Fiat attaches Start-Stop device to the 1.2-liter petrol 500

26/03/2009 - 12:02 | Fiat 500, Start-stop, Fiat | Shrawan Raja

Fiat 500 Launch in India

If you can't see the images above, go to the Fiat 500 India Launch Gallery

Fuel efficiency is the cornerstone of any small car sold anywhere today. Perhaps the most significant achievement in that sense is the Start-Stop technology, which pushes the engine into stand-by at traffic lights, reducing not only fuel usage but harmful emissions.

The Fiat 500 is the newest joining the Start-Stop list of cars. The recipient is the 1.2-liter petrol engine, which is already economical. The 1.3-liter Multijet isn't fortunate to get it at the moment, but should be in the future.

Press Release

Fleets choosing a new version of the Fiat 500 city car could enjoy even greater financial rewards now the company has introduced its Start&Stop technology.

The Start&Stop system, which is fitted to the 500’s 1.2-litre petrol engine, automatically turns the engine off when the vehicle comes to a stop and the driver puts the car in neutral. The engine automatically restarts the moment the driver depresses the clutch pedal to select a gear to move off.

In comparison to standard 1.2 models without Start&Stop, the system improves fuel consumption from 44.1mpg to 49.6mpg in urban driving conditions and from 55.4mpg to 58.9mpg on the official combined cycle. CO2 emissions are reduced by 6g/km to 113g/km.

The 500 also features Fiat’s eco:Drive system, which can advise drivers on ways to change their driving style that will improve fuel economy.

“Fuel efficiency has always been a forte on the 500, thanks to Fiat’s industry-leading engine technology,” says Adam Pumfrey, Fleet & Remarketing Director, Fiat UK. “Now the Start&Stop system delivers further improvements while also cutting emissions.

“Together with eco:Drive, Fiat is demonstrating how vehicles and their drivers both have a part to play in reducing overall emissions and fuel consumption, which in turn reduces fuel and tax costs – an essential consideration for any fleet manager.”

Standard equipment on the 500 1.2 Start&Stop includes eco:Drive and Bluetooth connectivity, radio/CD with MP3 compatibility, remote central locking, air-conditioning, 15-inch alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel with remote audio controls plus front, side and knee airbags.

Priced at £9,500 OTR, the 500 Start&Stop is the first model in the Fiat range to be so equipped, and comes with a three year/60,000 mile peace of mind warranty package.