With Abarth now firmly established as a brand in its own right, the Abarth Punto EVO, which has just gone on sale in the UK, proves the firm can take a winning formula to the next level. As its name implies, the new car is an evolution of the successful Abarth Grande Punto, the car that heralded the rebirth of Abarth in 2008.

Like existing Abarth models, the Abarth Punto EVO has its origins in the world of motor racing. This ethos helps the company develop rewarding, performance road cars at an affordable price. And it blends these attributes with class-leading economy and safety in a stylish and very highly specified package.

The Abarth Punto EVO is available with the award-winning MultiAir cutting edge unit that gives the car its unique combination of performance and eco-friendliness. Developed in conjunction with Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the punchy 1.4-litre turbo is the most sporting interpretation yet of the company’s revolutionary MultiAir technology.

This innovation, which features a pioneering method of controlling the way the engine breathes, enables the Abarth Punto EVO to accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds yet still return an impressive 47.1mpg on the combined cycle. And by employing Start&Stop and an in-cockpit Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) this Abarth both conforms to Euro 5 emissions regulations and emits a very un-performance car-like 142g/km of CO₂.

Yet despite these eco-credentials the new Abarth Punto EVO remains a true performance car. From the throaty rasp of its satin finish twin tailpipes to the sporting 17-inch alloy wheels, body coloured rear spoiler and side skirts and race-tuned suspension, this new Abarth is designed to get its driver’s adrenaline pumping.

This is demonstrated by the Sport Switch, a lever located down by the gearlever. This enables drivers to decide how they want the car to behave and adjust it accordingly. For a more relaxed drive, Normal is the default position. However, in Sport mode, the car becomes more responsive with sharper reactions from the accelerator and steering.

Yet while thrills are guaranteed, there’s no danger of any spills. The Abarth Punto EVO is designed to protect as well as please its driver. Safety equipment includes Abarth’s clever Torque Transfer Control (TTC) system. This replicates the behaviour of a limited slip differential to improve the Abarth Punto EVO’s dynamic responses while ensuring the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) remains on stand-by should it be required. And ABS anti-lock brakes, Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Hydraulic Brake Assistance (HBA) are all standard, as are seven airbags including a drivers’ knee bag.

This is symptomatic of the high level of standard equipment Abarth Punto EVO owners can expect. The steering wheel is both reach and rake adjustable and the driver’s seat adjusts for height too. There are electric front windows and mirrors, air conditioning and a radio/CD/MP3 player with steering wheel controls, and the Blue&Me hands-free system that allows control of the sound system and a telephone through voice recognition.

A wide range of extras includes Blue&Me MAP, which employs motor racing technology to help drivers improve their skills at the wheel through telemetry as well as regular satellite navigation. And Abarth Corse front seats made by Sabelt are also on the option list.

It’s this kind of flexibility on top of an already generous equipment list that is helping to cement Abarth’s continued growth and its burgeoning popularity with customers aged between 18 and 30.

MultiAir, multi-talented

The foundations of the Abarth Punto EVO’s spirited performance were laid by a successful collaboration between Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) and Abarth engineers. The result is a version of the impressive 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo that’s been transformed into a true Abarth.

An impressive 165bhp rockets the Abarth Punto Evo to a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 133mph. Central to this boosted performance has been Abarth’s desire to embrace and enhance the benefits of FPT’s new MultiAir technology.

MultiAir marks a dramatic departure from normal petrol engine behaviour. It employs a new electro-hydraulic valve management system that controls air directly via the engine intake valves. In a regular petrol engine, where the throttle does this, energy is wasted through the valves’ relatively slow adjustment to the varying conditions of everyday driving. MultiAir provides dynamic control of the air intake allowing flexibility of valve lift according to how much air the engine requires.

The result in the Abarth Punto EVO sees power boosted by 10 per cent and torque by 15 per cent. But at low engine speeds, early closing of the intake valves reduces pumping losses and optimises efficiency. The result is a reduction in both fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by 10 per cent while particulate matter is reduced by 40 per cent and NOx by up to 60 per cent.

On the Abarth Punto EVO, Abarth’s engineers settled on using a Garrett turbine, chosen to provide a lag-free sporting drive while complementing the highly flexible characteristics of MultiAir technology.

This translates to a maximum torque of 250Nm that can be accessed from 2250rpm. In true Abarth tradition this gives owners the feisty feeling they expect at the wheel. Yet compliance with strict Euro 5 emissions regulations and CO₂ emissions of 142g/km highlight impeccable environmental credentials.

To complement MultiAir’s flexibility, the in-cockpit Sport Switch allows drivers to extract the maximum performance from the car according to their mood. In Italian, Manettino means ‘little lever’ and it’s been inspired by the steering wheel mounted controller in Ferrari’s Formula One cars.

Positioned down by the gear lever in the Abarth Punto EVO, this purposeful looking adjustor has two settings: Normal and Sport. When Sport is selected, throttle responses are sharpened to give the car a more urgent feel, the Dualdrive electric power steering becomes weightier for increased sportiness and Torque Transfer Control (TTC) is activated.

The TTC system uses electronics to make the mechanical differential behave like a limited slip diff. It does so by employing the ESP sensors to measure wheel speed, steering wheel angle, slip and yaw. By telling the braking system to act only on the inside front wheel, engine torque can be transferred to the gripping outside wheel. The result limits understeer and ensures the best possible dynamic performance on any surface. In the cockpit, the Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) flashes to change up through the smart-shifting six-speed manual gearbox when the engine reaches the 6000rpm red line.

Switch back to Normal and full ESP replaces the TTC while the GSI returns to its role of sensible co-pilot, unobtrusively advising the driver to change gear at the point in the RPM range that achieves maximum economy. The Normal setting also makes the throttle response less aggressive for more relaxed urban driving and gives the steering greater assistance for easier low-speed manoeuvres.

Unusually for a focused sports car, the Abarth Punto EVO features a Start&Stop system. This automatically cuts the engine when the car is stationary, preventing the engine idling wastefully and cutting unnecessary noise and vibration in the passenger compartment. It’s at its most efficient in urban conditions where it reduces fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent, contributing to a combined economy figure of a competitive 47.1mpg. The engine re-starts again as soon as the clutch is depressed. And it means that if the engine is stalled accidentally it can be re-started simply by pressing the clutch. None of the car’s usual functions such as the climate control or sound system are impaired by this.

A performance pack, enabling owners to upgrade their cars to esseesse (SS) specification, will be available at a later date. This boost power output to at least 180bhp.

Technology assures safety

With a racing pedigree as legendary as Abarth’s, it’s no surprise that safety has featured as a priority in developing the Abarth Punto EVO. Thus, every car comes with a remarkably high level of safety equipment as standard.

Seven airbags, including dual-stage driver and passenger bags, window bags, side bags and unusually for this class of car, driver knee bags are fitted as standard. As this is a sporting model, the Abarth Punto EVO was designed from the start to guarantee high performance in complete safety. To limit understeer it employs the TTC system that uses the ESP sensors and brakes.

The braking system has been designed specifically to match the Abarth’s sporty nature. The front discs are ventilated with fixed Brembo callipers that are accentuated by a racy red colour. Disc brakes are fitted at the rear too.

To guarantee the responsive handling expected of an Abarth, a tried and tested suspension configuration of MacPherson independent at the front and semi-independent with torsion beam at the rear has been adopted. But the front springs are 20 per cent stiffer than the regular Punto EVO and anti-roll bars front and rear are oversized to give a perfect combination of road holding and comfort.

Active safety equipment on the Abarth Punto EVO is boosted by a suite of electronic driver aids. ESP Electronic Stability Programme ensures control is maintained at all times and comes with Hill Holder. This uses information from various sensors on the pedal board, gear shift and ECU to prevent the car from rolling back on a slope until the driver releases the clutch to move off.

Also standard are ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Hydraulic Brake Assistance (HBA) to ensure maximum stopping power is on tap when it’s required.

Crowd pleaser not in the crowd

Every Abarth is expected to stand out from the crowd and the Abarth Punto EVO is no different. But so that it conforms with Abarth tradition, visual modifications aren’t simply cosmetic; they also have an impact on the car’s performance.

