Well, first impressions are that I am very pleased indeed. Little 875cc Twin Air is an absolute hoot to drive. In fact I'm having to take it very easy because it seems an awful lot more lively than the Multipla did. Also getting used to driving a petrol again after diesels for so many years.

The instant mpg feature is great, fun to play with and giving me the option to drive carefully to get best mpg. Also has an ecodrive menu which I haven't used yet.

Best novelty bit by far though, is the voice recognition for the audio and the telephone. It actually works! It recognises my voice without prior programming and changes radio stations and dials people as instructed. Brilliant fun. Shall be playing with that one for hours.

Niggles - daytime running lights. Blasted things don't appear to turn off on the menus. Will contact my dealer and ask them to see if they can be turned off via plugging in to their computer. Problem is, I am a chauffeur and I spend a fair bit of time with the engine running in the winter, or just the ignition on charging my phone etc. and I don't want to draw attention to myself by having the blasted side lights on all the time. I can have several thousand pounds worth of insignia in the car and believe me, I'd much rather sit in the dark.

Also the message menu on the blutooth doesn't seem to register until the phone is used in some way, although the phone book does, but to be honest, that isn't really an issue. It's not something I'd use anyway.

Anything I'd add? Yep. As always and with reference to above, the 12v power sockets are only powered up when the ignition is on or the engine is running. Not really a problem for many people, but as I spend a lot of time just sitting in the car, I would like at least one permanent 12v live socket for the Macbook Air, the DVD player and the phone. Never a problem though, I'll run one in straight from the battery as I have done in the past. It doesn't draw much power. I use 15amp figure of eight cable (from Maplins) to a 15amp socket fused at 7.5amp to prevent overload. I'll either hide an unmounted socket out of the way so I can pull it to where I want it, or as I did in the Multipla, find a discrete but sensible place to mount it as per the factory fitted ones. Job done.

But really, so far, I am over the moon. But watch this space......

Twin Air is excellent isn't it? What MPG are you getting? Mine hasn't been used much at all so am not getting spec MPG atm . Best I have got is 53 mpg indicated on a mixed 100 mile run a week ago, standard Tesco unleaded. Getting high 40s on my VERY short local journeys.

Not sure about the Eco button.. Had much luck with it? Seems to reduce throttle sensitivity which doesn't make any economy difference if you aren't driving it hard. Plus its supposed to only cut HP by a very small amount (high 90s iirc) but seems to make quite a difference up some hills mandating 1 or 2 downshifts, not sure if dropping from 5th to 3rd to get up a hill without slowing significantly is economic compared to running non eco and breezing up the hill? Turning it off when you get to a hill works but so does leaving it off altogether.

interesting you are using her as a chauffeur car, looks cool in black

any pics, what interior have you got?

Hi 500L,

Mpg very mixed at the moment. I expect that a brim to brim test at the end of this tank wil show high thirties only. I'm not at all concerned because I am told the ECU takes about 1200 miles to settle in and everything settle down.. This has been the case with friends Pandas and my partner's 500 1.2 Colour Therapy.

Driving five miles to work on a fifty limited 'A' road she shows 60+ mpg on the staright and level, using the intstant mpg setting.

Not used the Eco button yet, but have played a bit with the Ecodrive graphic on the center console screen. Demonsrates just how heavy footed we can be even when we take it gently. If you use the instant mpg setting on the dashboard or the ecodrive graphic it really demonstrates how much heavy acceleration reduces mpg.

I have been warned that enthusiastic use of the Twin Air can drastically reduce your mpg. Trouble is, it revs so nicely......

Had my 500L Twin Air just over two months and 2000 miles now and loving every minute of it. I'm averaging just under 40 mpg. Does mid 40s on motorway but a lot lot less round town. Trouble is . . . It is just soooo revable ?

Here we go. Some piccies for you of Elsie.

500L said:

Twin Air is excellent isn't it? What MPG are you getting? Mine hasn't been used much at all so am not getting spec MPG atm . Best I have got is 53 mpg indicated on a mixed 100 mile run a week ago, standard Tesco unleaded. Getting high 40s on my VERY short local journeys.

