This feed contains the latest All feed items for the FIAT FIORINO model. http://www.motortorque.com/ Copyright 2013 MotorTorque All Rights Reserved. Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss Automotive Website Framework Engine (2.9.1208.1803) The first picture of the production-ready Fiat 500XL has surfaced on a Spanish online forum. The 500XL is the upcoming seven-seated variant of the popular Fiat 500L model. From the picture shown above, the 500XL looks very similar to the 500L, with the exception of a longer rear overhang, larger rear quarterlight and, although there is no official information as of yet, a reported 200mm longer than the 500L's 4,147mm length. The engine line-up is expected to be the same as the 500L, however, with petrol engines including the 105bhp TwinAir, two-cylinder and 95bhp 1.4-litre, four-cylinder units. In addition, other engines include the 85bhp 1.3-litre and 105bhp 1.6-litre Multijet diesels. Fiat's 500L and XL models will mirror Ford's C-MAX range, which features a five-seat C-MAX and seven-seat Grand C-MAX in the line-up. For this reason, the 500XL is expected to come with a similar interior to the 500L, albeit with the addition of two, third-row seats at the rear of the vehicle. Those excited about the addition of a new seven-seater in the UK car market will not have to wait for long. A spokesperson from Fiat confirmed that the 500XL is likely to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013. Furthermore, the spokesperson also verified that the Fiat 500XL will go on sale in European markets by the end of the year. However, the vehicle's name might change when the production version is rolled-out so it does not cause confusion with the 500X crossover that will be released next year. The upcoming Fiat 500XL, and the 500X crossover that will appear in UK dealerships next year, will join the expanding Fiat 500 family, which includes the supermini, convertible and 500L models. Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/fiat-500xl-revealed-22108.aspx Glenn Doyle Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT A historic milestone was reached at the Fiat Powertrain Technologies plant in Bielsko-Biala, Poland, as the five millionth 1.3 litre MultiJet engine rolled off the lines at the Polish plant. The record demonstrates the great success of the small diesel engine, which features four cylinders in line, sixteen valves and 1248 cubic centimetre capacity, in production from 2003. It also shows the successful outcome of the world's first application of MultiJet technology, which is the evolution of the Common Rail system, first developed by the Fiat Group in 1997. MultiJet engines are constantly updated in terms of technology, with the latest development being the currently offered MultiJet II. The renowned 1.3 MultiJet engine is now available with various power levels, from the fixed geometry turbocharger versions, producing between 70-75hp, to the more high performance variable geometry turbocharger engines - where power is increased to between 85 and 95hp. The 1.3 MultiJet is also critically acclaimed, having won numerous prestigious international awards, including 'Engine of the Year (1.0-1.4 litre category)' in 2005. As would be expected with such a popular engine, the 1.3 Multijet is fitted within many cars in the Fiat range, such as the Panda, Punto, Fiorino and 500 models, as well as various models by other car manufacturers. The five millionth 1.3 litre MultiJet engine will be fitted on a 500L, the new Fiat City Lounge, which the company hopes will rethink the category of compact cars for the modern family. The Fiat Powertrain Technologies Poland plant in Bielsko-Biala itself is one of the most advanced in the automotive sector, also producing the revolutionary, two cylinder petrol engine: the 0.9 TwinAir - a recipient of the prestigious 'International Engine of the Year' in 2011. The esteemed awards for the engines produced by Fiat Powertrain Technologies Poland are in recognition of the innovative solutions that are applied by the engineers at Bielsko-Biala, in order to reduce environmental impact - both in terms of the product and its production process. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/five-millionth-13-multijet-engine-produced-21760.aspx Glenn Doyle Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Fiat has announced two great offers which provide customers with extra savings on selected Punto and Panda models. The latest offers provided by Fiat are in addition to the company's existing March sales offers on the aforementioned Punto and Panda motors. The offers are available between 11th - 18th March, so those interested in purchasing one of these Fiat models will need to hurry up! Fiat's selected Punto models are available with an extra £500 saving on all versions, excluding the models 'Easy' and 'GBT' versions without the 'Brio Pack', in addition to the current customer saving that is on offer. For example, Fiat's Punto 'Easy' 1.2 3DR with Brio Pack variant, which includes the voice controlled 'Blue&Me' multimedia system, along with rear parking sensors, adaptive cornering foglights, climate and cruise control and fifteen inch alloy wheels, is now available in a new offering. The new offer for the aforementioned model includes £1,090 of free extras, a total of £1,000 current customer saving and £500 of extra saving, for an offer price of £9,400. This offer on Punto 'Easy' models is not available without the 'Brio Pack'. The Punto Easy 1.2 3DR with Brio Pack is available at £9,400, inclusive of the £1,000 current customer saving and £500 extra saving. Fiat's popular Panda vehicle is also now available with an extra £555 saving