Drawing inspiration from the successful Abarth S2000 rally car, the front is characterised by side intakes in the front valance that help guide and therefore improve airflow around the front of the car. The front bumper incorporates an aerodynamic splitter to guide airflow beneath the car and the valance has been made broader so that it runs seamlessly into the side skirts.

A black plastic bar splitting the main honeycomb-effect radiator grille houses the number plate. And the Abarth badge bearing the classic scorpion icon is now its traditional shield shape rather than round as on the previous model. Adaptive cornering foglights that illuminate to warn other drivers of a lane change manoeuvre, and day time running lights ensure the Abarth Punto Evo stands out.

The side skirts are body-coloured to make the car appear glued to the ground even when it’s stationary. And the side graphic has been extended to the front bumper. The 17-inch wheels have been re-designed too with their spokes now reflecting the scorpion pincers on the Abarth badge, while the famous logo also appears on the wheel centres.

The rear bumper incorporates side vents along with a distinctive new diffuser to channel air away from the car’s underbody. This diffuser now houses the fog and reversing lights which have been centrally mounted so they become the focus of attention, as on a Formula One car. The wider bore twin exhaust tail pipes feature a satin finish and are also located in the diffuser.

The rear roof spoiler has been fully revised to improve its aerodynamic properties and make the Abarth Punto EVO even more stable at speed. And it’s now the same colour as the car, making the vehicle’s lines appear more continuous and dynamic. The rear lights are mounted high for maximum visibility, with LEDs framing the rear window to complete a car that’s as special to look at as it is to drive

Sporty from the inside out

Driving an Abarth has always been special and Abarth Punto EVO owners will appreciate that even more thanks to a thoroughly re-designed interior. Hard angles have been abandoned and replaced with softer, curvier lines that appear plush and elegant to give a cosier more comfortable atmosphere.

The finish of the fascia has been chosen to replicate the effect of tarmac on a race track, an Abarth signature that’s repeated throughout dealerships. Above it, high quality leather covers the dashboard with red and yellow stitching around the leading edge to highlight the new cowl that shades the instruments from the sun.

These instruments, produced by specialist manufacturer Jaeger, feature larger speedometer and rev counter faces while a graphic between the two shows how much boost the turbo is contributing.

The steering wheel has been designed for maximum driver appeal too. It’s trimmed in soft black leather, has a racing-car like flat bottom, and specially designed contours to ensure it’s comfortable and wieldy whatever position it’s in. Controls for the sound system and Blue&Me ‘infotainment’ are also steering wheel mounted for easy thumb operation.

A radical redesign inside has halved the size of the centre console. At the top of this now sits a recess where the portable Blue&Me TomTom unit can be located just above the air vents. Blue&Me TomTom gives a completely integrated infotainment system, allowing management via touch screen of telephone, navigation and sound system.

So that owners can make the most of their Abarth Punto EVO’s sporting credentials, the firm’s unique Blue&Me MAP driver aid is also available. This portable navigation device is fully integrated with the vehicle so there are no unsightly cables. And it allows drivers to monitor and analyse their skills behind the wheel.

Employing know-how acquired from electronics expert Magneti Marelli’s exploits in motor racing, a real-time telemetry screen displays engine RPM, gear selected and vehicle speed. If the driver is using one of the circuits pre-loaded on the SD card, satellite tracking shows the position of the car on the circuit and its lap time. On a track that isn’t on the database, a slow lap with the ‘circuit acquisition’ feature in operation will record the details.

Afterwards, all the information from a track session can be accessed and analysed to enable drivers to improve their performance. Sessions can also be downloaded for comparison with friends, colleagues and other Abarth owners.

Blue&Me MAP is much more than simply a tool for sporting drivers. Using Bluetooth connectivity it enables drivers to interact with the in-car audio system and control the satellite navigation safely without taking their hands off the steering wheel. Navigation instructions also appear in the main instrument cluster for enhanced safety. And because this navigation device is portable, drivers can take it with them to use as a map on the move.

The Abarth Punto EVO isn’t just well equipped in technology terms. As we’ve already seen there’s comprehensive safety equipment and the cockpit is lavishly equipped. To ensure any driver can find their optimum driving position, the seat adjusts for height and the steering wheel adjusts for reach as well as rake.

Air conditioning with an anti-pollen filter is standard, as are electric front windows and wing mirrors with a demist function. Sporty metal pedals with a foot rest are also standard, like the figure-hugging sports seats. These are trimmed with soft black leather round the edges while the middle is covered with a high-tech fabric that’s soft enough to be comfortable while also resistant to wear and breathable.

If this isn’t sufficient, a wide range of options are available including automatic climate control, the Sky Dome electric sun roof, and Abarth Corse front seats by Sabelt in either black fabric or Alcantara with red and yellow stitching.

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• NEW FIAT PUNTO EVO – EVOLUTION OF THE SPECIES
• PRICES ANNOUNCED FOR NEW ABARTH 500C AND ABARTH PUNTO EVO

Pricing for two sporting new Abarth models – the 500C and Punto Evo – has just been announced.

Launched here in July 2008, the award-winning Abarth brand has continued to find new fans in the form of enthusiast drivers wishing to express themselves through their choice of car.

And these two new Abarths retain the previous models’ good looks and thrilling styling, while introducing exciting news ideas, power upgrades, and a host of useful equipment – much of it as standard.

In keeping with Abarth’s philosophy of ‘Making the Ordinary Extraordinary’, Abarth has taken a convertible car and made it its own in the shape of the new Abarth 500C while, at first glance, the new Abarth Punto Evo clearly has a more aggressive look with sporting credentials for all to see.

Abarth 500C

Priced at £17,500 OTR, the Abarth 500C represents good value when compared with its main rivals. As well as the Abarth Competizione MTA gearbox with steering wheel paddle shift, and the electric hood with glass rear window and third brake light incorporated into the spoiler, the car receives, as standard, a host of other equipment.

This includes seven airbags, xenon headlights, TTC (torque transfer control), parking sensors, Blue&Me hands-free telecommunications system, leather steering wheel and 16-inch alloy wheels. A full range of options includes automatic climate control, leather sports interior, bi-colour paint, red brake callipers and coloured Abarth side stripes and mirrors.

Proof that the 500C is a true Abarth comes in the form of its 140bhp 1.4 16v Turbo T-Jet 140 engine, which provides the convertible with a top speed of 127mph and a 0-62mph time of 8.1 seconds. But the frugal unit returns 43mpg fuel economy on the combined cycle.

Abarth Punto Evo

The Abarth Punto Evo costs £16,500 OTR and, like the Abarth 500C, features an impressive standard equipment list. This includes six airbags, TTC, Eco Gear Shift Indicator (EGSI), performance sport switch, Start&Stop, 17-inch alloy wheels with 5-claw spokes and Blue&Me.

An ‘Interscope’ hi-fi system, automatic climate control, rain sensor, and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) are among the long list of options.

The Abarth Punto Evo is powered by Fiat Powertrain Technologies’ new 165bhp 1.4 16v MultiAir engine which can accelerate the car from 0-62mph in just 7.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 132mph, and yet returns more than 47mpg fuel economy on the combined cycle.

“Joining together two winning formulas – the convertible roof of the Fiat 500 and the style and performance of the Abarth 500 – will make the new Abarth 500C an irresistible proposition for many new customers,” says Ivan Gibson, head of Abarth in the UK.

“And the new Abarth Punto Evo also takes forward a winning combination of its own – new technology and engineering coupled with great looks and versatility. We are very much looking forward to presenting these new cars to customers through our 19-strong UK dealer network.”

Both the new Abarth 500C and Abarth Punto Evo make their UK public debuts at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, before going on sale here from Saturday 17 July.

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• ABARTH PUNTO EVO
• LIMITED EDITION 500C PINK GOES TOPLESS FOR SUMMER

Chrysler Group LLC today announced its plans to engineer and produce a pure electric vehicle using the Fiat 500 platform. Shown earlier this year at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, the Fiat 500EV demonstrates the immediate benefits of the alliance between Chrysler Group and the Fiat Group as well as the speed at which the two companies can work together on advanced vehicle programs.

