I think the blue bits on the trim really suit the car in that electronica blue!
But I would say that!
But I would say that!
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General The 105 twin air who has one?
- Thread starter rkt2003
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General The 105 twin air who has one?
PJCTA105
New member
I bought a Twinair Plus 85hp 3 years ago and I loved it. Right from the first test drive it put a big smile across my face. I had no idea there was a new two cylinder engin from Fiat....I was just looking for a new car that was tax free. I was so surprised at how nippy it was and how much torque for such a little engine. I dont do many motorway miles so this seemed like a perfect choice (It still holds its own on the motorways with the big boys though)
My 3 years was up though and time for a trade in for a new car. I was definitely going for the 500 Twinair again as I loved the car. I hadnt really looked much online to see what was new with the Twin air. I had heard there was a new 105hp engine but hadnt looked into the price difference. With the Twinair plus there were a few extras with it and Id added a few things so it was fairly high spec. I wasnt sure I would get the same spec on the new car without maybe paying a little more per month. however I was pleasently surprised with the deal I got! The 500 Twinair sport came with even more spec than the car I had. The 105hp as mentioned before has the uprated calipers on the front and vented discs. It also has disc brakes on the back instead of the drums on the 85hp. I know some people say they prefer the drums...and that the disc breaks on the back dont make much difference, But I personaly have to disagree. I found the old drum breaks a bit snatchy under heavier breaking. As soon as you were breaking hard enough to ingage the drums at the back they would bite quite sharply....If there was anything I would have changed on my first Twinair it woild be the breaks. The new ones seem to deliver breaking muck more smoothly. Im not sayimg they stop the car any quicker, but the way it does it is much better (in my opinion).
There is definitely something more going on under the bonnet other than just a re-map. As soon as I started the 105 and revved it a little, you could hear a deeper exhaust note straight away. The adition of the 6 speed box was a bonus too!! I have never had a car with a 6 speed box and I have to say im quite impressed. The close ratio keeps the revs up better and more in the power range when your accelerating hard. It also comes with ESP and traction controll as standard. This was a £300 upgrade if I wanted it on my last car! Although the torque is the same as the 85hp the 20bhp extra is noticable nd makes it feel much quicker than the 85hp. I suppose though with a 25% power increase if you didnt notice then you'd be a bit worried.
The inside is pretty much the same. The steering wheel has the same controlls as the last, although it does have the new Arbarth steering wheel with the flat bottom. The biggest difference is the new TFT display replacing the old speedo and rev gauge. I know a few people may not like the new display but I love it. It does take a bit of getting use to...I have spent 30 years watching a speedo and rev needle move round so it was a bit different, but after a few days it just becomes normal. The best part about the new display though is when you press the sport button! The display changes from blue to red and the eco display bar on the right changes into a turbo gauge. There is also a 'G' meter in the center of the screen too, which is quite cool. This also takes you out of eco mode and engages the turbo and taked the engine up 97hp to 105hp with the full torque available. You will want to tap this button and have some fun pretty soon after you've started driving
So all in all if your thinking what to go for....85hp or 105hp, I'd say it was a no brainer really. For the extra £500 you will get more power, 6 speed box, disc brakes all round with uprated calipers and vented discs on the front, ESP and traction controll...and the Sport mode on your TFT display and G meter. There is also tyre pressure sensors letting you know if your tyers are going flat. That has all got to be worth at least £500 hasnt it??
My 3 years was up though and time for a trade in for a new car. I was definitely going for the 500 Twinair again as I loved the car. I hadnt really looked much online to see what was new with the Twin air. I had heard there was a new 105hp engine but hadnt looked into the price difference. With the Twinair plus there were a few extras with it and Id added a few things so it was fairly high spec. I wasnt sure I would get the same spec on the new car without maybe paying a little more per month. however I was pleasently surprised with the deal I got! The 500 Twinair sport came with even more spec than the car I had. The 105hp as mentioned before has the uprated calipers on the front and vented discs. It also has disc brakes on the back instead of the drums on the 85hp. I know some people say they prefer the drums...and that the disc breaks on the back dont make much difference, But I personaly have to disagree. I found the old drum breaks a bit snatchy under heavier breaking. As soon as you were breaking hard enough to ingage the drums at the back they would bite quite sharply....If there was anything I would have changed on my first Twinair it woild be the breaks. The new ones seem to deliver breaking muck more smoothly. Im not sayimg they stop the car any quicker, but the way it does it is much better (in my opinion).
