Fiat fits Start&Stop system to its stylish 500

The Start&Stop system, which is fitted to the 500's 1.2-litre petrol engine, automatically turns the engine off when the vehicle comes to a stop and the driver puts the car in neutral. The engine automatically restarts the moment the driver depresses the clutch pedal to select a gear to move off.

In comparison to standard 1.2 models without Start&Stop, the system improves fuel consumption from 5.3 liters/100 km to 4.7 liters/100 km in urban driving conditions and from 4.2 liters/100 km to 4 liters/100 km on the official combined cycle. CO2 emissions are reduced by 6g/km to 113g/km.

The 500 also features Fiat's eco:Drive system, which can advise drivers on ways to change their driving style that will improve fuel economy.

"Fuel efficiency has always been a forte on the 500, thanks to Fiat's industry-leading engine technology," says Adam Pumfrey, Fleet & Remarketing Director, Fiat UK. "Now the Start&Stop system delivers further improvements while also cutting emissions.

"Together with eco:Drive, Fiat is demonstrating how vehicles and their drivers both have a part to play in reducing overall emissions and fuel consumption, which in turn reduces fuel and tax costs - an essential consideration for any fleet manager."

Standard equipment on the 500 1.2 Start&Stop includes eco:Drive and Bluetooth connectivity, radio/CD with MP3 compatibility, remote central locking, air-conditioning, 15-inch alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel with remote audio controls plus front, side and knee airbags.

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Credits: JRC