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Fiat 500 TwinAir vs Toyota iQ

Retro comes face-to-face with modern with two-cylinder 500 vs Toyota iQ battle

Fiat 500 TwinAir vs. Toyota iQ

Photos: Pete Gibson November 2010

The Fiat 500 is taking its retro appeal to a whole new level. From its familiar name to its distinctive styling, the source of the city car’s inspiration is obvious – it has all the charm of the Fifties original. 

Now it bears an even closer resemblance to its famous ancestor, thanks to the introduction of an unusual two-cylinder engine – but that’s where the similarities end. While the original had a simple air-cooled powerplant, the 500 TwinAir’s new 85bhp 875cc unit features advanced technology such as variable valve timing and a turbocharger. It’s also a lot more eco-friendly, with CO2 emissions of 95g/km and claimed fuel returns of 68.9mpg.

 

Not all city cars take their cues from the past. The cleverly packaged Toyota iQ is a true 21st century urban runaround. It squeezes four seats into a body that measures only three metres long. And as with the Fiat, it promises CO2 emissions of below 100g/km and a diesel-like appetite for unleaded.

Better still, a recent round of mechanical and interior tweaks, and the addition of Toyota’s new five-year warranty, mean the iQ represents a stern test for the chic 500.

For an alternative review of the latest Fiat 500 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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2 Comments

facts and figures error

There are errors in the economy/CO2 numbers.

The AE economy of 37.7mpg / 173 g/km CO2 for Fiat is ok., but if AE economy for iQ is 34.6 that translates to roughly 195 g/km of CO2, far worse than Fiat or stated 129 g/km!!!

Either way, that's heavy consumption from both cars; my 10 year old 60bhp Twingo used to top 50mpg easily!?

By mko_20vt on 18 November, 2010, 1:45pm

No error...

Have double checked the economy figures, and they are in fact correct. The test regime is quite punishing, and obviously uses more fuel than you might expect. Even so, we too felt there was a very large difference between claimed, and real world economy in this case.

By DanStrong2 on 24 January, 2011, 12:23pm

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Full Car Reviews

Fiat 500 TwinAir

1st Fiat 500 TwinAir

New two-cylinder engine claims peerless blend of pace and efficiency
Toyota iQ

2nd Toyota iQ

Pioneering city car is agile and refined. Will power deficit hold it back?
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Facts and Figures

Verdict

This test highlights the different approaches these models take to city motoring. With its compact dimensions and clever cabin, the Toyota is the cutting-edge choice, while the retro-inspired Fiat is fun and fashionable.
For many town-bound motorists, the iQ is the perfect companion. Thanks to its size, agility and well equipped cabin, it’s an excellent option, while strong refinement means cruising is comfortable when you break free of the city limits. But there’s no getting away from its compromised seating layout and tiny boot. There are no such issues with the Fiat. While it stands out with its cheeky looks and array of options, it’s the new TwinAir engine that steals the show. Punchy, clean and full of character, the two-cylinder suits the car perfectly. The 500 is worth the £827 premium over the iQ, and it takes a well earned victory.
 
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