A new option on the Fiat 500, which will give the popular city car even better fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures, has just been introduced in the UK. Called Fiat 500 Start&Stop, the new technology is based on the most successful 500 version – the 1.2 Lounge – and benefits from the combined expertise of automotive parts specialist Bosch and Fiat Powertrain Technologies.

Start&Stop began its roll out in Italy first, arriving in the showrooms just before Christmas on the manual versions, with DuaLogic being added to the Italian range last month. The Start&Stop system stops the engine automatically (without the driver turning an ignition key) whenever traffic conditions bring the car to a complete halt, and restarts it when the driver wants to move off again.

Available in the UK at £9,500 OTR, the 500 Start&Stop becomes the most ecological version in the Fiat 500 petrol range. With Start&Stop, CO2 emissions on the 1.2 engine are just 113 g/km, while fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 12 per cent (urban fuel economy figures).

Start&Stop is based on a starting procedure (battery and cranking system) able to perform a fast engine restart and deal with a far higher number of starts than a standard system. Several sensors and control strategies are employed to manage stop and restart operations, to guarantee safety, driveability and energy balance of the car with a minimum impact on heating and other services in the car. Engine stop is only allowed once a speed of 6 mph has been achieved after pulling away. To restart the engine the clutch pedal must be depressed. The Start&Stop system can be manually activated or deactivated using a button switch.

Start&Stop will not activate in certain cases, including engine still cold, battery in low charge state, heated rear window active, front wiper at maximum speed or reverse gear engaged (in a parking manoeuvre). If the engine has been stopped and the clutch pedal has not been depressed for more than three minutes, the engine can only be restarted using the ignition key. Similarly, if the engine has been stopped and the driver’s seat belt has been unfastened, or a door has been opened, engine restart will only be achieved with the key.

The Fiat 500 Start&Stop fuel consumption figures are:

Fiat’s Blue&Me hands-free telecommunications and entertainment system is standard on 500 Start&Stop, which means the car also benefits from eco:Drive, the system that allows customers to monitor and improve on their CO2 emissions and fuel consumption figures.