Fiat 500 Hybrid and Panda Hybrid revealed

Electrification should help to maintain the appeal of Fiat’s ageing city cars. The current 500 and Panda – which were originally launched in 2007 and 2011 respectively – are set to benefit from a new mild hybrid powertrain.

This consists of a 1.0 litre, three-cylinder, six-valve, single-camshaft ‘FireFly’ petrol engine, a six-speed manual transmission, a 12 volt belt-integrated starter generator (BSG) and an 11 Ah lithium battery. Maximum output is 69 bhp (51 kW / 70 PS) at 6,000 rpm, while 92 Nm (67 lb/ft) of peak torque arrives at just 3,500 rpm.

Fiat 500 Hybrid Launch Edition (2020) Front Side

The BSG essentially recovers energy that would otherwise be lost when decelerating or braking. It’s then stored in the battery, ready to be used for reignition by the start-stop system or to offer assistance during acceleration. There’s also a novel coasting mode that temporarily turns off the engine by shifting into neutral.

Fiat Panda Hybrid Launch Edition (2020) Front Side

Performance and efficiency figures have yet to be released. However, compared to the superseded non-hybrid 68 bhp (50 kW / 69 PS) 1.2 litre petrol unit, Fiat claims that fuel economy is better and CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 30%.

Deliveries of the 500 Hybrid and the Panda Hybrid are due to begin during the first quarter of 2020. Initially, special Launch Editions will be available. As well as exclusive Dew Green paintwork, they  come with Seaqual Yarn upholstery which incorporates recycled plastics.

Fiat 500 Hybrid Launch Edition (2020) Rear SideFiat 500 Hybrid Launch Edition (2020) Interior

Fiat Panda Hybrid Launch Edition (2020) DashboardFiat Panda Hybrid Launch Edition (2020) Rear Side

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