The 2014 Fiat 500 range, including new Cult and TwinAir 78 kW versions, to debut at Geneva Motor Show

New TwinAir 78 kW engine powers the 2014 Fiat 500

New range-topping Fiat 500 Cult model also unveiled

Innovative TFT digital instruments represent a segment first

New colours, seats, upholsteries and alloy wheels for 2014

The 2014 Geneva Motor Show will host the global début of the new Fiat 500 which is enhanced with important new style and technological features.  A key development is the introduction of an innovative new seven-inch TFT digital instrument display, making the 2014 Fiat 500 the first vehicle in its segment to be thus equipped. The TFT display, developed in collaboration with Magnetti Marelli, brings together all the information required for controlling the car and its functions without disrupting the retro aesthetics of the cabin.

Those familiar with the analogue dials of the current Fiat 500 will broadly recognise the layout and execution of the speedometer, rev counter and trip computer, all of which can be read quick and easily at a glance. The centre of the display – which contains a digital image of the car – can be configured to show various trip computer readouts, such as distance travelled, instant fuel consumption, range, etc. The new instruments also allow for more prominent warning messages – such as open doors, low fuel etc., and a more visible, and therefore more beneficial, Gear Shift Indicator.

The seven-inch TFT screen can also display media player and telephone information and, when fitted with a TomTom 2 LIVE satnav system*, navigation information also appears in the display, including junction graphics and real time traffic updates.

As a final touch, the TFT screen reconfigures when the Sport button is activated on models equipped with 78 kW 0.9 TwinAir Turbo engine. The ‘eco’ display, which measures how efficiently the driver is performing, transforms into a turbo-boost gauge, emphasising the dual-personality of the new, fun-but-frugal TwinAir 78 kW engine.

This new TwinAir engine is, of course, another major development for the 2014 Fiat 500. The new 78 kW 0.9 TwinAir Turbo, the newest member of award-winning TwinAir engine family, employs a high-efficiency turbocharger, a exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head, a Start&Stop fuel-saving system and the new MultiAir II intake valve control system to provide an even more enticing combination of power and efficiency.

Combined with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, the new 0.9 TwinAir engine delivers 78 kW at 5,500 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm in Sport mode (73 kW and 120 Nm in ‘eco’ mode) which translates into a 0 to 100 km / h time of just 10 seconds and a top speed of 188 km / h while still achieving 4.2 L / 100 km on the official combined fuel economy cycle and CO2 emissions of just 99 g / km. Fiat 500 models fitted with the TwinAir 78 kW engine are also equipped with rear disc brakes as standard.

The 2014 updates also see the addition of the new Fiat 500 Cult to the range. Building on the high specification of the Lounge version (which is equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, a fixed glass sunroof, Blue&Me™ connectivity, a leather steering wheel with remote controls and air conditioning) the new Fiat 500 Cult offers a host of additional equipment as befits its position as the new top-of-the-range Fiat 500 model.

Externally, the Cult benefits from 16-inch alloy wheels with a new design; a gloss black roof panel (aft of the fixed glass sunroof); 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.

The interior is also equipped to the level one would expect of the top Fiat 500: In addition to the seven-inch TFT instrument panel, Cult drivers will also enjoy new leather seats as standard, either in black leather (with ivory or red inserts), tobacco leather (with ivory inserts) or red leather (with ivory inserts).

The full engine range is available in the Fiat 500 Cult: the 51 kW 1.2-litre petrol; the 63 kW 0.9 TwinAir Turbo Petrol (both also available with the Dualogic gearbox); the 71 kW 1.3 MultiJet II Turbo Diesel and the new 78 kW 0.9 TwinAir Turbo Petrol. As with all Fiat 500 models, a high level of safety equipment comes as standard with the Fiat 500 Cult, including ABS with EBD, seven airbags (including a driver’s side knee bag), ISOFIX attachments and daytime running lights (DRL). ESP, complete with ASR / MSR, HBA and Hill Holder, is also available.

Across the wider 2014 Fiat 500 range, two new body colours will be available – a retro green and new three-layer white – while the S model will be offered with a striking new blue. New alloy wheels, seat fabrics and leather upholsteries complete the revisions.

The 2014 Fiat 500 is due to go on sale in the UK by the end of April with pricing to be announced closer to the car’s launch.

[ source : Fiat ]

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