Fiat Bravo Hatch Receives Minor Updates for 2010 Fiat has announced details on its 2010 Bravo hatch that has received a few minor changes here and the

Fiat has announced details on its 2010 Bravo hatch that has received a few minor changes here and there for the model year. On the outside, the Bravo's upper and lower front grilles have been re-trimmed and are now offered either in black or chrome finish while the headlamps on all models are smoked.

Furthermore, the mirrors and door handles are finished in the color as the body on all trim levels while Fiat added two new colors to the palette (a different shade of gray and a pear finish).

A new set of available optional packages and the refreshed designs and colors for the seat and door panel upholstery complete the list of changes.

Fiat said that despite the upgrades, prices for the 2010 Bravo remain at the same levels as the 2009 model ranging in Italy between €16,650 (about US$24,200) for the Active 1.4 90HP and €24,300 (around US$35,300) for the 2.0 Multijet 16v 165HP DPF Emotion and Sport.

The Bravo, which shares its underpinnings with the Lancia Delta (but not the Alfa Romeo Giulietta which is built on the Fiat Group's new C-Evo platform) competes in the European C-segment against the likes of the Opel Astra, Ford Focus, VW Golf and Renault Megane.

Fiat 500 to get 0.9-liter Turbocharged Two-Cylinder Engine in 2010

We just got our hands on the Fiat Group's refreshed product plan for 2010 and 2011 that was introduced by the firm's CEO Sergio Marchionne in Rome today. We'll bring you the full monty later on but here's a taster of what the company is planning to launch into the market.

Next year will see the arrival of Fiat's long anticipated New Small Gasoline Engine that will make its premiere on the 500 mini. The innovative 0.9-liter twin-cylinder gasoline engine features turbocharging and Fiat's Multiair technology that controls the intake valves, depending on the horsepower needed.

Fiat says that while the new engine offers the same performance as a larger naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, fuel economy and, as a consequence, CO2 emissions are significantly improved.

In addition to the advantages in fuel consumption, the twin-cylinder engine is also said to be 20 per cent lighter in weight and more compact in size compared to a 4-cylinder engine with the same output.

"This is the maximum expression of the concept of downsizing, offering lower consumption and emissions without impacting performance," Marchionne said during the presentation.

The new two-cylinder engine is expected to be offered in two turbocharged variants developing 80HP and 105HP while Fiat will add a 65HP naturally aspirated version, also equipped with the Multiair system followed up by a CNG version.

At least in Europe, the twin-cylinder engine will find its way on the Fiat Group's A- and B-Segment models like the Fiat 500, Panda and Punto EVO.

More to come once we sort our the papers out so stay tuned.

Fiat 500 gets New 1.3-liter Multijet II Diesel with More Punch yet Much Lower Fuel Consumption

Busting the myth that more power equals higher fuel consumption, Fiat announced today that it is replacing the 500 mini's 75HP Multijet diesel unit with a more potent yet much more fuel efficient 1.3-liter Multijet II engine that incorporates Start&Stop technology and a DPF particulate filter.

The new diesel unit that features a novel variable geometry turbocharger produces an output of 95 horsepower (+20HP) at 4,000rpm and 200Nm or 148 lb-ft of torque at only 1,500rpm.

The result is a significant improvement in the car's performance as top speed is increased from 165km/h or 103mph to 181km/h or 112mph while the 0-100km/h (62mph) acceleration time is reduced from 12.5 to just 10.7 seconds.

At the same time, fuel consumption is improved from 67.3mpg UK (equal to 4.2lt/100km and 56.1mpg US) to 72.4mpg UK (3.9 lt/100km or 60.2mpg) in the combined European cycle, while emissions drop from 110g/km to 104g/km of CO2.

Fiat Showcases Eight Uniquely Designed 500 Minis in London

In celebration of the second anniversary of the UK launch of its popular 500 city car, Fiat brought a unique collection of special edition 500s from all over the world to its Marylebone showroom in London. These include the 500 Capri by Castagna, the 500 Valentino Rossi, 500 by Andy, 500 Diabolika, 500 Ron Arad, 500byDiesel, a racing Abarth 500 and the new limited-run 500 Pink, which went on sale in the UK earlier this week.

To mark the occasion, the dealership held a private preview for Fiat customers, VIPs and UK celebrities such as TV actor Angela Griffin and our personal favorite, Raef Bjayou - he's the smiley guy with the wicked hairdo on the right.

And for those that missed the opportunity to see the 500s, no need to get uspet as from today, each of the special cars will be displayed in the Wigmore Street flagship's showroom window, one at a time, until the end of February.

Customized Fiat 500 Convertible "Sassicaia" by Aznom

Fiat isn't alone in creating special edition versions of its highly successful 500 mini. Aznom, an Italian company that designs and manufactures various products including leather goods, furniture and customized cars, has presented the Fiat 500 Convertible Sassicaia.

Named after one of Italy's top Bordeaux-style red wines, the limited edition 500 Convertible Sassicaia features a series of unique styling treats inside and out.

The car is finished in a two-tone beige paint scheme, while the mirror caps, the rear handle and the side moldings are decorated with wood. Other highlights include the new alloy wheels and the chrome accents on the front and rear bumper.

Inside, Aznom has outfitted the 500 Convertible with plenty of wood, while high-quality leather with the firm's logos covers the seats, door panels, steering wheel and gearbox area.

The car also comes with a set of matching leather bags.

While Aznom did not release pricing, the company said that only a limited number of units of the Fiat 500 Convertible "Sassicaia" will be produced.

Special Edition Fiat 500 Pink goes Topless with Convertible Model

Joining Fiat's special edition 500 Pink that was launched in the UK this past January, is a convertible variant of the car that is even more limited than the tin-top model as only 300 examples will be available in the country compared with 500 units of the hatchback.

Based on the 1.2 Pop specification, the 500C Pink features a unique pink finish for the body combined with a black canvas top, 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome trim and body-colored mirrors.

Inside, the special edition version of the 500 convertible gets a leather steering wheel and gear knob, specific floor mats, split folding rear seat, pink trim on the dashboard, Fiat's Blue&Me infotainment plus a special pink key cover.

The Fiat 500C Pink has an the road price of £13,500, meaning that it costs £1,200 more than a regular 1.2 Pop convertible, yet according to the Italians, includes £1,870 worth of extra equipment.