The incredibly diminutive Fiat 500 will be getting a newer, more powerful and more fuel efficient diesel engine – at least for the European market. Fiat’s CEO, Sergio Marchionne has indicated that the U.S. will be getting the MINI -fighting small car, but he has not confirmed whether or not the diesel variant will be available as well.
The outgoing diesel engine in the Fiat 500 was only good for an anemic 75 horsepower – so Fiat upped the ante with a new Multijet II engine that uses both Start/Stop technology and a new DPF particulate filter. The addition of these changes means that Fiat 500 diesel buyers will be able to enjoy 20 more horsepower at 4,000 rpm, and 148 lb-ft of torque at just 1,500 rpm. Acceleration times from zero-to-62 mph jumped from 12.5 seconds to a respectable 10.7 seconds as well.
Likely the most important improvement in the minds of those shopping for a diesel Fiat 500 is the improvement in fuel economy. On the European cycle and measuring with imperial gallons, the new 500 diesel will return 72.4 mpg – up from 67.3 mpg. Converting to the U.S. standard for gallons, but still using the European test cycle, that is roughly 60 mpg. If the 500 diesel were to come to U.S. soil, expect that number to drop a little more once the EPA gets their hands on it.
The Fiat 500 is expected to make a large appearance at the Chicago Auto Show this week, so stay tuned for live image updates.
