Fiat 500 Twin Air

[robchalmers]

Just been in to book my test drive in the little Fiat Twin Air. My local Dealer's current Demo Car has just been sold so I wasn't allowed to take it out. but they did start it for me and compared to the pre-sale version I saw a few months ago the sound was a lot different after a few mile had been put on the motor. the tinny - tappety noise is gone and in it place is a lovely thrum the engine cover has alos changed but underneath is still the diddy twin pot - I can't wait to get my hands on the beast!

[tjts1]

Real world FE for the twin air is pathetic. You're better off with the diesel.

[robchalmers]

Thats what my test drive is hoping to prove.... as I've heard conflicting reports. off the figures its behind the diesel, non-shock. but leagues ahead of the 1.2 start/stop.

[Doofus McFancypants]

we just finished a family vacation this past week. rented a mini van to haul 6 people from atlanta to pittsburgh.

when i returned the rental - enterprise had just gotten a Fiat 500 into its fleet.
i chatted with the Enterprise guys about it. $26 / day rental. I might need to get that for a weekend to check it out.

It is an automatic though and MAN the back seats are TINY.

Check out local Enterprise Rental car - they might have one as well.
Part of an Initiative to boost fleet MPG numbers the guy told me.,

Steve

[Arragonis]

Rob - how was your test ? I've had a ride in one but never driven it.

[some_other_dave]

I don't believe they carry the Twin Air in the US. The only engine available here is the 1.4 liter four-pot. They are supposed to be bringing the Abarth over (turbocharged 1.4 liter, not sure if it's the 137 HP version, or the 170+, or the 180 HP one) in another few months.

I drove a 500 "Sport" last weekend. Same drivetrain as the "Pop" with a manual transmission. (The "Lounge is the same engine, and is only available with the auto gearbox.) It was pretty decent.

I did not care for the seats and the seating position; it felt like I was sitting on top of the seat rather than in the seat, and it was not very supportive. The handling was fine but far from great, and the acceleration was pretty moderate. It ran about 2400 RPM in top gear (5th) at 60 MPH, but needed to drop two gears to get appreciable acceleration at that point. That was in part due to having three adults in the car; the salesman was kind of crammed in but did fit in the back seat.

The 500 somehow drove much heavier than its actual ~2300 lbs. The small size would make parking in a crowded urban environment easier, and the rather tight turning radius would make for excellent parking-lot maneuverability at very low speeds.

I also drove the MINI Cooper, and find it to be a better car all around--at least to my preferences. The MINI's base price is $20K, as opposed to $15K for the 500. The EPA rates them pretty close in fuel economy (29/37 for the MINI Cooper, 30/38 for the 500) and the 500 will tolerate regular-grade fuel while the MINI requires premium.

-soD

[Arragonis]

The 500 and BINI compete in different markets here in Europe - the 500 is a City car whilst the BINI is classed as a Supermini (think Fiesta / Yaris size). Both are well above the class averages for those vehicles in terms of price, probably edging into the next market segment above instead.

The 500s 1.4 engine is a little aged these days, being something from the early 90s (or possibly even earlier maybe). Its a "dull as porridge" common little hatchback 1.4 engine - nothing special at all.

We get a cheaper version of each - the 500 is also sold as a Ford KA (except for the Abarth versions).



and the Mini is sold as the Citroen DS3

[tjts1]

The 500, mini, beetle and smart all compete for the same market here. Overpriced weird/retro small cars for wealthy teenagers.

[deathtrain]

sorry that Citroen DS3 to me has the better looks. out off all the others. dont forget the Ford Fiesta with the turbo 3 cylinder in it.

[Arragonis]

The Fester is seen as a more conventional design than the BINI and 500 though.