Though it has been grabbing most of the headlines for its alliance with Chrysler, Fiat has not stopped creating exciting new innovations for its own vehicles and has now announced the launch of a 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine equipped with the new MultiAir handling system.
MultiAir involves an electro-hydraulic valve timing system that provides dynamic and direct control of both air and combustion, cylinder by cylinder and stroke by stroke. It directly controls the air thanks to intake engine valves without using the throttle, and therefore helps reduce both fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.
According to Fiat, the MultiAir engine offers up to 10 per cent more power than a traditional engine; as well as up to 15 per cent low-rpm torque improvement; up to 10 per cent fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction; up to 40 per cent hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide reduction; 60 per cent nitrogen oxide reduction; and up to 25 per cent fuel savings on turbo downsized versions.
The MultiAir system, which was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show last year, is seen as a versatile technology that can be applied to all petrol engines. The models will also feature the Start&Stop system from Bosch with the first application in the MiTo.
The MiTo model will be available with three different power levels. It was launched in 2008 and has already enjoyed 60,000 orders and is sold in 34 countries.