across the range, in addition to the current customer saving. Similar to the Punto 'Easy', the Panda 'Easy' 1.2 5DR variant, which includes air conditioning, remote central door locking, four airbags, body colour bumpers and dual drive power steering is now available with a new offer. The new offer for the Panda 'Easy' 1.2 5DR model, which originally has a list price of £9,550, includes £1,000 current customer saving and £555 extra saving, to bring the offer price for the aforementioned Panda 'Easy' vehicle to £7,995. The price of £7,995 for the Panda 'Easy' 1.2 5DR is available inclusive of the £1,000 current customer saving and £555 extra saving. As an added note, the offers listed above are for retail customers only and are not available in conjunction with any other offer. The offers are only available on selected stock vehicles and cars must be ordered by March 18th and registered by March 31st 2013. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/extra-march-savings-on-fiat-punto-panda-models-21651.aspx Glenn Doyle Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT TomTom has today announced that it will provide a new navigation solution for Fiat Group, for use in their new vehicles, continuing the four year partnership between the two companies. For the first time, TomTom navigation will be built-in as part of Fiat's new 'Uconnect' five inch Radio Nav infotainment system, which will be showcased today at the Geneva Motor Show. Fiat's new infotainment system will be initially available in new Fiat 500L models and will offer a five inch touch screen. The Uconnect system features many of the technologies found in TomTom's industry-leading PNDs, including world class maps, IQ Routes, voice control and Advanced Lan Guidance. Charles Cautley, Managing Director Automotive at TomTom, commented: 'We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with Fiat Group. Today, the in-dash navigation system is such an important feature of a car.' Cautley further added: 'So when a company such as Fiat continues to work with us in this way, it reflects an ongoing confidence in both TomTom technologies and in the strength of our partnership.' After the Uconnect five inch Radio Nav is first rolled out within the Fiat 500L series, it will then be extended into other Fiat Group brands and models. Our MotorTorque video team are currently at the Geneva Motor Show, reporting back on all of the cars and concepts from the week. You can watch our day one round-up video below. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/geneva-motor-show---fiat-group-tomtom-21531.aspx Glenn Doyle Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT A new viral online advert made by Fiat for its new 500L MPV, featuring an actress rapping about motherhood, has attracted over two million views less than a month after it was first uploaded. The somewhat unorthodox video features a rap song called "The Motherhood" which is performed on screen by actress Rachel Donovan, who depicts a tired mother as she raps about the various jobs and issues faced when being a mother. The video also features the Fiat 500L MPV around the start and end of Fiat's rap video, although there is little actual reference to the car itself throughout the ad. The video was first uploaded to the FiatUK YouTube channel back on 13 December 2012, and in the space of a few weeks, has garnered more than 2.2 million views worldwide. The advert was reportedly given approval for commission by the Fiat UK managing director, Steve Zanlunghi, after he showed it to his wife who was apparently highly amused by it. Available now as a five or seven-seater family car, the Fiat 500L is of course inspired by the retro-styled 500 city car, the exterior all-round has been considerably altered in appearance to give it a rather more muscular appearance in combination with the larger bodyshell. The seven-seater 500L uses the same wheelbase as the standard five-seater version, but the body has been lengthened behind the rear wheels by 200mm in order to fit a third row of seats. The two extra seats at the back can be folded completely flat for greater boot space. Engines available for the Fiat 500L from launch will match the majority of the range found with the standard 500 city car. Included will be the 0.9-litre TwinAir petrol engine, the 1.4-litre petrol, and the 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel. The Fiat 500L is available from UK dealerships now with prices starting at £15,790. Written by Stephen Goldasz http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNVde5HPhYo http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/fiat-rap-advert-gets-2m-views-online-20884.aspx Stephen Goldasz Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT The new 2013 Fiat 500L mini MPV will start from £14,990 when it launches to UK customers. That is the announcement today from Fiat who will offer the five-door family car in three trim levels and with up to four engines from the beginning of sales. The Fiat 500L, L standing for large, was first announced last year and measures longer than the Fiat Punto and wider than the Fiat Bravo. Trim levels for the car begin with Pop Star and Easy, which both cost the same depending on what engine you go for but they offer different onboard equipment. That means there are two specifications with the starting price of £14,990. Sitting right at the top of the range is a separate trim called Lounge, which starts at £16,390. Engine options for the Fiat 500L include a 94bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine, which applies to the starting models on each trim level. This unit is followed up by a 104bhp 0.9-litre TwinAir petrol engine