These are the first...
These are the first official pictures of the car, bringing 1,660 litres of cargo-carrying practicality to the range. That"s 10 litres more than the BMW 5-Series Touring, but still some way behind Mercedes" E-Class Estate, which has 1,950.
While there have been...
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 dri÷vers can expect to see more than 60mpg on the com÷bined 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, be÷cause 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 turbo÷charged petrol motor, which can deliver up to 150bhp. Mean÷while, 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.