Not sure about the Eco button.. Had much luck with it? Seems to reduce throttle sensitivity which doesn't make any economy difference if you aren't driving it hard. Plus its supposed to only cut HP by a very small amount (high 90s iirc) but seems to make quite a difference up some hills mandating 1 or 2 downshifts, not sure if dropping from 5th to 3rd to get up a hill without slowing significantly is economic compared to running non eco and breezing up the hill? Turning it off when you get to a hill works but so does leaving it off altogether.

Click to expand...

Hi,
53mpg is actually pretty good if you're still running in ,
got nearly 5 K on my punto,

I find 55mph with ECO + cruise on (in 6th) gives high 50's,

but complete waste of time on hills - with eco on it will NOT hold 60+ mph,

my tank average is 49 / 50 MPG,
I spend LOTS of time in queueing traffic - city centre commuting:bang:

Heard a TA 500L roaring along in Norwich the other week, black too.

Obviously a TA because the thrum is unique. It was quick

By the way, I get c.38-46 in my Diesel Doblo, which seems a similar mpg to the petrol TA in the 500l. I can get a bit better on a long run and have had over 50. And the TA is quicker off the mark where my car is just plain slow, although the Doblo has a lot of power over 2500rmp and overtakes like a stormer when needed above 30mph.

But petrol is cheaper than Diesel so I reckon that the TA is actually economical. There

apart from gutless at the bottom end with ECO on,

it actually "feels" like a 1.6 petrol when you are rolling,

Charlie

Bit of an update for you. I've only done about 300 miles in Elsie as I've been away on holiday. However, I took her for a little run up the bypass and down a windy 'A' road yesterday evening.

After half an hour I was driving her like an baby 500. Chucking her about and racing around and generally having a splendid time! The Twin Air engine is simply glorious. Initially I was driving it like a diesel, which I've owned for many years and although it was plenty torquey enough to manage that style of driving, far more fun can be had driving it like you stole it........

Saying that, though, there doesn't seem to be a key to the method of driving. It can definitely pootle, cos I have, but when you get it singing, well, my lord, what fun can be had! With fairly neutral handling (no surprises, anyway), like the Multipla, I wasn't afraid to chuck her in to bends a bit and accelerate out all the while letting the little engine remain peaky and revvy. And I briefly, for the sake of science, obviously, took her up to a ton. And she didn't even struggle. But when I wanted to be more relaxed and economical, with the six gears, you are never stuck for choice. It really is a cracking little drive train.

So far the ECU has been a little intrusive, on occasions, I think, but I'm sure that will settle down once I've put some miles on her. Also the economy isn't up to much but again that will also improve with use. My biggest fears are that I am going to use it too much and surpass my mileage limit cos it's such fun to drive and also that I'm never gonna find out if it will be properly economical, basically for the same reason.

The engine is brilliant. A fine feat of engineering. And those ofyou who say we need bigger engines in the 500L - borrow your dealers Twin-Air and give it some stick. Then tell me you need a bigger engine!

The rest of it - well, I was too busy pretending to be Jenson Button to bother, to be honest, but I've got my first trip with the Mayor (two actually, I've borrowed another Mayor as well tomorrow....) with robes, maces, chains, insignia, uniforms etc so we'll see how practical she is then. Again, I'll report back.


I think Fiat have at last cracked making a mid sized car. The secret seems simply to be scaling up what they had. Making a bigger car with a revvy engine, just like the baby ones. It may be that simple. Believe me, if they get the range right, this car will sell and sell. It's roomy, practicle, fun to drive and funky but most importantly, the electrics seem to work......

Fiat, take some consumer advice here. Don't fiddle with it. If it does work, let it run, and run and run.

I had a look at one again the other day. Once more I'm not sure about the gearlever position. When I pumped the seat up to what is a comfortable seating position I still found myself leaning over to find the lower gears - not good as I have a lower back problem. Do you find the ergonomics good? I think I found the support under my thighs not to be wonderful either. People tell me to lower the seat, but then I feel like I'm sitting in a bucket, not high up like I prefer. I have a relatively short body for a six foot man and this comfort matters. Other Fiats are fine here so I wonder where they are going

And the economy. I too drive quickly and I wouldn't want poor fuel consumption. Please let us know what you are getting, and don't worry about the fact that the engine is new, we can make allowances for that.

