Road Test: Fiat 500 TwinAir Review

Since its re-birth in 2008, the Fiat 500 has achieved significant success in the small car segment and managed to tap into the emotions of drivers: most people simply love them.

In the latest revision, fans will be pleased to know the design has been left well alone, but improvement comes from within with the Fiat 500 becoming the first car to feature Fiat’s TwinAir technology.

The new technology enables the car to achieve 95g/km CO2 and a combined cycle consumption figure of an impressive 68.9mpg (manual).

Although this modernised version is up to date with technology, the connections with the 1950s original are obvious. And its interior continues the simple theme of the early 500 but with modern materials and an overtly retro theme. It’s playful, with plenty of colours, and a hazard warning light button that looks like a travel sweet.

Start-Stop technology now comes as standard in the 500, as well as seven airbags. It also achieved five stars in the Euro NCAP crash safety test programme.

However, look at it rationally and it’s easy to spoil the fun. The headrests, shaped like a hole-less Polo mint are uncomfortable and the absence of a glove box means there is no secure storage available. The engine, although new improvements mean there is more pull, is noisy and can grate on long journeys.

There is also the issue of size, the backseats are not really roomy enough for adults and the boot is big enough to fit a medium sized handkerchief.

Over the weekend I achieved 51.4mpg and found the Fiat to be quite agile on the roads with responsive handling, although quite a firm, and unforgiving ride.