The success of BMW's economical little Mini has resulted in other manufacturers
rekindling iconic best gas mileage cars of the past. Fiat launched a modern
day version of the classic 500 in 2007 and like the Mini, it is proving
very popular, combining the winning blend of retro styling with contemporary
luxuries.
The original Fiat 500 brought motoring to the masses just like the Mini.
It was small, very efficient, and very cheap. The relaunched version has
stuck with the characteristics of the original, including the cheap price.
The same can't be said for the Mini. The top of the range Fiat 500 is the
Lounge and its just two-thirds of the price of the top of the range Mini
Cooper S.
Sipping only 6.3 litres per 100 km the Fiat 500 Lounge is truly one of the
best gas mileage cars around. This fuel economy is produced
by a turbocharged 1.4 litre 4 cylinder petrol engine which has 74 kW of
power. Its not slow either, reaching 60 mph in 10.5 seconds. CO2 emissions
are only 149g per km.
Even though the Fiat 500 is a tiny car (as most high mileage cars are),
and weighs only 930kg, safety is excellent. It has 7 airbags, stability
control and a 5 star NCAP rating. The 500 Lounge has a stylish interior
with a neat color scheme, though as you'd expect rear legroom is tight.
Fiat recognises the fact that these classic cars are a fashion statement
and as such they have committed to releasing a new variant of the 500 each
year. In 2009 a convertible version was released and in 2010 we'll see a
station wagon.