The other day I drove quickly in my Diesel Doblo on a journey of fifty miles, and I really was in a hurry so had to do a lot of hard acceleration, and I got 55mpg - a record! I was pleasantly impressed. I reckon the TA L is slightly quicker on paper, but would this sort of economy be possible I wonder...???

Thanks for a great review anyway

Hi Ulpian,

yes, I have had to fiddle about wth the seat to find a really comfortable position. Not just comfortable physically, but also to find that 'nestled in' feel.

There are a huge number of variables with the seating position including the rake/height adjustment of the steering wheel, so you do need to persevere. I'm six one with very long arms and legs but I seem to have got it sorted out now, I think. Interesting to note that as you pump the front seat up and down, you gain/lose rear legroom, so beware. I also have got the optional comfort pack fitted, which includes lumbar support. Frankly it hurts my back, so I've wound it in! (All that just to get a bloody armrest!)

Fuel economy at the moment seems to read late thirties, I think. Complete nonsense at this stage of course but I'll monitor it obviously. I have heard that all the Twin-Air engines are much thirstier than anticipated if you do drive them, um, enthusiastically. But there are various econometers built in to help you should one choose to be frugal.

But that, I assure you, will prove difficult once you've heard and felt the engine.....

Thanks for that.

The Doblo seat has the same action and moves back, I think, as it rises. Maybe it's the other way, but either way both cars have adequate rear room. Except the L hasn't enough rear headroom for me if the glass roof is fitted, which it wouldn't be

I've driven the TA in a Panda and loved it, so I fully understand the enthusiasm, and I recognise that it becomes more economical as it beds in.

But a Diesel 120 is coming, and I'd like a Trekking version of that - except for the price So I'll hang on. Having said that, the simplicity of the TA does have appeal, and the performance looks adequate, and petrol is cheaper than Diesel.....? I use the car's read out to measure consumption as I think over time it is as accurate as anything else and I couldn't be fagged to do calcs every time I fill up.

I won't even think of changing for at least a year and lots can happen in that time, and I take ages to make my mind up about buying things. And winter is coming and winter tyres are ordered, so it may even be two or three years...

Good review though.

Just filled up. Brim to brim appears to be 35mpg on first tank full. Completely irrelevent I think as previous experience says this will not be a true record until I've cleared about 1200 miles and ecu lets everything run as it should. But we'll see!

Ulpian said:

I had a look at one again the other day. Once more I'm not sure about the gearlever position. When I pumped the seat up to what is a comfortable seating position I still found myself leaning over to find the lower gears - not good as I have a lower back problem. Do you find the ergonomics good? I think I found the support under my thighs not to be wonderful either. People tell me to lower the seat, but then I feel like I'm sitting in a bucket, not high up like I prefer. I have a relatively short body for a six foot man and this comfort matters. Other Fiats are fine here so I wonder where they are going

And the economy. I too drive quickly and I wouldn't want poor fuel consumption. Please let us know what you are getting, and don't worry about the fact that the engine is new, we can make allowances for that.

The other day I drove quickly in my Diesel Doblo on a journey of fifty miles, and I really was in a hurry so had to do a lot of hard acceleration, and I got 55mpg - a record! I was pleasantly impressed. I reckon the TA L is slightly quicker on paper, but would this sort of economy be possible I wonder...???

Thanks for a great review anyway

Click to expand...

My co-pilot is five foot four and on the test drive she did comment on the reach to the gear lever. But given we had a 500 previously where as you know the lever could not be in a better place we put it down to the difference 'exaggerating' how much she had to reach for the lever. She had an Mazda MX-5 prior to the 500 so again the stick was right to hand. I didn't notice it so much having driven a 02 Astra prior to the 500 so was more used to a bit of reach to the change gear.