“The alliance with Fiat presented new opportunities to merge Chrysler Group engineering knowledge with new platforms and the Fiat 500EV is an outstanding example of our efforts,” said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President Engineering—Chrysler Group LLC. “The Fiat 500 is a small, lightweight platform perfect for integrating electric-vehicle technology.”

The Fiat 500EV powertrain is comprised of three main systems; high power electric powertrain module, advance lithium ion battery, and an EV control unit to manage power flows. Beginning in 2012, Chrysler Group will manufacture the Fiat 500EV for the United States market. All powertrain engineering and vehicle development will take place at Chrysler Group headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but will be competitive with similar electric vehicles in the market.

Chrysler Group is the vehicle electrification center of competence for both Chrysler Group and Fiat Group. The company is exploring ways to promote zero-emission transportation and the development of an electric-vehicle charging infrastructure through partnerships to be announced in the future.

Last year Chrysler Group announced the company’s intention to build the Fiat 500 with a combustion engine for North America. The vehicle will debut in late 2010.

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• CALENDAR ANNOUNCED FOR UK’S NEW ABARTH 500 TROFEO SERIES
• NEW FIAT 500 MULTIJET

The Fiat Doblo has always been about space – one that’s versatile, practical and value for money for the family driver. Now the all-new version builds on those qualities, yielding improved comfort, style, economy, safety and running costs.

Highly acclaimed and with more than a million variants sold since it first went on sale in 2000, the Doblo has forged a formidable reputation as a hard-working hold-all. And whether it’s for leisure or work the new model aims to cement its standing with best in class interior space and lowest exhaust emissions.

Eight versions of the Doblo featuring seating for up to seven will be available when it goes on sale this month, with prices ranging from £12,295 to £17,145 (OTR). As well as a sophisticated new appearance, all incorporate innovative bi-link rear suspension for a high level of comfort. The longest wheelbase in the segment doesn’t just mean more room for passengers but more space for their luggage too, with a roomy 790-litre boot that can be expanded to a class-topping 3200 litres.

There is a choice of three high-tech engines, all of which produce more power and torque than their predecessors while drinking less fuel and emitting less carbon dioxide. The 1.6 16v and 2.0-litre turbodiesels employ Fiat’s ground-breaking MultiJet technology to combine best-in-class fuel consumption and exhaust emissions with lively yet smooth responses. They also feature a new six-speed manual gearbox while the 1.6 will also become available with an automatic.

The 1.4 16v petrol engine is the perfect range starter with a punchy 95bhp, and like its diesel siblings it complies with Euro 5 emissions standards. Whatever the engine, all models come with Start&Stop and also feature a gearshift indicator to tell you when it’s the most fuel-efficient moment to change gear.

Inside, the Doblo is all about the family and its interior has been designed to reflect this, combining safety and comfort with a high degree of functionality. Five seats come as standard but a third row can be specified to bring the number to seven. The two back rows of chairs fold and tumble to liberate a vast amount of space in seconds. They can even be removed if you need more space. It means the new Doblo can accommodate just about any combination of passengers and their luggage.

As safety is top of the list for the majority of families, the Doblo follows every other Fiat by featuring state-of-the-art safety technology. ESP Electronic Stability Programme is standard. This includes a Hill Holder function so all the driver has to do is concentrate on other road users rather than the mechanics of a hill start.

ABS anti-lock brakes are standard, accompanied by EBD Electronic Brake Distribution to maximise stopping power. Also standard fit are front and new full-size side airbags, and crumple zones designed to shield passengers from the forces of an impact. In the event of damage, new Doblo has been built so that it’s simple to repair, thus keeping insurance costs to a minimum.

Whether it’s Active, Dynamic or Eleganza versions, the all-new interior hasn’t just been designed to be safe and functional. The new dashboard, instruments, upholstery, seats and steering wheel are also good looking and comfortable. And the Doblo has been crammed with features more typical of a high-end family car.

Height and reach adjustable steering wheel, rear head restraints, electric front windows, remote central locking and a radio/CD player are standard in all models. Climate control is available too, as are cruise control, parking sensors, anti-whiplash front head restraints and the Blue&Me handsfree system.

Blue&Me TomTom can also be specified. This revolutionary system features a practical colour touch screen that acts as a hub for a mobile phone, navigation system and information about the car. It is even sophisticated enough to point the driver to the nearest fuel station when it detects the tank is nearly empty. It’s also fully portable to combine the best attributes of aftermarket and factory fit systems.

Included is Fiat’s ground-breaking eco:Drive system to give real-time fuel consumption information and advice on how to get the best economy out of the Doblo.

All this kit is wrapped in stylish new bodywork with an eye-catching yet sleek front end, robust wide wheel arches and a squared off rear that emphasises how practical the Doblo’s interior is.

Comfort – and a lot more – as standard

Fiat Doblo has always been the ultimate value-for-money family hold-all. And while the all-new version retains just 3 per cent of the previous model’s parts, it builds on its concept by offering class-leading levels of comfort and carrying capacity.

Sitting on a comprehensively-adapted version of the platform that underpins the new Punto Evo, new Doblo is a versatile, spacious MPV that has passengers’ comfort at  heart. Underneath is a sophisticated bi-link independent rear suspension. Light yet compact so that there’s minimal intrusion into the luggage compartment, this suspension is fitted with an anti-roll bar for a comfortable and forgiving ride. And it works with MacPherson independent front suspension to offer drivers excellent dynamic responses.

The combination means that in ride terms, the Doblo can compete with far more expensive small MPVs and offer superior comfort to more traditional rivals from the budget class. And it’s endowed with sufficient size and flexibility to make it a true all rounder. At 4.39m, it’s 137mm longer than the model it replaces. But while the increase in length isn’t enough to have an impact on the Doblo’s manoeuvrability, it boosts the wheelbase by 172mm to a class-leading 2.75m, yielding more passenger space.

The boot has been enlarged as well. New Doblo’s luggage compartment is a sizeable 790 litres, again class-leading. But it’s the flexibility of this load area that’s one of the new car’s most impressive attributes.

Designed for all shapes and sizes of family, it has a highly versatile seating arrangement, meaning it can accommodate just about any combination of passengers and their luggage. Regular models come with five seats, but Dynamic and Eleganza versions can be specified with a third row of two extra chairs. All the seats in rows two and three tumble and fold or can be removed altogether. Doing that frees a cavernous 3200 litres of load space.

To make the most of the boot room there’s a clever height adjustable parcel shelf. This can either hide what’s in the luggage compartment or be dropped to a lowered position. In this mode it’s capable of supporting up to 70kg and can combine with folded rear seats to provide a perfectly flat load area.

To ensure all this space is easily accessible the Doblo comes with twin sliding rear doors as standard. A large, wide tailgate with a conveniently low lip makes getting things in and out of the boot as easy as possible. Proving its family credentials, a wide range of accessories for active families are offered such as towbar, bike racks and ski carriers.

But the Doblo is a lot more than a load lugger. The seats are a new design with new upholstery. And the cabin has been re-worked with improved ergonomics, a new dashboard, instruments and steering wheel. As Fiat understands about families, there are numerous oddment compartments, including a handy shelf above the windscreen, for stowing everything from mobiles to maps.

Proving that the Doblo really is the value-for-money choice, it comes with an extremely high level of standard equipment. The entry-level Active model features a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, electric front windows, remote central locking, a radio CD player, three rear head restraints, body coloured bumpers and body coloured door mirrors with indicator repeaters.

The mid-range Dynamic model builds on that with manual air-conditioning, remote central locking and a height adjustable driver’s seat. Meanwhile the luxurious Eleganza model features equipment to put far pricier models to shame. It has electric rear windows, electric heated door mirrors, front fog lights, a leather steering wheel and gear knob and 16-inch alloy wheels.

