Fiat flies the flag in Paris

The Fiat 500 has gone from 'cute' to 'acute' with the world debut of the new 500 Abarth esseesse. Unlike the Fiat 500 Abarth 'Opening Edition' (more here), the new sports variant is actually a package that can be fitted after the sale of the vehicle, by Abarth-approved dealers. Developing 120kW of power and 230Nm of torque, the tweaked version of the same 1.4-litre 'T-Jet' engine that powers the standard 500 Abarth delivers an acceleration time from 0 to 100km in 7.4 seconds.

The esseesse kit also comprises cross-drilled and ventilated front brake disc rotors, measuring 284x22mm, ventilated rear brake disc rotors measuring 240x11mm, high-performance front brake pads, lowered springs and 17-inch alloy wheels in either white or titanium finish, matched to Pirelli P-Zero 205/40 ZR17 tyres.

Other features include: a unique air filter, tyre pressure sensors, unique badging and a special key cover. Fiat and Abarth are also offering a track version of the 500 that will produce 147kW of power.

And we're not sure, but trust that 'esseesse' might be an Italian phonetic spelling of 'SS'.

At the other end of the scale, Fiat will introduce its low-emissions, fuel-efficient 'PUR-02' models at the Paris show. Fitted with low-rolling resistance tyres, low-viscosity lubricants, revised transmission ratios, lower-drag aerodynamics and an auto-stop/start system ('Stop&Start'), the PUR-02 models are available across the 500, Ritmo and Croma ranges.

The Stop&Start system is reliant on a heavy-duty starter motor supplied by Bosch, as part of a total system developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies to analyse vehicle operation and stop or restart the engine as the situation demands. If the engine is idling, the system will stop the engine and then immediately restart once the brake pedal is released or a gear is engaged.

Fiat's EcoDrive system, which is also bundled with the PUR-02 specification, is based on the 'Blue&Me' information system and provides feedback to the driver as to ways of driving more economically. It will be available initially in the 500 and Punto models, progressively rolling out to other models in the Fiat range throughout 2009.

The Fiat 500 PUR-02 is based on the 500 Lounge with 1.2-litre engine and produces 115g/km. Both EcoDrive and the Stop&Start system are fitted as standard, with the manufacturer planning to introduce a 'Dualogic' version from January 2009 -- and that variant's robotised transmission will contribute to lower emissions still. 

Unlike the petrol 500 PUR-02, the Ritmo PUR-02 is powered by a 1.6-litre 'Multijet' turbodiesel in two different states of tune: 67kW or 78kW. Emissions for these two engines -- with the aid of a diesel particulate filter -- are as low as 115g/km or 119g/km, respectively. As described above, the Ritmo PUR-02 features higher gear ratios, low-friction tyres, lighter-viscosity oil and a revised engine management system.

The Croma, which is a car we don't see in Australia, also gets the PUR-02 treatment and is fitted with a 1.9-litre Multijet turbodiesel equipped with a particulate filter. This vehicle produces 140g/km of CO2 emissions and returns a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 5.3L/100km.

Like many European manufacturers, Fiat is highly committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its range and is already introducing Euro V-compliant engines (in the 500) to market -- up to two years ahead of the emission standard's implementation date. The company is also currently developing methane and bio-ethanol (in conjunction with Magneti Marelli) alternative fuel systems and smaller-displacement engines that meet upcoming emissions legislation without sacrificing torque and driveability.

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