Fait 500 TwinAir Lounge

So, since I last posted, I purchased myself a new set of wheels. After much deliberation (approximately two years) and with the added advantage of a better budget to work with I reached a decision. While I had a bit more money to spend than I did before, money saving was very much the aim of the game. Lower c02 for lower road tax, better economy in order to spend less on petrol and lower insurance to beat those cursed companies who rip off young drivers.

What did I go for? The Fiat 500 TwinAir Lounge. Why? Well, having been an avid MINI enthusiast and owner, but wanting a change, I wanted something fun and quirky. Something that would match my personality. I considered buying a 500 about four years ago when the new version first came out, but felt that the engines available then were lacking and ultimately, my heart rested on a MINI. Having had the pleasure of owning and driving a MINI Cooper, and with the addition of the TwinAir engine to the 500 family, I was ready to make the move.



What is so special about the TwinAir you may ask. Let me tell you. The TwinAir is Fiat's language for two-cyclinder petrol engines that are complimented with a turbo to give them oomph - to feel sporty and responsive for drivers.  So, the engine in my car is a mere 875cc, it is light and as a result adds to the acceleration of the engine because it is carrying two cylinders less. It packs a neat 85bhp, but the real asset of the engine? It's torque. With 145 Nm, I can go to 50 mph in third gear without the car even blinking.

The car is so fun to drive that it makes wanting to drive economically an after thought. Yet, it still does achieve economical miles per gallon. For instance, I primarily drive in and around the city and my average speed is approximately 18mph. My average consumption is 40mpg and I fill up only once per week. In my last car I was lucky to get 35mpg while driving on the motorway and I filled up at least two-three times per week. My then MINI was a 2003 model and then environmental considerations were less important (I don't want to tarnish its legacy too much).

Me and my new car at Belfast Titanic Quarter!

Having just seen the first 2,000 miles go by in my new car, I can honestly say that it was a great decision. I pay zero for my road tax because the emissions are so low. My car insurance has been reduced, but I have not sacrificed this for a slower, boring car. While I miss the amazing handling of the MINI, the stunning engine and beautiful looks of the 500 certainly make up for it. Not only this, but the car is a head-turner and a smile-inducer. Upon collection of my car from the garage, I was complimented almost immediately by a woman in the same car park as I. She could not get over the car, I couldn't stop smiling.