FIAT has announced changes to its 600 Hybrid range, unveiling Icon as an additional trim level for its award-winning compact SUV.
Fiat 600 Hybrid Icon will be available alongside the entry level 600 Hybrid and the top-of-the-range 600 Hybrid La Prima and comes with a choice of 100 HP or 136 HP power outputs, both with an electrified six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission (e-DCT6).
The Icon version, created to provide 600 Hybrid customers with even greater choice, includes specification such as 17” diamond-cut alloy wheels, Black and Ivory bi-colour fabric seats, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera with 180⁰ view and satellite navigation. An adjustable boot floor adds practicality, while wireless smartphone charging and keyless entry and start enhance convenience.
The on-the-road price for the Fiat 600 Hybrid Icon 100 HP is £26,860; the 136 HP version is £27,860. In comparison, the entry level Fiat 600 Hybrid 100 HP is priced at £25,360, (£26,360 for 136 HP). Topping the range, the Fiat 600 Hybrid La Prima 100 HP is priced at £28,360 (£29,360 for 136 HP).
Built on the advanced CMP2 platform, the Fiat 600 Hybrid integrates cutting-edge technologies; the 48V powertrain features a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 0.89kWh and is recharged under certain conditions, while mounted under the front passenger seat, to optimising boot space and handling. The compact battery combines with a 1.2 litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, specially developed for hybrid applications.
The engine is coupled with an electrified six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission (e-DCT6). A permanent magnet synchronous electric motor is integrated into the gearbox and produces peak power of 21kW (28HP) and maximum torque of 55Nm.
The Fiat 600 Hybrid is designed to be efficient and user-friendly, delivering CO2 emissions of just 109g/km and fuel consumption of 57.6mpg (WLTP Combined).
For driving that includes urban streets, country roads and motorways, the Fiat 600 Hybrid’s petrol engine and electric motor operate together or separately to optimise energy consumption and performance. The powertrain is particularly effective in city traffic, as the electric motor allows short distances (up to 1km) to be driven on electric power alone under low torque requirements (e.g., when manoeuvring or under 18mph in urban traffic).
The electric motor also helps the petrol engine by delivering additional torque under acceleration, such as when starting from a standstill. This is beneficial to both driving dynamics and CO2. The 0-62mph times are 10.9 secs for the Hybrid 100HP and 8.5 secs for the Hybrid 136HP, while top speeds are 114mph and 124mph respectively.
During deceleration, the petrol engine stops and the e-motor acts as a generator to recharge the hybrid system’s 48V battery. The battery also stores the energy recuperated by the regenerative braking system.
The petrol engine is optimised for efficiency and operates in the Miller combustion cycle. This thermodynamically efficient combustion is enabled by a variable geometry turbocharger, which enhances performance at low rpm, and variable valve timing.
A belt-driven starter combines with the e-motor to start the petrol engine from cold. The belt- starter also restarts the engine quickly and seamlessly while driving.