and an 84bhp 1.3-litre diesel. The diesel like every other engine uses a manual gearbox as standard but it is also available with a MTA semi-automatic gearbox, which adds an extra £900 to the 500L's price. The most expensive engine option is a 1.6-litre diesel with 104bhp to boast. Standard equipment on every specification for the Fiat 500L, which has a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, will include Bluetooth, cruise control and a radio controlled by a five inch touchscreen. Other standard equipment on the Pop Star trim, aimed at younger drivers, includes a body-coloured dashboard and alloy wheels. The Easy trim level adds rear parking sensors, rear electric windows and a fixed glass roof. Written by Stephen Goldasz http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/2013-fiat-500l-prices-confirmed-20673.aspx Stephen Goldasz Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT A report has named Fiat, Peugeot and Renault as the manufacturers with the least energy-efficient engines, with BMW's engines expelling the least amounts of CO2. According to calculations by the Index of Efficiency report, Fiat's cars produce 1.53 g/km of CO2 per BHP. BMW's, in contrast, produce 0.74 g/km per BHP. Fiat and other small car manufacturers are at the foot of the table because their smaller models tend to be powered by old-fashioned petrol engines. A number of Peugeot and Citroen models, for example, still use 1.1-litre eight valve engines which have a CO2 per BHP figure of 2.25 g/km. The report was compiled by website Clean Green Cars, which has averaged how much CO2 is expelled for every unit of BHP produced. They have taken the average CO2 g/km produced by manufacturers' cars over the first six months of 2012 and contrasted that against the cars' average BHP to come to their conclusions. BMW comes out on top thanks to its EfficientDynamics technology, with other premium manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Land Rover following closely behind. Premium brands are expected to do better because their larger, more expensive cars can justify more sophisticated engines. Mini (1.03 g/km) is also high up on the efficiency table, by-and-large due to the company utilising BMW's engine technology. Other small car manufacturers including Volkswagen (1.13) and Toyota (1.13) also do well - Toyota because of its hybrid cars and Volkswagen thanks to its TSI petrol engines. The study also found that some engines emit half the CO2 despite having the same output as others, and that consumers preferably want a high-power engine with a low emissions output. The results show that consumers need to be aware of the efficiency of the engine in the car they're looking to buy, especially as some cars in the same model range have entirely different engines. The Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI has a BHP figure of 1.20, according to the report, while the Volkswagen Polo 1.2 S has a BHP figure of 2.13. A buyer choosing a TSI would therefore have 70 per cent more power, without an increase in petrol usage or extra CO2 emissions. A full breakdown of the report can be downloaded here. Written by John Meadowcroft http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/fiat-fingered-for-having-least-efficient-engines-19401.aspx John Meadowcroft Tue, 04 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne appeared to disparage Fiat Group’s volume marques recently, when asked if the Italian group would sell Alfa Romeo or Ferrari to support volume manufacturers Fiat or Chrysler.We asked the MotorTorque Expert to comment on Marchionne’s unusual comment – and what it could mean for the Fiat."I'll put it this way - it's like asking a guy with a tin of caviar in his fridge alongside 12 rotten eggs. Would he sell the caviar to buy 12 more rotten eggs? The answer is no, I have no intention of selling Ferrari."That was Fiat Chrysler chief executive Sergio Marchionne’s astonishing reply when asked whether he would be willing to sell Ferrari or Alfa Romeo to drum up money to secure the long-term future of Chrysler and Fiat.It’s a bizarre reply that put me in mind of Gerald Ratner’s renowned gaffe.In a board meeting speech Ratner said: "We also do cut-glass sherry decanters complete with six glasses on a silver-plated tray that your butler can serve you drinks on, all for £4.95. People say, 'How can you sell this for such a low price?' I say, because it's total crap."With that, Ratner shares plummeted and the company’s value shed £500 million almost overnight by destroying his brand’s image.While Marchionne’s candid response is unlikely to harm Fiat or Chrysler as it did Ratner, that’s only because both manufacturers’ reputations are already weak in the UK, or average in the case of Fiat.Chrysler is a brand with little image in the UK; in fact the only enduring impression the majority of UK motorists have regarding the American manufacturer is that it has a massive people carrier (the Grand Voyager) and used to have that ugly coupe (the Sebring) – and the 300C that looked like a hearse.From that low base, Chrysler can’t fall much further, which could come as some relief to Marchionne.You do not see many Chryslers on UK roads and that’s because up until the end of 2011, motorists could only buy a Grand Voyager because it was the only model still being imported. It’s not a bad car but it’s not enough to consistently bring in buyers and in turn boost the brand’s presence and sales as a result.It has now introduced two ‘new models’ which, in reality, are rebadged Lancias, but they are oddballs that will stick out in the UK.Nissan has made a success of the oddball Juke but that’s only because it already had the brand recognition