So that drivers can focus on driving rather than fumbling with maps, making phone calls or entertaining the kids, the Doblo can be ordered with Fiat’s impressive Blue&Me hands free system or Blue&Me TomTom. The award-winning Blue&Me uses Bluetooth connectivity to let the driver make and manage phone calls or listen to an MP3 player using voice activation or steering wheel controls.

Blue&Me TomTom combines this powerful tool with a 4.3-inch colour screen. Housed in a portable unit, this mounts on the dash to combine a cost-effective alternative to the best of after-market satellite navigation technology with none of the aggravation, at less than you’d expect to pay for a manufacturer’s original equipment. It offers the latest in sat nav technology such as touch screen controls, differing voice choices and full European coverage.

As well as showing you where to go, it talks to the Doblo’s in-car computer to provide information about your driving. But this is much more than a simple trip computer. It uses Fiat’s widely acclaimed eco:Drive programme.

Designed in conjunction with software giant Microsoft, eco:Drive gathers information on vehicle efficiency and driving style. This data can be transmitted through the USB port of the Blue&Me infotainment system to a standard USB key. Read that on a computer and a website will analyse how efficient the driver is in terms of fuel consumption and emissions, provide a score out of 100 on an eco:Index, and offer tutorials to help improve that score and achieve more eco-friendly driving.

But Blue&Me TomTom has allowed Fiat to take eco:Drive a step further by giving real-time indication of fuel consumption and advice on how best to drive economically.

The award-winning eco:Drive is such a powerful tool, it can improve economy by up to 15 per cent, saving drivers between £105 and £175 a year in fuel costs. And when the Doblo’s tank does eventually start to run dry, Blue&Me TomTom will flash directions to the nearest fuel station.

Cutting edge engines

The three new engines that underpin this latest addition to the Fiat range all out-perform their predecessors by providing more power with improved economy but lower CO₂ emissions. And that means they put the Doblo’s rivals in the shade too.

Every model in the range comes with Start&Stop as standard. This cuts the engine when it would usually be idling, to stop drivers wasting expensive fuel when they’re not going anywhere. Dip the clutch and the engine automatically fires up. It’s a simple device but is reckoned to reduce consumption by 15 per cent, no matter which engine. A gearshift indicator is also standard across the range. This tells you when it’s the optimum moment to change gear – either up or down – in order to maximise pulling power or miles per gallon.

With these two features standard across the range, even the entry-level 1.4-litre 16v petrol engine is Euro 5 emissions compliant. Not only is its 166g/km of CO₂ 8g/km lower than the engine it replaces, the 95bhp unit also has 18bhp more. Flexibility is enhanced by a very flat torque curve between 1500 and 4000rpm, together with a slick five-speed manual gearbox. All of which allows this engine to return an impressive 39.2mpg on the combined cycle, allied to gutsy performance, making it ideal for round-town driving.

The two MultiJet engines feature all-new six-speed manual gearboxes. The 1.6 16v will also become available with Fiat’s smooth MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) five-speed. It can either be left to control the changes itself or for added involvement the driver can prompt changes by pushing or pulling on the gearlever.

Showing the strides that Fiat Powertrain Technologies has taken, the 1.6-litre unit provides the same 105bhp power output as the 1.9 it replaces. However, its maximum 290Nm of torque is 90Nm up on its predecessor, making it an even more relaxing drive. The hike in pulling power that makes this the highest performer among engines of its kind and size is partially thanks to an electronically controlled fixed geometry turbocharger.

But the 1.6 16v isn’t just about performance. Carbon dioxide emissions of 138g/km are significantly reduced in comparison to the 1.9. This is thanks to the close-coupled Diesel Particulate Filter and a built-in Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system that improves the control of gas temperature and flow. On top of this, fuel consumption over the combined cycle is boosted to 54.3mpg, a 5.6mpg improvement.

The new MultiJet engines don’t just save money at the pumps; they’re also cheap to service. Engine inspections now only occur every 21,000 miles meaning a 25 per cent saving on scheduled servicing over 56,000 miles.

Top of the range is the 2.0-litre MultiJet. This development of the trusty 1.9 also features an electronically controlled fixed geometry turbocharger to enhance torque even at low engine speeds. The result is 135bhp and a lusty 320Nm of torque, an impressive 120Nm more than the engine it replaces. This doesn’t just mean any load can be transported effortlessly, it also adds to the Doblo’s versatility by making it a good towing car.

But the improvements haven’t all been about performance. The fully integrated and electronically activated EGR valve and cooling system and the same close coupled catalytic converter as the 1.6 result in an impressive increase in economy. Over the combined cycle this is boosted to 49.6mpg, a 3.3mpg improvement over the 1.9. And CO₂ emissions are reduced to 150g/km.

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• PRICES ANNOUNCED FOR ALL-NEW FIAT DOBLO
• CHRYSLER GROUP LLC TO DEVELOP NEW FIAT 500 ELECTRIC VEHICLE

When Fiat launched the striking new 500 Pink in January, the big question was: could it ever top that? And the answer is yes – with the convertible 500C Pink.

Even more limited than the hatchback version – just 300 examples will be available in the UK compared with 500 of the hatchbacks – the 500C Pink adds a stylish new twist to the chic supermini.

One of several exciting limited edition Fiat 500 models planned for 2010, the 500C Pink will appeal mainly to people wishing to stand out from the crowd – while enjoying fresh air motoring.

Based on the 1.2 Pop specification, the Fiat 500C Pink features:

Special Pink colour
16-inch alloy wheels
Chrome trim
Side rubbing strip with 500 badge
Body coloured door mirrors
Leather steering wheel
Leather gear knob
Special carpet mats
Special Pink key cover
Split folding rear seat
Blue&Me infotainment
With an on the road price of £13,500 – the 500C Pink costs just £1,200 more than a regular 1.2 Pop convertible, yet includes £1,870 worth of extra equipment.

“We reacted to customers’ requests earlier this year when we gave them the 500 Pink, and I believe we will find a new group of fans with the 500C version of this limited edition car,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK and Ireland.

“With all the benefits of the convertible roof this summer, coupled with the style and personality of the Pink range, I think it will be one of this year’s must-have car purchases.”

For more details on the Fiat 500 Pink or to place an order, customers should visit: www.fiat.co.uk/pink

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Fiat has once again set new standards in cutting carbon dioxide emissions, after both the Fiat brand and Fiat Group posted Europe’s lowest volume weighted CO2 emissions, according to JATO, the world leader in automotive advisory and research services.

Fiat Automobiles logged a CO2 average of just 127.8 g/km, compared with 133.7 g/km in 2009’s results. This puts it ahead of Toyota(130.1 g/km), Peugeot (133.6 g/km), Renault (137.5 g/km), Citroen (137.9 g/km), Ford (140.0 g/km), Opel/Vauxhall (148.9 g/km), Volkswagen (150.4 g/km), Audi (160.9 g/km) and Mercedes (176.4 g/km).

Fiat also ranked first among the motor groups (131.0 g/km), ahead of Toyota, PSA, Renault and Hyundai.

The statistics show the average emissions figure for every vehicle Fiat sold in Europe in 2009, and also means that Fiat has beaten the European average target of 130 g/km five years ahead of its 2015 implementation.

This eco-friendly achievement is the result of a long-term Fiat strategy based on a two-pronged approach: implementing technological solutions aimed at containing consumption and emissions, and raising the awareness of motorists to spur a more responsible, eco-compatible use of their cars.

Unique engines, such as the new 900cc, 95 g/km Twin-Air two-cylinder and second-generation 1.3 MultiJet engines delivering power of up to 95hp, are part of that strategy. Raising awareness is the second part of the policy – implemented by Fiat’s eco:Drive the in-car software which analyses driver behaviour and suggests ways to improve it.

“These are important figures as they show not just the environmental impact of one or two of our cars, but the whole range,” says Andrew Humberstone, managing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK and Ireland. That means that every vehicle we sell is making its own contribution to emissions cutting and is playing its part in making Europe a cleaner place in which to live.”

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Dates for the new Trofeo Abarth 500 GB race series have been announced by Abarth UK.

