We drove the lovely Diesel equipment version of the Cinquecento with its revolutionary two cilinder engine on the Belgian pavés...

 

The lovable “Cinquecento” is now, in its third year, returning to its mechanical roots with a two-cylinder engine, like the original “Nuova 500” in 1957. But this is where every comparison stops. Because the Fiat engineers have packed this new 900 cc engine with such state-of-the-art features, that it creates nothing less than a revolution…

We recently drove the 500 with this new engine, in the elegant Diesel styling version… and were amazed. 

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The first of a new engine family…

Indeed, to celebrate the model's third birthday, Fiat is introducing an innovative TwinAir two-cylinder 85 HP (900 cc), and is now marketed on the 500 (saloon and cabrio alike).

The first of a new family of two-cylinder engines made by FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies, it implements the revolutionary MultiAir system combined with specific fluid dynamics optimised for maximum fuel efficiency.

The inlet valve lift is electro-pneumatically  controlled and infinitely variable for maximum efficiency...  

State of the art engineering…

Nothing short of an engineering gem, the two-cylinder implements the revolutionary MultiAir technology developed and patented by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies, which was introduced on FIRE engines last year for the first time.

The heart of MultiAir is a new electro-hydraulic valve management system that reduces fuel consumption by controlling air directly via the inlet valves (without using the throttle).

MultiAir reduces polluting emissions (thanks to combustion control) and also considerably improves performance by boosting driveability with respect to a traditional petrol engine of equal displacement. In brief, the advantages of MultiAir technology applied to petrol engines are:

- maximum power boosted by 10% compared with a traditional engine of equal size;

- 15% more torque at low rpm and during transitions by applying early intake valve closing strategies to maximise the air introduced into the cylinders;

- less fuel consumption and consequently lower CO2 emissions, equal to 10% by eliminating pumping losses and precise parameter calibration for optimising combustion;

- lower polluting emissions from the engine by optimising valve control strategies during the intake stroke;

- prompter response to accelerator commands due to the constant air pressure upstream of the cylinders combined with extremely fast control of the intake valves.

The beauty of downsizing…

Also, the new TwinAir engine takes the concept of downsizing to an extreme: by combining a small-sized engine with a next-generation turbocharger performance comparable to – or even better than – that of a larger engine is obtained but with less fuel consumption and lower emissions.

Not only that, the turbo significantly increases the maximum torque, making it available at a very low rpm, with the result of offering greater flexibility and an unrivalled responsiveness compared to conventional aspirated engines.

Furthermore, by taking the concept of downsizing to the extreme and masterfully tuning the basic mechanics, the new family – delivering from 65 to 105 HP – emits 30% less CO2 than an engine of equal performance

Built for strength and low friction…

All this comes with a simple build to the benefit of strength and reliability.

Last but not least, the new engine was painstakingly optimised and tuned. For instance, the basic two-cylinder architecture – combined with the low friction of internal parts – ranks this engine best in the world as far as friction is concerned.

Furthermore, calculated simulations have been used to identify the best possible unit displacement in terms of thermo-dynamic efficiency, and the best fluid dynamic configuration to optimise and get the best out of the MultiAir system.

Mr. Emilio Herrera , Deputy Market General Manager presented the TwinAir 500 to the motoring press, emphasising also the know-how Fiat has acquired in building fuel efficient cars...   

Sounds o so good…

Finally, special attention has been placed on the NVH (Noise, vibration, and harshness) aspect to ensure vibration performance at least equivalent to that of a four-cylinder, with equal performance but with a characteristic sound. For this purpose, a balancing countershaft was used to maintain optimal vibration levels in all operating conditions of the engine, from idling speed to top power. Indeed, the Cinquecento we drove sounded beautifully, with the 2 cylinder throb so typical of its iconic predecessor, but with uncanny refinement to match…

Lively performer

Indeed, the test car we drove was very lively and throughout the rev range a joy to hear, feel and drive.

