Fiat returned to the International Geneva Motor Show with a spectacular stand. The exhibition area develops the "World I Want" theme seen through the eyes of children because a brand projected into the future must "listen" to the little ones who will be making the world big one day. The concept proved award winning, as Fiat has received the “2010 Creativity Award” for its original design and innovative display concepts. The stand was "designed" by children who let their imagination loose and expressed their vision of a future always more focused on environmental friendliness. A cheerful, gay place was created, where houses are built on clouds and a rainbow welcomes visitors into the Fiat world. The heart of the stand was the 500 Configurator, a playful installation which perfectly blends into the mood of the exhibition area.

The houses and clouds of a city dreamed up by children showcase the latest auto innovations, cars which are a step forward on the way towards sustainable mobility.

Revolutionary “twin” sets pace for the future…  

Set in a unique tree-shaped installation with sparkling optical fibre filaments, the guest of honour of the stand is a technological masterpiece developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies: the two-cylinder 85 HP TWIN-AIR.  The engine was displayed fitted aboard a 500, the first Fiat model on which it will be introduced next September.

Progenitor of new family of two-cylinder engines made by FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies, this engine  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.

Nothing short of an engineering gem, the two-cylinder implements the revolutionary Multiair technology developed and patented by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies, which was introduced on FIRE engines last year for the first time. The heart of Multiair is a new electro-hydraulic valve management system that reduces fuel consumption by controlling air directly via the inlet valves (without using the throttle). Multiair reduces polluting emissions (thanks to improved combustion control) and also considerably improves performance by boosting driveability with respect to a traditional petrol engine of equal displacement. 

In Geneva, one saw the world preview of the new Doblò Natural Power, equipped with a 1.4 16v T-JET (petrol and methane) engine reasserting the undisputed world leadership of Fiat in the field of cars and vehicles with original-equipment (OEM) dual-fuel engines.

Spotlights were also on the Bravo MY 2010 that was presented with a 1.4 Multiair (140 HP) and standard Start&Stop system at the Show. Available from next 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.

A 500 by Diesel…

One of the stars of the stand is the 500 by Diesel, springing from the combined efforts of the creative teams of Fiat and Diesel, the Italian designer brand famous worldwide. The car has a special “Midnight Indigo” blue body colour, reminiscent of the hues of denim, and is equipped with a brand-new, second-generation Multijet 1.3 - 95 HP (Euro 5) with standard Start&Stop system.

A slot was devoted to the Punto EVO. Two engine versions were introduced 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 a 1.3 Multijet II - 85 HP with ECO pack allowing a very low emission level (99 g/km). 

We let you see the images, and will drive the Doblo soon. We are anxious to see how the car feels and drives, and you will soon read more about it!

Hans Knol ten Bensel