The one-make series is the British version of Europe’s highly successful International Trofeo Cup which had a superb 2009 season at some of the continent’s legendary circuits such as Valencia, Brno and Imola. Now the potent new 500 Assetto Corse race cars will feature in top meetings at Britain’s best-known circuits starting next month (April).

The sports car’s 1368cc 16-valve turbocharged engine develops 190bhp at 6500rpm and torque of 300Nm at 3000rpm to give the Assetto Corse – which weighs just 970kg – sparkling performance on the track. A sporty body kit and 17-inch sports wheels with Michelin 20/61-17 tyres add to the car’s incredible performance, handling and stability.

“The Assetto Corse has shown on the track what we believed right from the start – that it would make a fabulous race car,” says Ivan Gibson, head of Abarth UK. “And now we have the mouth-watering prospect of seeing these cars battling it out in the UK.

“Race fans are going to love this series I am sure, and we are very much looking forward to an exciting first season here.”

The new Trofeo Abarth 500 GB series calendar is as follows:

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Pricing for the new Fiat Doblo range has just been announced by Fiat Group Automobiles UK.

Launched nine years ago, the Doblo is best known for its combination of space, versatility and practicality. The all-new Doblo – just three per cent of components are carried over from the out-going model – has been designed specifically for ever-more demanding customers and their families.

The new car is more spacious, more comfortable, even safer, superior to drive and better equipped. With a starting price of £12,295 OTR for the 1.4 16v 95 Active, the new Doblo range represents outstanding value for money.

Among the equipment that entry-level cars receive as standard are ESP with Hill Holder; driver, front passenger and side airbags; electric windows, radio/CD player, remote central locking and body-coloured door mirrors with repeater flashers.

Prices rise through three trim levels – Active, Dynamic and Eleganza – to £17,145 OTR for the 2.0 16v MultiJet 135 Eleganza. That price includes as standard, electric rear windows, front foglights, leather steering wheel and gear knob, 16-inch alloy wheels, rigid parcel shelf and Blue&Me, Fiat’s hands-free infotainment system.

A full range of options include automatic climate control with rear distribution, cruise control, rear parking sensors, anti-whiplash front headrests and dark tinted rear windows, while different Option Packs are also available.

These include the Family Pack (seven seats, longitudinal roof bars, opening rear windows), Style Pack (dark tinted rear windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights) and Blue & Sound Pack (audio controls on steering wheel, Blue&Me, leather steering wheel and gear lever, radio with CD and MP3, provision for Blue&Me TomTom satellite navigation).

Available with a choice of three Euro 5-specification engines – a 1.4-litre 16v 95bhp petrol unit and two MultiJet 16v turbo diesels – 1.6 (105bhp), and 2.0 (135bhp) – all cars feature Start&Stop and Gear Shift Indicator as standard. “Following on from a predecessor that has enjoyed nearly a decade of success is no easy task,” says Andrew Humberstone, managing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK and Ireland. “However, the new Doblo manages to do just that.

“An almost-total renewal, of chassis, bodywork, suspension, engines and technology, all delivered in a modern, appealing manner, makes new Doblo a serious contender among families or anyone who requires roominess and versatility.”

Prices (OTR) for new Doblo are as follows:

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The Fiat 500 has been the forerunner of many new technologies and features such as Start&Stop, along with eco:Drive, Blue&Me, and Euro 5 engines. Now, Fiat’s popular range of city cars is to be further enhanced with the introduction of a powerful new 1.3-litre 16-valve MultiJet diesel engine.

The range’s out-going 75bhp MultiJet unit is being replaced with a more potent but also more environmentally-friendly 95bhp ‘MultiJet II’ version, which not only boasts improved mpg and CO2 emissions figures, but also incorporates Fiat’s acclaimed Start&Stop technology to further reduce fuel consumption when driving around town. The engine will become the most powerful diesel unit available in the A segment.

The new unit introduces an innovative variable geometry turbocharger that enables it to deliver 95bhp at 4000rpm and 200Nm of torque at only 1500rpm. This output significantly improves the car’s performance, taking its top speed to 112mph (from 103mph) and reducing the 0-62mph acceleration time from 12.5 to just 10.7 seconds.

Fuel consumption is improved from 67.3mpg to 72.4mpg in the combined cycle, while emissions drop to 104g/km of CO2 (from 110g/km). Together with Start&Stop, the engine also includes a DPF particulate filter for improved emissions efficiency and effectiveness from a cold start.

“This remarkable new diesel engine will add even greater excitement to the fantastic 500 range, but without adding to the cost of ownership,” says Andrew Humberstone, managing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd. “In fact, with greater fuel economy and lower emissions, everyone will benefit from this new variant.”

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The Fiat 500 continues to scoop top industry honours, after taking the City Car title for the second consecutive year in the 2010 BusinessCar Awards.

The multi-award-winning 500, which has just celebrated its second year on sale in the UK, already has an impressive list of trophies, including Car of the Year 2008, along with several from the UK’s leading consumer and trade titles.

The car’s good looks and efficiency, along with excellent residual values and low running costs were all praised by the award’s judges.

“Fiat looks like it’s now secured this category for the long term, with the 500 comfortably taking the win for the second year in a row,” says Paul Barker, editor, BusinessCar. “It’s a winning formula.”

“Another award from a top title is always welcome,” says Andrew Humberstone, managing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK. “The Fiat 500 has continued to sell well to retail customers and has caught the imagination of large and small fleets too, so we are delighted to see further support from BusinessCar in this excellent category win.”

Available with a choice of three frugal, ultra-low emissions, Euro 5 engines: 69 bhp 1.2-litre and 100bhp 1.4-litre petrol, or 95 bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel, the Fiat 500 can be ordered in three different trim levels – Pop, Sport and Lounge. With a starting price of just £9,300, the 500 represents outstanding value for money.

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Think small cars and a string of super-successful Fiats should spring to mind: the ground-breaking 600, the trend-setting 127, the innovative Uno, and progressive Punto.

The Fiat 127, first of the ‘superminis’, was voted Car of the Year 1972 and was destined to become Europe’s best-selling car, continuing in production until the introduction of the Fiat Uno in 1983, by which time a total of 5.6 million had been built.

Compared with the 127, the Uno was some 6cm shorter and a similar amount taller. Voted Car of the Year 1984, it was also destined to be Europe’s best-seller, with no less than 2.5 million sold in just four years, and a total production run of more than six million.

Its successor, the Punto, was another Car of the Year winner, in 1995, and more than seven million would be produced worldwide, including over 650,000 sold in the UK. In Grande Punto guise it is still Europe’s fifth best-selling car.

Now the new Punto Evo is set to build on the strengths of its illustrious predecessors and move the game on with a host of innovations.

To cater for customers who are more demanding than ever, the Punto Evo has been designed to meet the requirement for smaller, more environmentally friendly cars that are easier to park and more affordable to run, yet still stylish, safe, comfortable and fun to drive. Fiat has managed this by combining ground-breaking new engines with a healthy dose of technology and features traditionally associated with larger cars.

As a dynamic development of the popular Grande Punto, the Punto Evo has a bold new look inside and out, cloaking a stronger structure that makes it safer, better to drive and more welcoming for passengers. And it incorporates many advanced safety features to further enhance the ownership experience, including knee airbags, double seatbelt pre-tensioners and ESP with hill holder.

This is typical of the high specification levels that owners of the Punto Evo will enjoy. In line with Fiat’s philosophy of technology-for-all, every model in the range is fitted with the firm’s Blue&Me interface that allows drivers intuitive control of all the car’s major functions. And all models, except Active, can be specified with the cutting edge Blue&Me TomTom system.

This means fingertip access to a touch-screen navigation system, mobile phone, trip computer and MP3 player with steering wheel commands. It also includes Fiat’s ground-breaking eco:Drive which helps owners lower their fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. For the first time, eco:Drive is a fully integrated system in Punto Evo, and customers can now receive real-time suggestions for more environmentally friendly motoring.

But this car’s launch is made particularly noteworthy because it heralds the unleashing of two important new ‘Ecotechnology’ engine line-ups, the MultiAir petrol family and MultiJet II diesels.

