In this week’s review, Nicholas get to try to the Fiat 500 TwinAir – Ed
This is an ordinary Fiat 500 with an extraordinary engine.
The 500 TwinAir has a tiny 890cc engine allied with a turbo charger and Fiat’s new Multi Air technology, which does away with camshafts and replaces them with hydralic actuators, allowing more adjustment in the way the engine valves move.
Away from the techno-babble, it makes the engine much more efficient and is totally unique to Fiat and its sister company Alfo Romeo.
The other big news with the 500 TwinAir is that it only has two cylinders. This means it can be even more efficient, but does increase engine vibration and noise. It’s this noise and vibration that defines this car.
Engine had a deep burble
As soon as you turn the car on it feels different to a regular 500. The noise is a deep burble, part tractor, part rally car, like a muted twin cylinder motorbike. I like the noise, which hardens when you accelerate but never becomes too intrusive.
The vibration meanwhile isn’t bad, but certainly noticeable at low revs or when your in a high gear. When you first pull away it can feel like it’s stalling, as the steering wheel gives a little shudder. With such a small engine some turbo lag is apparent, which means the power comes in a big surge after a moments hesitation. This adds a whole load of character to the car; but the lack of refinement may annoy some drivers.
Great fuel economy
You can’t argue with the economy of the tiny turbocharged engine. With official figures of 68.9mpg the 500 TwinAir is the most fuel efficient petrol-engine car in its class, and emitting only 95g/km of CO2, it’s also the world’s cleanest petrol-engine car.
Even compared to the diesel 500, the TwinAir is more frugal, yet it is nearly as quick as the much thirstier petrol 1.4 16v.
Most expensive engine in the 500 range
The downside is this is the most expensive engine in the 500 range, costing a grand more than the 1.4. Whether you think this is worth it depends on how much you need the extra economy and whether you appreciate the added character of the burbling twin cylinder.
Personally I love it, as it adds more soul to the 500, but it won’t be for everybody.
Fiat expect the TwinAir to account for 20% of sales, and the 500 remains the coolest and most capable city car available. What else comes with the option of a whiteboard on your dashboard?
In summary
An innovative engine that is a lot of fun, but lack of refinement may get less entertaining over time. 7/10
Thanks to Harwoods Garage in Wooton for help with the article.
Click on images for full version.
