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It’s a world first at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show for the new FIAT 500 which is enhanced with important new style and technological features.
THE TFT DIGITAL DISPLAY
Right at the front of the technology changes is the introduction of an innovative new 7” TFT digital instrument display – a first in the sector. Developed with Magnetti Marelli, the TFT display in the 2014 Fiat 500 means that all information and functions that are important in the car can be viewed without affecting the already-famous retro aesthetics of the Fiat 500 cabin.
Many will be familiar with the analogue dials of the current FIAT 500, and this hasn’t changed in the 2014 version – just on a 7” screen – with speedometer, rev counter and trip computer all able to be read quickly and easily at a glance. And in the centre of the display is a digital image of the car that can be configured to show various trip computer readouts, such as distance travelled, instant fuel consumption, range, etc.
The display also shows up prominent warning messages such as open doors and low fuel, displays media player and telephone information and navigation information (when fitted with a TomTom 2 LIVE satnav system), and a more visible, and therefore more beneficial, Gear Shift Indicator.
As if that’s not enough, when the Sport button is activated on models equipped with 105hp 0.9 TwinAir Turbo engine, the screen reconfigures with the ‘eco’ display changing into a turbo-boost gauge.
THE TWINAIR ENGINE
Another major development for the 2014 FIAT 500 is the new 105hp 0.9 TwinAir Turbo under the bonnet. It’s the very latest member of the award-winning TwinAir engine family and makes full use of a high-efficiency turbocharger, an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head, a Start&Stop fuel-saving system and the new MultiAir II intake valve control system so that the Fiat 500 can be just that bit more powerful and efficient than it would be without it.
If we start taking figures – and I think we have to because they are pretty impressive – using the standard six-speed manual gearbox, 105hp at 5,500rpm and 107lb ft (145Nm) of torque at 2,000rpm in Sport mode (98hp and 89ln ft / 120Nm in ‘eco’ mode) are those figures that really count for all petrolheads, with an acceleration from 0 to 62mph time of just 10 seconds and a top speed of 117mph matter to those amongst us who just drive. Economically you’ll get 67mpg on the official combined fuel economy cycle and ecologically you will find CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km.
AVAILABILITY
The 2014 FIAT 500 is due to go on sale in the UK by the end of April with the entire Fiat 500 range getting two new body colours – a retro green and new three-layer white – with the S model also available in a striking new blue colour, as well as new alloy wheels, seat fabrics and leather upholsteries.
THE FIAT 500 CULT
Not an underground fan club – although that would be understandable – the FIAT 500 CULT is a new version of the Fiat 500 that builds on the Lounge version specification that includes 15-inch alloy wheels, a fixed glass sunroof, Blue&Me™ connectivity, a leather steering wheel with remote controls and air conditioning, by adding in 16-inch alloy wheels with a new design; a gloss black roof panel; chrome or gloss black door mirror covers (depending on customer preference); chrome exterior detailing; a gloss black surround for the tail light clusters and rear parking sensors.
And then inside you’ll find that aforementioned 7” TFT instrument panel, but drivers of the Fiat 500 CULT will be driving on new leather seats in black, tobacco or red, as standard.
The Fiat 500 CULT is available in the entire Fiat Engine range: the 69hp 1.2-litre petrol; the 85hp 0.9 TwinAir Turbo Petrol (both also available with the Dualogic gearbox); the 95hp 1.3 MultiJet II Turbo Diesel and the new 105hp 0.9 TwinAir Turbo Petrol. And it goes without saying that, as with all FIAT 500 models, safety concerns are allayed with a range of standard equipment in the fiat 500 CULT that includes ABS with EBD, seven airbags (including a driver’s side knee bag), ISOFIX attachments and daytime running lights (DRL).