The Punto Evo’s range of five engines all conform to Euro 5 emissions requirements and are all fitted with Start&Stop technology as standard. But improved fuel consumption isn’t the only way in which Punto Evo owners will benefit from its innovative engines. Low CO2 emissions mean customers will also pay low levels of Vehicle Excise Duty (Car Tax) – just £35 in the case of the new Punto Evo MultiJet range.

Whichever engine customers choose, they’ll have two different chassis philosophies and five trim levels to deliberate over. All the GP and exclusively three-door Sporting versions follow the Sport chassis philosophy with racy on-road behaviour and more assertive looks. Three or five-door Comfort versions come in either Active, Dynamic or Eleganza trims with a more elegant look and feel to them.

Even the entry level Active model features a generous amount of standard equipment including front driver, passenger and driver’s knee airbag, five standard-size seats, two rear head restraints, front electric windows, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, electric mirrors, and Blue&Me infotainment. Owners can also choose from an extensive options list, and with a total of 22 versions to select from at launch, (a 1.6 16v MultiJet 120bhp version joins the range in October), customers will find plenty to interest them in the new Punto Evo range.

The Punto Evo has been conceived to cosset its occupants as a larger car might. This has been achieved through a clever combination of factors.

Most noticeably the car’s interior design has been substantially reworked. Hard angles have been abandoned and replaced with softer, curvier lines that appear plush and elegant, giving a cosier, more comfortable atmosphere.

Work by Fiat’s famed Centro Stile (Style Centre) has concentrated on finding and fitting materials that don’t just look good, but feel good too. And a radical redesign inside has halved the size of the centre console. At the top of this now sits a recess where the portable Blue&Me TomTom unit is situated just above the air vents (not on Active). A classy piano black panel surrounds the sound system’s LCD display and includes buttons for functions such as the central locking set into it.

Below this, some versions have a diffused ambient light source which can be switched on at night to bathe the interior in a mellow shade, making driving in the dark a real event. Beneath this is a separate console to house the ventilation controls.

The instruments feature larger dials for the speedometer and rev counter, and these sit within a new cowl that shades them from bright light. The instrument panel features a gear shift indicator (GSI), which advises drivers when to change to a higher or lower gear, depending on conditions, and a ‘real time’ indication of consumption.

Seats too have been redesigned to improve them ergonomically and a new range of innovative materials are being used on these and the door panels to ensure the Punto Evo feels absolutely contemporary.

This high tech approach is fully in keeping with the latest generation Blue&Me TomTom that any Punto Evo, except Active, can be specified with. Despite being cheaper to fit than rivals’ systems, this in-car interface is more versatile and user friendly. It is simple to use, offering easy access to information.

With Blue&Me TomTom in fact, a completely integrated infotainment system is created which allows for the management, via a modern colour touch-screen, of telephone, navigation and all the information necessary for driving.  Thanks to dashboard provision, management via steering wheel controls and voice instructions, it is possible to ensure maximum safety when driving.  This new system will also supply drivers with information in real time concerning the environmental impact of their own driving style, and will suggest how to perfect it through correct handling of gear changes and use of the accelerator pedal.

Featuring a 4.3-inch high-resolution touch screen, the portable unit links to the car via an integrated connector on the dash, meaning that there are no trailing cables or wires. Mobile phone, sound system, trip computer and navigation are all controlled via the screen. As it can monitor traffic conditions, the navigation system picks the most convenient route. The unit also employs Bluetooth and advanced voice recognition to allow you to control all functions either from the steering wheel or with your voice. This fully portable screen can be removed from the car and used in any other vehicle, with suction pads to hold it in place.

Blue&Me TomTom works in conjunction with Fiat’s incredibly popular eco:Drive software. Downloading this from the Fiat website enables owners to use the in-car USB port to transfer information about their driving to a PC. They can then request an assessment of their skills at the wheel, compare themselves with others and progress through a series of tutorials to make their driving style more environmentally sound.

Thanks to Blue&Me TomTom, however, eco:Drive information and suggestions about reducing the environmental impact of driving now appear in real-time on the in-car screen. And should the fuel reserve warning light come on, directions to the nearest filling station can be immediately requested. This is the sort of solution to motoring hassle that the Punto Evo has been designed to offer.

But in-cabin technology isn’t the only tool Fiat has used to make the Punto Evo’s cockpit an enjoyable place to be. Engineers have also been hard at work on the car’s structural characteristics. Rigidity has been improved and new flexible suspension bushings, optimised to suit the new engines, have been exploited to reduce noise and vibrations transmitted from the road surface.

New soundproof roof panelling has also been employed with thermo-expandable panels to reduce driving noise. Diesel models use a laminated PVB windscreen and have an engine cover. The overall result is a significant reduction of in-car noise, while these alterations have also improved the tone and quality of the engine’s sound to the outside world.

As well as being the thrust of the advertising campaign for the Punto Evo, ‘Drive the Evolution’ sums up how the entirely revised or new engine line-up will propel Fiat into an ever more environmentally friendly future.

The Punto Evo heralds the launch of two all-new engine ranges, the petrol MultiAir, and MultiJet II diesel models. On top of this, all versions feature Start&Stop where the engine shuts down instead of idling when the car is at a standstill, but bursts back into life when you need to get underway again.

The range starter is the 1.4-litre eight valve 77bhp engine which, like every other engine in the 22-strong range, now complies with Euro 5 exhaust emissions legislation. The other petrol units feature Fiat Powertrain Technologies’ unique and ground-breaking MultiAir expertise – a technological leap forward that is to be rolled out across the company’s entire fleet of models.

MultiAir
In conventional combustion engines, air charge through the intake valve is controlled by the rotation of a camshaft via a simple throttle. The main disadvantages of this system are a waste of energy and a slow adjustment to the continuously changing demands of differing driving conditions.

MultiAir is Fiat’s new electronic system for dynamic control of air intake, cylinder by cylinder, stroke by stroke. This electro-hydraulic valve actuation technology is based on the use of a high pressure oil chamber between the camshaft and the intake valve, managed by a solenoid valve connected to an ECU. This way, valve lift schedules become extremely flexible and vary precisely and immediately according to engine air requirements.

Various factors are used to optimise combustion efficiency, with remarkable benefits in terms of power, torque, fuel consumption and emissions. Complete valve opening, or full lift – the current mode of conventional engines – is used by MultiAir only when full engine power is required. At engine start-up, and when idling, late intake valve opening determines a higher air speed intake, thereby optimising the mixture formed, and its combustion.

At medium to low RPM, moderate torque demands and partial engine load, early intake valve closing optimises volume efficiency and reduces pumping losses. Undesired backflow into the manifold is avoided, and air mass trapped in the cylinder optimised. Multiple valve opening, or multi-lift, at low engine speeds or from idle, allows for an optimisation of combustion control.

Euro 5 compliant (and Euro 6 ready); easy start characteristics; electronic management; low fuel consumption; a high fun-to-drive quotient; immediate dynamic response; maximum performance… these are some of the innumerable advantages of MultiAir, thanks to electronic control that adjusts air intake parameters precisely according to road conditions and driving mode.

During cold starts, the MultiAir system optimises air intake based on the external temperature, with engine start-up guaranteed in any conditions. Lower fuel consumption and more relaxed driving in heavy traffic are additional benefits of MultiAir technology. Exhaustive driving tests have repeatedly shown clear advantages in terms of higher torque and power, allied to a notably superior driving experience and vastly improved engine dynamic response.

In summary, MultiAir optimises engine intake air over the entire RPM range, with an ensuing reduction in fuel consumption by an average 10 per cent, thanks to the dramatic reduction of pumping losses and the exact grading of the parameters which perfect combustion.

MultiAir also provides for an average 10 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions; 10 per cent power increase; and 15 per cent torque improvement.

At the same time, toxic emissions are dramatically reduced, (40 per cent of HC/CO and 60 per cent of NOX), in the engine warm-up phase thanks to the perfecting of strategic valve control during the engine inlet phase, and internal exhaust recycling obtained by reopening the inlet valve during the exhaust phase.