The upshot is that after a round trip from the North East to Cornwall we are glad it didn't put her off as now she is totally OK with it and we both love the 500L. It is poss. to get a comfortable driving position and keep the lever relatively to hand. Of course the change is never going to be as 'snappy' as a 500 as FIAT failed to carry through the same excellent system that they use in the 500, a bad idea in my opinion.

It carried 4 full sized adults (and a small dog) and all their paraphernalia for a weeks holiday with no problem what so ever (well apart from the ESC light coming on a couple of times - the electrics on ours have so far been the only slight irritant).

The fact the rear seat can be slid forward and set in two positions means you can increase the boot size even further without compromising rear passenger space too much - very clever and it meant nothing had to be carried in the passenger compartment at all.

I was told by somebody who should know that, since the floorpan of the 500L is a highly modified version of the Punto, the gearchange has resulted from this. They seem to have failed to modify the linkage run adequately for a higher built car and instead incorporated a long gear stick with a wide throw.

A great shame they didn't go the last mile.

As far as the electrics are concerned, Marchionne was quoted as saying that something like half the development costs of a new car now goes into the electrics, so perhaps we get a cleverer hi-fi and sat-nav, and other safety items, and eco and braking stuff, but a sixties gear throw mechanism...

PS. I mean Bravo platform

Pandabloke said:

...... as I spend a lot of time just sitting in the car, I would like at least one permanent 12v live socket for the Macbook Air, the DVD player and the phone. .....

Click to expand...

Well while fiddling while waiting for the mayor last night, I may have come across a bit of a work around for this problem. Well, for the phone, anyway.

It appears that if I plug the phone into the USB input for the stereo, it charges the phone! Should have realised this really cos it charges an ipod, doesn't it! Also, it doesn't let the phone intrude on the stereo as an input source, unless you choose that as an option. So in a sense, it's a built in phone charger.

But the best bit is, as long as the radio is turned on, even with the ignition off, the USB input is still live, so if I'm sitting in the car, I don't have to have the ignition on to charge the phone as long as the radio is on. And if I don't want to listen to any 'sounds' (I'm down with the kids, me.......) I can just mute the radio. And in an emergency, the radio can stay playing for 20 mins after I've locked the car and walked away, so it's a good way of getting some charge in to a completely flat phone.

I wonder whether it'll work on a tablet?

Not an ideal way to have permanently live charging of the phone, but better than nothing.

I'm also interested to note that the gear change seems to be a bit of a disappointment to some. I can honestly say that so far I have found the gear change to be positive and fairly snappy. I haven't noticed it being a particularly long throw or sloppy in any way.

Mind you that might be just me, because I always found the Multipla gear change fairly good and Elsies is certainly no worse.

What I am struggling a little bit with, is six gears! But again that is simply because I am not use to having six, but I am getting the hang of it.

Please don't think that I bigging up Elsie particularly. I promise that when I do find some problems (and I will.....) I will report them. And I am keen to know how others find their 500L and what problems they are finding. Cos if they get them, I might too.......

Pandabloke said:

Anything I'd add? Yep. The 12v power sockets are only powered up when the ignition is on or the engine is running. Not really a problem for many people, but as I spend a lot of time just sitting in the car, I would like at least one permanent 12v live socket for the Macbook Air, the DVD player and the phone. Never a problem though, I'll run one in straight from the battery as I have done in the past. It doesn't draw much power. I use 15amp figure of eight cable (from Maplins) to a 15amp socket fused at 7.5amp to prevent overload. I'll either hide an unmounted socket out of the way so I can pull it to where I want it, or as I did in the Multipla, find a discrete but sensible place to mount it as per the factory fitted ones. Job done.

Click to expand...

Just to let you know that I've had a quick half hour furkle under the bonnet and I think I've found an existing route through the bulkhead I can use to run the cable. There also seems to be a fair bit of space in and around the lower glovebox, which is on the passenger side, so I might mount the auxiliary socket in there. It's out of the way, hidden and within easy reach of the route through the bulkhead. When I've measured up and confirmed everything, I'll let you know.