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Fiat 500 Finally Gets The 40 MPG Brass Ring
by
Derek Kreindler
(IC: employee)
Published: September 10th, 2012
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A couple tweaks have finally pushed the Fiat 500 to the magical 40 MPG mark – but only on manual-equipped version.
While automatic transmission 500s stay rated at 27/34 mpg city/highway, the manual versions get a bump to 31/40 mpg, up from 30/38 mpg. According to Fiat, the new rating comes from a taller final drive ratio and some undisclosed aerodynamic tweaks.
With 40 mpg becoming the de facto “round-number-fuel-economy-rating-that-sounds-good-in-ad-copy”, it was essential that Fiat avoid the embarrassment of being 2 mpg short. Oh well, at least it’s not 40 mpg CAFE…
Derek Kreindler
More by Derek Kreindler
Published September 10th, 2012 9:00 AM
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Part of Fiat's agreement with the (U.S.) government for the sale of Chrysler to Fiat was that they provide a high mileage (40mpg) vehicle for sale in a specified time frame, which they have done.
My parents economy with their AT 500 has been better than the EPA's earnings and they aren't real hypermilers. at least 30 mpg in the city and averaging around 36-37 on the highway (even going through mountains). As I recall, the reports on Truedelta showed most people getting in the upper 30's even with city driving, high speed on the highway, mountains, etc.
Would someone explain to me why my 550 lb Kawasaki 900 only gets about 45 mpg?
My 1991 Honda Civic LX Sedan Auto got 40mpg. In 1991.