MultiAir technology is the outcome of striking research efforts by Fiat Powertrain Technologies – an authentic innovation for all internal combustion engines.     

What this means is that the 105bhp 1.4-litre MultiAir unit in the new Punto Evo emits just 134g/km of carbon dioxide along with 49.5mpg (Combined Cycle) fuel economy, yet offers lively performance and a 0-62mph acceleration time of just 10.8 seconds.

The range-topping 135bhp 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo is even more impressive. With almost 100bhp per litre at the driver’s command, this delivers a petrol engine benchmark for acceleration with a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds, yet also offers combined cycle fuel consumption of a remarkable 50.4mpg and a CO2 figure of just 129g/km.

MultiJet II
Fiat has a proud history of leading the world when it comes to diesel power. Fiat was first with a direct injection diesel in a production saloon car in the 1980s, and in the 1990s there was Common Rail – a Fiat invention. Then in 2003, Fiat’s MultiJet was the first to improve the thermodynamic efficiency of the engine by introducing five injections during the same combustion cycle. Now, for its latest generation of cars and light vans, Fiat has further improved the 1.3 MultiJet, and Punto Evo is the perfect showcase.

Thanks to a new balanced solenoid servo valve, MultiJet II is able to control with high precision, the quantity of fuel injected into the cylinder, with a quicker and more flexible injection sequence.  In fact, the new MultiJet II system can manage eight injections per cycle.

It also offers higher flexibility in managing multiple injections, resulting in further optimisation of diesel combustion. In particular it has a new injection modality called Injection Rate Shaping (IRS) which consists of two consecutive injections with zero hydraulic dwell. This has a positive effect on combustion at higher loads, allowing for improved trade-off in terms of emissions, fuel consumption and noise.

It all means that the second generation 1.3-litre MultiJet provides the driver with an engine that complies with Euro 5 emissions legislation, yet in 95bhp form gives Punto Evo a 0-62mph acceleration time of 11.7 seconds while returning 67.3mpg (combined cycle) and emitting just 110g/km of CO2. When combined with Fiat’s Dualogic gearbox, consumption is boosted to 68.9mpg and emissions fall further, to 107g/km.

MultiJet II is also available as a 75bhp unit and, like the higher power version, is Euro 5-compatible, comes with Start&Stop and features a Diesel Particulate Filter. These engines also employ second generation turbochargers (with variable vane geometry in the more powerful version) which, along with the MultiJet II injection system, ensure the best possible turbo function at any engine operating level. The big advantage they have over the outgoing Euro 4 engines is that torque delivery at low revs can be up to 25 per cent greater.

Depending on the engine there’s a choice of five or six-speed manual gearboxes, or a Dualogic robotised sequential shift which has been optimised for manoeuvrability and low noise levels. And it makes the Punto Evo the only car among its peers to feature an automatic gearbox alongside Start&Stop.

Full of high-tech ideas

Punto Evo is an evolution of the highly successful Grande Punto, and as such features a host of exciting and innovative equipment that not only builds on the heritage of the previous Punto family, but moves this new model on a stage further.

The many ideas introduced to the Punto Evo turn this new car’s evolution into something of an electronic revolution. They include:

Sensors:
Rain: An infrared LED installed on the front screen of the car senses the presence of rain and operates the windscreen wipers, depending on how much water is present on the window.
Parking: Punto Evo’s parking aid system provides drivers with information on the distance from obstacles behind the vehicle, and outside their field of vision, when reversing.

ESP with Hill Holder:
Punto Evo is the only B segment car with this feature. The system combines information collected by sensors from the pedal board, gear shift and engine control centre, and supplies the braking torque necessary to keep the car at a standstill on a slope until the driver releases the clutch to move off.

Navigation and Infotainment:
Fingertip access to navigation and infotainment: Thanks to dashboard provision, management via steering wheel controls and voice instructions, it is possible to ensure maximum safety when driving.  This new system will also supply drivers with information in real time concerning the environmental impact of their own driving style, and will suggest how to perfect it through correct handling of gear changes and accelerator pedal.

Start&Stop:  
Designed specially for urban or congested route use, the Start&Stop system automatically turns off the engine when traffic conditions impose stopping the vehicle: the gear lever only has to be placed in neutral when the car is at a standstill and the engine stops, while ensuring the continuation of normal functions which guarantee on-board comfort and safety, such as, for example, use of the climate control system, listening to the radio and windscreen wiper operation.  As soon as the driver operates the clutch pedal to engage a gear, the engine restarts immediately.

Lighting:
Adaptive cornering foglights, lane change warning, daytime running lights and ‘Follow Me Home’ lighting are all features included in new Punto Evo.

MultiAir and MultiJet technology:
The range of Punto Evo engines includes both Fiat’s MultiAir petrol and second generation MultiJet II diesel engines.  All power plants adopted by Punto Evo have been created for the right balance between expectations of performance, fuel consumption, low emissions, and comfort.

eco:Drive:
Fiat’s innovative eco:Drive system for monitoring the driver’s style and environmental impact, is available ‘real-time’ for the first time in a Fiat car, so that drivers can check their eco:Drive rating while on the move.

No sacrifices over safety or style

As with every Fiat, a priority with the Punto Evo is to provide protection for all the family. As standard, every version comes with driver and passenger airbags, together with front and rear adjustable head restraints and it’s one of the few cars in its class to feature a driver’s knee airbag at no extra cost.

Also rare for a car of this size are the optional adaptive front fog lights which switch on automatically, left or right, to illuminate the apexes of bends when negotiating low speed corners. This feature is activated under 40km/h (28mph). Additionally, Punto Evo features Daytime Running Lights (DRL). These front headlights are not designed to light the road but to make the car more visible. They use special bulbs with lower power than those in dipped beam headlights, and are switched on automatically by the ‘key-in’ from the dashboard. Using them does not reduce the luminosity of the dashboard instrumentation which therefore remains clearly visible.

The front fog lights are also used for another Punto Evo safety feature – lane change warning. When indicating to move from one lane to another, the appropriate fog light flashes once at the same time as the first indicator ‘blink’. This feature makes the car even more visible to other traffic during this potentially dangerous manoeuvre.  All-new rear lights guarantee that the car is more visible to other road users at night.

On the road there is a powerful and effective braking system supplemented by the latest electronic dynamic control systems. So there’s ABS anti-lock braking with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Holder to assist with starting off on a slope. The Punto Evo is the only car in its class to have this latter feature available across the entire range.

In addition to these innovations, there are various options aimed at making driving less tiring, such as climate control, rain sensing windscreen wipers and cruise control.

The Punto Evo proves that just because a car is safe, customers shouldn’t have to scrimp on style. Consequently there have been significant changes to the exterior such as a new front bumper and radiator grille styles which contain the direction indicators and adaptive cornering fog lights.

At the rear there’s a new bumper to incorporate the number plate, those distinctive rear lights, and the centrally-placed Fiat logo that doubles as a boot release. The new bodywork stretches the Punto Evo by 3cm to 406cm, although other dimensions of width, height and wheelbase remain the same as the Grande Punto.

There are also subtle pointers to make distinguishing between different models in the range easier. Sport versions have a hexagonal mesh grille and dark line with an embedded Fiat logo. Comfort models feature a linear-style grille and chrome-coloured line. Headlights are framed dark for Sport models, in chrome for Comfort. And the logo on the tailgate changes according to the model. The Punto Evo’s dot is red for the high performance 135bhp petrol, and black for other engine types. It’s a neat touch that encapsulates the attention to detail, thought and engineering know-how that has gone into producing the new Fiat Punto Evo.

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A dedicated British man is attempting to make it into record books by hand painting an entire car with nail varnish.

David Sheath, 28, will painstakingly cover an entire Fiat 500 in pink polish for his gruelling Guinness World Record attempt.

David is living and sleeping in a special studio in south London, while he completes the mammoth task, expected to take at least a week.

His progress is being streamed live and non-stop on the internet at www.pinkmyride.tv

It is estimated David will need 200 pots of pink varnish and make 240,000 stokes to transform the white Fiat 500 to a Fiat 500 Pink.

