Is the FIAT 500 TwinAir faster and better than the 1.2 FIAT 500?

We have the smaller engined FIAT 500 TwinAir. I think it’s a 900cc. The salesman put us off the 1.2 because he said the smaller car was faster and better. I could not see how a smaller-engined car could be faster, but that’s what he said. We are thinking of giving our car to our daughter. Would you advise getting the 1.2 over the 900? We have no complaints over the speed of our 900cc FIAT. Its very nippy indeed.

Asked on 10 February 2011 by LD, via email

Answered by Honest John

There is only one TwinAir, so far: 875cc and 85PS. Definitely don't get rid of it. It's much quicker and more fun to drive than the 1.2. It just isn't more economical, as it is claimed to be. And if it is driven in the manner in which it encourages you to drive it, it is much less economical. But the big benefit is that, once you have paid £10 to register the car with TfL, it is London Congestion Charge exempt as well as annual tax exempt. It blasts such a big hole through CVPO2 based legislation it is to be applauded. But, for a realistic assessment of real life fuel economy by real drivers, go to The Real Fuel Economy Register.

Tags: model changes performance fuel economy london congestion charge road tax london congestion charge exempt

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