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Fiat 500 TwinAir

Twin-pot tearaway

Frugal with fuel - there's an app for that

Blue&Me also adds a USB connector for media storage - though working out how to access and play music files is not as straightforward as it could be - and storing driving telemetry that you can then review using Fiat’s eco:Drive application.

Fiat 500 TwinAir

Monitor your motoring with eco:Drive
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How much mileage you get from eco:Drive will depend on the individual. I can’t honestly say I’m that interested in knowing how much CO2 my driving style is generating over the theoretical minimum, or having the environmental impact of my gear change regime rated out of five stars

But some of the basic data the application presents is of interest. By looking online at current petrol prices, eco:Drive calculates journey fuel costs as well as times and distances - a handy way of seeing where the money is going.

Beyond the tiny engine - it weighs all of 85kg - the TwinAir retains all the features which have made the 500 such a success since its launch. The ride is firm but comfortable, the handling impeccable and it goes round corners like a roller-skate.

In fact, I’ve not had so much fun behind the wheel of a small car since I sold my British Leyland Mini Cooper.

Fiat 500 TwinAir

I've seem lawnmowers with bigger engines

It’s also surprisingly spacious for what is a very small car. It's 15cm shorter than a Mini and 40cm shorter a Fiesta. Even with the driver’s seat fully aft, there is still room - just - for all 5'11" of me in the back.