Getaway is brisk thanks to the small-sized turbine which, combined with dedicated valve management strategies, minimises transient response times and, at the same time, keeps maximum power levels high. In this way, despite its small size, the engine ensures excellent performance and an appreciable reduction in fuel consumption: compared with a 1.2 8v, the new 85 HP turbo has 23% more power and a 30% better performance index. In fact, the performance of the two-cylinder is not only equivalent to a 1.4 16v, but consumption is a remarkable 30% lower.

Performance is impressive:  the Fiat 500 TwinAir reaches a top speed of 173 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 11 seconds. This performance is combined with a significant reduction of fuel consumption and emissions: 4.1 l/100 km and 95 g/km respectively on the urban cycle (with manual gearbox), that becomes 4.0 l/100 km and 92 g/km with a Dualogic robotised gearbox.

The gearlever of the Diesel equipment version we tested bears proudly the Diesel logo... "only the brave"...

ECO-mode…

Furthermore, the Fiat 500 with TwinAir 85 HP is provided with an ECO button – positioned on the dashboard – for further cutting fuel consumption in cities and guaranteeing very eco-friendly running. Two driving modes can be selected: Normal and ECO.

In the first mode, the ECO function is off and the engine delivers the maximum available torque (145 Nm), guaranteeing prompt, brilliant response and a "sportier" driving feel. Steering assistance is also specifically calibrated for Normal mode. No indication appears on the dashboard in this mode (City is not selected). Consequently, this configuration is recommended for maximum response and full enjoyment of all available torque.

The leather seats of the Diesel version we drove had of course the typical Diesel-Jeans hallmarks...  

In ECO mode, instead, the emphasis is on "eco-friendly" engine running: torque delivery is cut off to 100 Nm at 2000 rpm to minimise consumption and promote a driving style more suitable for city traffic.

The steering wheel is lighter (CITY mode is automatically selected). The driver only needs to press the specific button on the dashboard to activate the ECO function. The lettering ECO will appear on the panel (the letter “E” will appear on the panel if the car has a Dualogic robotised gearbox). Furthermore, the Dualogic shifting strategy also switches to ECO mode to further optimise fuel consumption.

Small is beautiful… with room for an electric engine

Furthermore, compared with a medium-sized four-cylinder of equal performance, the new engine is significantly shorter (-23%) and lighter (-10%), opening the way to further developments, such as methane fuel supply or hybrid technology combinations, again on the theme of greater eco-friendliness.

The TwinAir unit builds very short and compact, leaving room for a (future) electric engine...

In particular, a methane version of the TwinAir will be available soon providing a further CO2 emission reduction, by adopting a pair of special injectors in addition to the petrol injectors on the intake manifold ducts. Improving on these fuel saving results using internal combustion engines will be difficult and alternative technologies will need to be developed.

The combination of traditional engines and electric motors appears particularly promising. Due to its reduced size, the TwinAir is quite suitable for being paired with an electric engine and in general with a device located between the engine and gearbox for recovering and storing the energy that is normally wasted during braking.

Interestingly, the TwinAir  85 HP comes with “Start&Stop” as standard. This device temporarily stops the engine and restarts it, ensuring reductions in fuel consumption and noise in the passenger compartment. The Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) associated to the Start&Stop system is a genuine “co-pilot” that discreetly suggests when to shift gear, leading to more efficient use of the engine in terms of fuel consumption.

For example, the GSI may suggest shifting up, by means of an indication on the control panel, to allow the engine to burn a leaner mixture, or shifting down to make best use of the available torque.

I drove the TwinAir Cinquecento at the presentation by Fiat Group Automobiles Belgium at the very scenic Hof Ter Musschen in Woluwe...

Driving (it) is believing

We were very impressed by the smooth running, the very good torque at low revs, the willingness and instant responsiveness of this beautiful engine, and the typical sound, making the TwinAir Cinquecento to our taste the “real” 500. The roominess, good suspension, creature comfort of the 500 chassis are already well documented and we were again pleasantly surprised by it.

What the 500 chassis is capable of, we could witness two weeks later when we drove the TwinAir on the circuit of Mettet, even in the pouring rain at high speeds around the circuit the car remained stable, utterly predictable and enjoyable to drive.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

 

The styling of the Cinquecento is creating 3 years after its introduction already a modern legend...