Two-cylinder to power 500!

	While there have been attempts to bring two-cylinder motors into production - such as the French Aixam range - the 500 will be the only twin to be offered as a mainstream model

The last big-selling car to use a two-cylinder was the legendary Citroen 2CV. Set to go on sale next year, the new 500 will focus on efficiency - its 0.9-litre turbo will develop between 90bhp and 110bhp.

The hi-tech engine is said to be 20 per cent more economical than the average 1.2-litre city car, so dri­vers can expect to see more than 60mpg on the com­bined cycle. And with around 120Nm of torque, its performance should be good, too. The new Ford Ka, which uses the 500's platform, is also likely to share the two-cylinder unit.

While there have been attempts to bring two-cylinder motors into production - such as the French Aixam range - the 500 will be the only twin to be offered as a mainstream model, be­cause achieving an acceptable standard of refinement is a major challenge. More powerful versions of the 500 will also be offered, using Fiat's freshly developed 1.4-litre turbo­charged petrol motor, which can deliver up to 150bhp. Mean­while, the Italian brand's engine experts have also built a new high-performance 1.8 turbodiesel which will be offered in the new Bravo.

Other plans emerging from Fiat's secret files include news of a groundbreaking Crossover 4x4, due in 2009.