Fiat 500 gets Start&Stop technology in UK
March 24, 2009 by Matt Brogan
While it may take some time for the feature to appear on the Australian market, Fiat have introduced Start&Stop technology on UK versions of its 1.2-litre 500 model.
The Start&Stop system automatically turns the engine off when the vehicle comes to a stop or when the driver selects neutral. The engine then automatically restarts the moment the driver depresses the clutch pedal to select a gear to move off.
The system is said to improve fuel consumption from 5.3 to 4.7 litres per 100km City and from 4.2 to 3.9 litres per 100km Highway when compared to the same car/engine combination trialed without Start&Stop technology. CO2 emissions are also 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.
Tags: FIAT 500“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.”
Now here’s something weird, how can Star&stop improve fuel efficiency in Highway driving?
Depends how long it takes to start up again. If it takes a few seconds, there would be huge traffic delays causing more fuel wastage, not to mention add to road rage. What’s needed is a system where the lights show red and amber to give drivers warning that the lights are about to change to green.
It’s brilliant and simple technology really, you turn the ignition key and push a button and it starts, then, now wait for this, you put your FOOT on the brake and it stops…HOW AMAZING IS THAT….brilliant engeneering…
HAhahah…..
this is a brilliant addition and i hope it makes it to Australia sooner rather than later…
Leave it to the Italians…
Like a sleep mode for engines, without the harsh “key start up”..
Ive seen it demo’d on a new Lancia and was waiting for it to come to production.
Another series of stupid comments.
Besides the Mini has it along with some BMW’s shortly. So notyhing new. Indeed the Golf Umwelt version a diesel donk from the early 80’s had stop/start then.
The 1.2 litre is already sold here so it shouldn’t be too hard to bring over the start and stop model.
Hopefully they hurry up though! It seems we are the last to get the eco friendly models from all manufacturers.