The effort which started yesterday is expected to be a huge internet hit.

David will also communicate to the viewers around the world using social networking site Twitter.

He will stay inside the specially set-up challenge room until the job is finished. To get through his monster effort he’ll have a television, bed, rug and toilet.

The wannabe record breaker, who is recently single, said: “I broke up with my girlfriend and thought this would be a great way to get through it. I hope to nail the job in seven days but I’ve never done anything like this before.”

A spokesperson for Guinness World Records said: “This sounds like a potentially interesting claim.”

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It’s the limited edition Fiat 500 that customers have been asking for ever since the popular city car was launched in 2008 – the 500 Pink has arrived.

Just 500 examples of the super-stylish supermini will be available when it goes on sale from today (19 January) – and customers will only be able to order one online.

Appealing mainly to young women, the 500 Pink looks set to become 2010’s ‘must-have’ motoring fashion item, and is the first of several exciting Fiat 500 limited editions that will be introduced during this year.

Based on the 1.2 Lounge specification, the Fiat 500 Pink features:

Start&Stop
Sunroof
Leather gear knob
Black interior
Side rubbing strip with 500 badge
Special pink key cover
Special carpet mats
The new car costs £11,700 OTR – just £1,000 more than the 1.2 Lounge but with £1,500 worth of extra equipment.

Start&Stop – which stops the engine automatically whenever traffic conditions bring the car to a complete halt, and restarts it immediately when the driver wants to move off again – is fitted as standard, in line with all new 500s. Its inclusion means the car is not just a fashion item, but presents a serious case for the environment too.

“I am delighted that we are now able to offer the 500 Pink – just like many of our customers who have been asking us for this limited edition,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK. “It will appeal to free thinking drivers who have a distinctive personality and, with all the benefits of Fiat 500 already there, we have no doubt that it will prove a fantastic purchase for its new owners.”

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With a starting price of £10,995 OTR the new car, which goes on sale in the UK in January, represents outstanding value for money. At the top end of the Punto Evo range, the highly specified Sporting 1.4 MultiAir version costs £15,295 – an OTR price that includes sports seats, cruise control, side skirts, air conditioning, sports suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels as standard.

Available with a choice of five low emissions, Euro 5 engines, all fitted with Start&Stop as standard, the new Punto Evo comes in five different trim levels – Active, Dynamic, GP, Eleganza and Sporting.

Among the advanced engine line-up are two power units featuring Fiat’s new MultiAir technology. The full list includes: 1.4 8-valve petrol, 1.4 16-valve MultiAir petrol (105bhp and 135bhp) and 1.3 16-valve MultiJet diesel (75bhp and 95bhp).

Standard equipment in the entry-level Active model includes ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD, driver, passenger and knee airbags, radio/CD/MP3 player, power steering, electric mirrors and Blue&Me infotainment.

Dynamic trim level adds such equipment as side and window airbags, leather steering wheel and air conditioning, while Eleganza models get alloy wheels, cruise control and rear parking sensors as standard. The GP specification includes rear spoiler, dark tinted headlights and foglights.

‘There has been much speculation about the price of the new Punto Evo since we first announced the car earlier this year, and we’re delighted now to be able to reveal details,’ says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK.

‘Punto Evo is in an important and highly competitive sector of the market but we are confident that we have a beautifully-equipped car at value-for-money prices that will keep it competitive and desirable.’

The Punto Evo goes on sale through Fiat’s 170-strong UK dealer network in January 2010.

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Further proof of the Fiat 500’s sustained success in the UK is illustrated in today’s new car registrations figures for October, in which the popular supermini breaks into the Top 10 best sellers list for the first time since its launch in January 2008.

The Fiat 500 sold 2,989 units last month – well up on the 993 sold in October last year – according to official figures, just supplied by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). That makes it the 10th best-seller here last month.

And it’s not just the Fiat 500 hitting the big time in terms of UK sales. Fiat’s 6,570 sales result for October was 117.5 per cent up on the 3,020 figure for the same period last year, in a market up by 31 per cent – a result which follows a particularly strong September performance, in which Fiat sales were up 19.3 per cent in a market that was up by just 11.4 per cent.

Fiat’s year-to-date market share (to October) has risen from 2.58 per cent to 2.90 per cent.

‘This is an incredible result for the Fiat 500 which we are, of course, delighted with,’ says Andrew Humberstone, managing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd. ‘Interest in this car has been sky high ever since we launched it here less than two years ago.

‘The popularity of this superb vehicle speaks for itself and, with the launch this summer of the fantastic 500C, and the option of Start&Stop bringing further environmental benefits to the range, we’re sure we will see the Fiat 500 making even greater inroads into the UK small car market.’

Available with a choice of three frugal, ultra-low emissions, Euro 5-ready engines: 69 bhp 1.2-litre and 100bhp 1.4-litre petrol, or 75 bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel, the new Fiat 500 can be ordered in three different trim levels – Pop, Sport and Lounge.

With a starting price of just £8,700 on-the-road, the Fiat 500 represents outstanding value for money and positions the car below benchmark rivals. Top-of-the-range Lounge versions start at £10,100 – a price that includes alloy wheels and air conditioning as standard.

The Fiat 500 was recently voted Best Supermini by the readers of What Car? magazine.

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A rugged new version of the versatile Qubo range is gearing up for a UK introduction later this month, following its international public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week.

The Qubo Trekking not only looks tougher than the regular car, but drives tougher too, thanks to the addition of Traction+, a system that utilises an electronic differential lock to the front wheels to improve handling and control in mud, snow and other low-grip conditions.

Unlike most ordinary four-wheel drive systems, Traction+ does not have an impact on fuel economy or maintenance costs, and is designed to attract a much wider audience of motorists looking for an affordable off-road vehicle.

The system works by braking the driven wheel with the lowest grip and transferring more torque to the other wheel, with the result that there is more grip to overcome slippery conditions.

There will be no mistaking the new Trekking version. It stands 20mm higher than the regular Qubo and comes as standard with sturdy features including front bumper with engine guard, exclusive wheel trims, Pirelli 2500 M&S (mud and snow) tyres and rear ‘Trekking’ stickers.

Priced at £12,650 OTR, the Trekking represents excellent value for money for drivers looking for extra grip and control without the need for a full 4WD system. The Trekking also comes equipped with Fiat’s Blue&Me entertainment and communications system and attracts a low road tax thanks to its 115 g/km CO2 figure.

“The shape, size and look of the Qubo already lends itself to a Trekking version,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK. “And the added benefits of the Traction+ system will complement the Qubo’s practicality and versatility perfectly, especially as it does so while keeping motoring costs down.”

The Qubo range starts at £9,755 for the 1.4 Active.

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A giant 5:1 scale model of the new Fiat 500C has just arrived in central London and opened its ‘doors’ to the public today (Friday 28 August), as part of a fun-filled Fiat event called The Big Smile.

Situated at Parklife on London’s Oxford Street, The Big Smile will be entertaining visitors up to 8.00pm everyday until Wednesday next week, featuring roaming entertainers, free-to-enter competitions, stilt walkers and snack stalls – not to mention the chance to win the loan of a real Fiat 500.

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Fiat’s innovative Blue&Me system has been upgraded to make the technology even more widely available for mobile phone users and music lovers.

The company has introduced new software for the popular communications and entertainment unit, which will offer improved functionality and enable greater compatibility with an increasing number of mobiles phones.

Similar infotainment systems are usually reserved for more high-end luxury cars, but Blue&Me is now available as standard on most Fiat cars.

Fiat owners can discover more about the new development and access the free-to-download software (version 5.4) from:

http://www.fiat.co.uk/Content/Article.aspx?id=19155

In addition, Fiat has also launched a new media player adaptor which has been developed to allow use of iPod and iPhone products through Blue&Me without changing the original format to MP3. The unit will only work on cars updated with the new version 5.4 software.

The iPod and iPhone adaptor costs £71.66 and is available from Fiat’s 157-strong UK network of dealers.

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