There is definitely something more going on under the bonnet other than just a re-map. As soon as I started the 105 and revved it a little, you could hear a deeper exhaust note straight away. The adition of the 6 speed box was a bonus too!! I have never had a car with a 6 speed box and I have to say im quite impressed. The close ratio keeps the revs up better and more in the power range when your accelerating hard. It also comes with ESP and traction controll as standard. This was a £300 upgrade if I wanted it on my last car! Although the torque is the same as the 85hp the 20bhp extra is noticable nd makes it feel much quicker than the 85hp. I suppose though with a 25% power increase if you didnt notice then you'd be a bit worried.
The inside is pretty much the same. The steering wheel has the same controlls as the last, although it does have the new Arbarth steering wheel with the flat bottom. The biggest difference is the new TFT display replacing the old speedo and rev gauge. I know a few people may not like the new display but I love it. It does take a bit of getting use to...I have spent 30 years watching a speedo and rev needle move round so it was a bit different, but after a few days it just becomes normal. The best part about the new display though is when you press the sport button! The display changes from blue to red and the eco display bar on the right changes into a turbo gauge. There is also a 'G' meter in the center of the screen too, which is quite cool. This also takes you out of eco mode and engages the turbo and taked the engine up 97hp to 105hp with the full torque available. You will want to tap this button and have some fun pretty soon after you've started driving
So all in all if your thinking what to go for....85hp or 105hp, I'd say it was a no brainer really. For the extra £500 you will get more power, 6 speed box, disc brakes all round with uprated calipers and vented discs on the front, ESP and traction controll...and the Sport mode on your TFT display and G meter. There is also tyre pressure sensors letting you know if your tyers are going flat. That has all got to be worth at least £500 hasnt it??
OP
OP
That was a very good and detailed write up and i agree on everything you wrote ,my last 500 was the 1.3 mjet,the twin air feels smoother ,cheaper to insure and run so a good result and a car with charm and style.
Hello and welcome to the forum :wave:.
Full marks for such an informative and helpful first post
.
PJCTA105
New member
That was a very good and detailed write up and i agree on everything you wrote ,my last 500 was the 1.3 mjet,the twin air feels smoother ,cheaper to insure and run so a good result and a car with charm and style.
They have got a lot of character ad charm. My advice would be to take one for a test drive...and take it for at least half a day if the dealer will let you. They do have a unique engine, and this gives them quite a unique driving style too....something that you cant fully appreciate in a half hour run out. Im convinced once you've tried one properly you will find it hard not to fall in love.
Ive always been a BMW man, but I wouldnt go back to a big car again now after having a 500.....Cheap insurance, no road tax and half my fuel bill is the future.....and I certainly dont miss feeling that big transfer of weight to the left and right as you 'drive enthusiasticly' in a large car.
OP
OP
Yes i've had mine for a week now (pictured) and it`s a great little car even got the xenon lights and they are superb in the dark .
plus a few extras as you do
PJCTA105
New member
Yes i've had mine for a week now (pictured) and it`s a great little car even got the xenon lights and they are superb in the dark .
What is the Interscope stereo like?? I really wanted to get it this time, but getting it was a 2 month wait and time wasn't on my side....is it just the speakers that are different or does the head unit look different??
You get a higher output amp, upgraded speakers and sub under the seat. Head is identical. It's not bad at all but you could always upgrade existing with after market components, will cost you more at the end of the day but will probably sound better. I got the Interscope at a good discount so I'm happy with it for the money.
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I like the factory fit and find the sound very good especially playing from digital media. Good bass and lack of distortion. It has an equaliser to optimise the sound. I am sure you can probably get better sound cheaper by going aftermarket but I am glad I ticked that option box.
OP
OP
Yes I really like the Interscope In such a small car once you set your sound system up it sounds very impressive and yes the stock standard one is good the interscope enhances everything
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Bluedave1961
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Wow, lots of healthy debate on the benefits of different variants. I'm not too fussed about mpg, 50 will be fine as long as I have some fun driving and that at least seems one thing in common with all Fiat 500's.
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Bluedave make sure you have a decent test drive before you decide. I would be interested to know but I think I can guess?!?!