and positive image in the UK to make its boggle-eyed crossover thrive; Chrysler can’t draw on either of those things.Fiat is in a better position but one that’s much the same; with the exception of the 500, Punto and Panda, Fiat doesn’t do a lot in the UK in terms of sales and it’s little wonder when you consider that it only really has small cars that fall into the UK’s most hotly contested segments.Overproduction and a crowded marketAn over populated industry is something that Marchionne touched on in the same speech, and he’s right.There are too many manufacturers in the marketplace and too many good models challenging Fiat and it has been crowded out. To get back into the public eye it needs more models in more segments or models that stand out from the crowd; at present its models do neither.Citroen came to the same crossroads a couple of years ago and so launched its DS-line and an upgraded model line-up. That has changed the French manufacturer’s fortunes dramatically.Fiat Group has already done a similar thing with Alfa Romeo, which is why Marchionne classed it as a ‘caviar’ brand.Alfas of old had a reputation for cars with excellent engines and brilliant handling but they were also rust buckets. Now, that reputation is gradually changing and Alfa Romeo is faring well in reliability surveys and has just recorded its best sales year since 2002.That also comes after Alfa reduced the gap in its model line-up. With the MiTo and the Giulietta, the Italian manufacturer now has models that appeal to UK buyers, rather than just coupes, saloons and estates as it used to.Until Fiat, but more importantly Chrysler, does the same in the UK, they’ll continue to struggle.Whether they’ll do a Ratner – Chrysler particularly – or not after Marchionne’s off-hand comment remains to be seen. http://www.motortorque.com/motoring-blog/stuff/caviar-and-eggs-fiat-boss-unflattering-comparison-for-struggling-marques-8917.aspx Stuff MT Expert Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:50:23 GMT Fiat has become the majority shareholder of the Chrysler Group after buying out the Canadian governments share, worth a reported $140 million.Fiat had already reached an agreement with the US government for its share in the company and having finalised both deals, the Italian manufacturer now holds 53.5 per cent of the American group’s shares (thought to be worth $500 million) – making it the majority shareholder.The acquisition – finalised yesterday – is set to lead to a range of management level changes for the American manufacturer with new CEO Sergio Marchionne key to revitalise a brand which has filed for bankruptcy in recent times.Marchionne is yet to release any details regarding top-level restructuring however it is understood that he wants to align the two executive boards and merge Chrysler and Fiat under one global name.The move allows Fiat to claim any financial benefits generated by the American brand as well as the option to acquire an extra five per cent of shares – which it is expected to do.Fiat took an initial foothold in the American manufacturer after it filed for bankruptcy in 2009 when the US government also took hold of shares to allow Chrysler to continue trading.The deal between the two firms has led to the Fiat 500 being launched in the US and Chrysler re-launching in European markets such as the UK.Having now bought out the US treasury’s stake, Fiat is the major force behind the American name. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/fiat-acquires-majority-share-in-chrysler-17222.aspx David Hort Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:21:59 GMT Fiat will increase its share of Chrysler to 46 per cent after paying $1.268 billion (£770 million) to move closer to owning a majority stake in the US car maker.The Italian manufacturer bought a 20 per cent stake in Chrysler two years ago after the Detroit-based brand recovered from bankruptcy, and this was extended to 30 per cent shortly afterwards.A full takeover of Chrysler is now imminent once money is paid back to the US government after it was forced to bail out the third largest car manufacturer in the US.Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said: “This is a fundamental step toward completion of the momentous integration of Fiat and Chrysler, initiated less than two years ago, that will result in the creation of a global automaker.”Marchionne hopes to create a single automotive group in ‘the shortest amount of time possible’ and could increase the stake by a further five per cent by the end of the year, giving Fiat a majority shareholding in Chrysler.The partnership has seen the car makers share technology over the past 24 months, and would allow Fiat to aggressively introduce the Mexican-built Fiat 500 city car in over 200 dealerships across the US.It will also see Fiat sell Chrysler models in Europe, starting with the Chrysler 300 in the UK.Fiat will use Chrysler’s sub-brands, Jeep and Dodge, to influence future European models. The Dodge Journey will influence a Fiat Freemont in European markets and Jeep could provide a platform for a future Alfa Romeo – another Fiat-owned brand - SUV.“The transaction that we are announcing today,” said John Elkann, Chairman of Fiat, “represents a historic step for Fiat and Chrysler and is a source of great satisfaction and pride for both.“Fiat, together with Chrysler, will create a stronger automobile group, with a full range of products, present in every market around the world and able to compete with the best.” http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/fiat-nears-full-chrysler-takeover-16875.aspx Stephen Hurrell Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:34:11 GMT