Skip advert
Advertisement

Fiat eco:Drive

Stop&Go, MultiAir tech promise low emissions

A-Z of green cars

Italian giant Fiat is famous for its style and value-for-money pricing. More recently, though, it has been building a reputation for environmentally friendly motoring – and the latest proof of this is a stop-start version of the 500 city car.

Called the Stop&Go, the newcomer uses the same Bosch-developed system as its MINI arch rival. It costs £200 more than the 1.2 Lounge, and promises to cut CO2 output by 6g/km to 113g/km.

At the same time, fuel economy is increased by 5.5mpg to 58.9mpg.

From early next year, buyers will be able to get their hands on the new Punto Evo – many variants of which will have stop-start.

The latest generation of JTD diesel engines is also to be available on the Ford Fiesta rival.

As with subsidiary Alfa Romeo, Fiat will offer a new line-up of efficient MultiAir petrol engines, which produce more power and use less fuel than the units they replace.

Easily the company’s biggest contribution to eco-friendly motoring, however, is its ingenious eco:Drive system.

This neat piece of computer software scooped the Special Award in Auto Express’s New Car Awards 2009, and claims to boost any Fiat’s efficiency by up to 15 per cent.

Owners can download info about their driving from the car’s Blue & Me USB socket, and then upload it on to the firm’s website.

A programme analyses the data and offers fuel-saving tips. So far, more than 40,000 owners have signed up, and bosses claim a huge 910,000kg of CO2 has been saved.

Advertisement - Article continues below

BEST ECO BUY: 500 stop&go

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £14,650
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,910
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025