir version, for both the regular three-door version and the cabriolet.
From now on “TwinAir” not only means a small engine, but also design changes, bespoke styling and upgraded equipment. The one major problem with a car like this is that customers will only see it as a fuel saver, and not a fun-to-drive cool car that they will be proud to be seen in. So Fiat will advertise its “fun to drive” factor with a little help from Ferrari's F1 driver Fernando Alonso.
All versions will come with a 0.9-liter engine that produces 85 hp and 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque. The 500 TwinAir accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 11 seconds and can reach a top speed of 173 km/h (108 mph).
Exterior changes over the standard 500 include door handles, license plate holder and grille with a satin chrome finish, black alloy wheels and a sports kit consisting of a black tailgate spoiler and chromed exhaust tip. A piano black roof is also available as an optional extra for the hatchback.
The interior has a dark, sporty atmosphere to it, thanks in no small part to satin chrome finish of the dashboard fascia. In addition, the sport seats are covered in a mix of perforated leather and fabric.
Prices start at €12,900 ($19,200) in Italy and there are two equipment levels, TwinAir and TwinAir Plus. The first offers 15-inch Total Black alloy wheels, a sports kit, audio system with CD and MP3, ABS and EBD, 7 airbags, Start&Stop system, electric and heated exterior mirrors and a remote-controlled central locking system, as standard.
TwinAir Plus adds bigger 16-inch wheels, manual air conditioning, leather covered steering wheel with radio controls, Blue&Me infotainment system, fog lights, ESP with ASR/MSR, brake assist and hill holder systems.
From now on “TwinAir” not only means a small engine, but also design changes, bespoke styling and upgraded equipment. The one major problem with a car like this is that customers will only see it as a fuel saver, and not a fun-to-drive cool car that they will be proud to be seen in. So Fiat will advertise its “fun to drive” factor with a little help from Ferrari's F1 driver Fernando Alonso.
All versions will come with a 0.9-liter engine that produces 85 hp and 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque. The 500 TwinAir accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 11 seconds and can reach a top speed of 173 km/h (108 mph).
Exterior changes over the standard 500 include door handles, license plate holder and grille with a satin chrome finish, black alloy wheels and a sports kit consisting of a black tailgate spoiler and chromed exhaust tip. A piano black roof is also available as an optional extra for the hatchback.
The interior has a dark, sporty atmosphere to it, thanks in no small part to satin chrome finish of the dashboard fascia. In addition, the sport seats are covered in a mix of perforated leather and fabric.
Prices start at €12,900 ($19,200) in Italy and there are two equipment levels, TwinAir and TwinAir Plus. The first offers 15-inch Total Black alloy wheels, a sports kit, audio system with CD and MP3, ABS and EBD, 7 airbags, Start&Stop system, electric and heated exterior mirrors and a remote-controlled central locking system, as standard.
TwinAir Plus adds bigger 16-inch wheels, manual air conditioning, leather covered steering wheel with radio controls, Blue&Me infotainment system, fog lights, ESP with ASR/MSR, brake assist and hill holder systems.