Unusually Fiat Automobiles has arrived at the Geneva Motor Show this year without any new models to present which means that, on the occasion of its world preview, the revolutionary new 2-cylinder "Twin Air" engine takes centre stage.

Unusually Fiat Automobiles has arrived at the Geneva Motor Show this year without any new models to present which means that, on the occasion of its world preview, the revolutionary new 2-cylinder "Twin Air" engine takes centre stage. Developed by Fiat Powertrain technologies, Twin Air will debut in 85 HP format during the autumn in the Fiat 500 and it is being shown in this car on the Italian carmaker's stand at the Geneva Palexpo.

Other novelties include the Doblò, being shown fitted with a 1.4 T-Jet engine with duel petrol/methane "Natural Power" capability for the first time and the Bravo which benefits from some mild cosmetic "Model Year 2010" updates but significantly sees the availability of the new Multiair technology for the first time on the 5-door C-segment hatchback. Fiat Automobiles is also celebrating the news that industry research body JATO Dynamics has adjudged it the most efficient carmaker in Europe for 2009 in terms of CO2 output.

The brightly-coloured Fiat exhibition area in Geneva develops the "World I Want" theme seen through the eyes of children. The stand was "designed" by children who let their imagination loose and expressed their vision of a future always more focused on environmental friendliness. The idea is to create a cheerful stand where houses are built on clouds and a rainbow welcomes visitors into the Fiat world. The heart of the stand is the 500 Configurator, an installation which blends neatly into the exhibition area. The houses and clouds of an imaginary city dreamed up by children showcase the latest auto innovations, cars which are a step forward on the way towards sustainable mobility.

Set in a unique tree-shaped installation with sparkling optical fibre filaments is the new Twin-Air engine. As well as in a Fiat 500, visitors can also preview it in a showcase. Progenitor of new family of two-cylinder engines made by FPT, it implements a revolutionary Multiair system combined with specific fluid dynamics optimised for the best fuel efficiency. Furthermore, by taking the concept of downsizing to the extreme and masterly tuning the basic mechanics, the new family - delivering from 65 to 105 HP - emits 30% less CO2 than an engine of equal performance.

The Bravo MY 2010 is presented fitted with a 1.4 Multiair (140 HP) and standard Start&Stop system at the Show. Available from June, this is a petrol engine with one of the best emission/power ratios in the world: only 132 g/km and a power of 140 HP. Later on, at different times according to the markets, a specific pack will be available, which will cut CO2 to 129 g/km, the best emission/power ratio for turbo engines in this power range. Furthermore, with respect to the 1.4 16v T-JET - 120 HP, the 1.4 Multiair - 140 HP has more power and torque at low rpm (+16%) and the adoption of a Start&Stop system cuts consumption and emissions (-10%). In brief, the new engine ensures top-notch eco-friendliness (it is Euro 5 type-approved) without compromising on performance and driving pleasure. That is not all. For an even more dynamic driving experience, the Sport function can be selected by pressing a button - Sport version only - to change acceleration response and steering settings. The model offers new, competitively priced packs confirming the brand's strategy aimed at ongoing innovations that have made the Bravo one of the most popular cars in the medium compact C segment in 2009. It leads the LPG segment in Italy (totalling nearly 40% of the private customer market) and stands out in the 5-door saloon sub segment.

On the stand is an example of the limited-edition 500 by Diesel, a distinct version that springs from the combined efforts of the creative teams of Fiat and Diesel, the well-known Italian designer brand. The car's exterior colour finish has been extended by the arrival of a new special “Midnight Indigo” blue body colour, that Fiat hopes is reminiscent of the hues of denim, and it is equipped with a brand-new, second-generation Multijet 1.3 - 95 HP (Euro 5) along with standard Start&Stop system.

A slot is also devoted to the Punto EVO and two engine versions are being introduced in at the Swiss motor show, putting the accent on technological excellence and care for details: the powerful Multiair 1.4 16v - 135 HP Euro 5, with CO2 emissions of merely 129 g/km and an unprecedented 1.3 Multijet II - 85 HP with ECO pack allowing a very low emission level (99 g/km). There is also a seven-seater Doblò on the stand fitted with 1.6 - 105 HP Euro 5 Multijet engine and Start&Stop, and also a 500C. After receiving its world première exactly a year ago at the Geneva Motor Show, the 500C was introduced into the showrooms last July and Fiat say that the highly successful 500 model will soon reach a goal of 500,000 units made in less than three years.

Finally there are two offroad capable models on the Fiat stand, the Sedici, which was refreshed with a mild restyling makeover along with revised engines last year, and, more significantly, a Panda Cross which is equipped with the 1.4 - 70 HP (Euro 5) dual-fuel (petrol-methane) engine, representing a model that is celebrating its thirtieth birthday this year, and more precisely in Geneva, where it was introduced for the first time in 1980. Over 6 million units have been sold worldwide until today.