Fiat 500 Aria ecological concept

Fiat will unveil the next iteration of its eco-friendly ‘Aria’ concept line with the introduction of the new Fiat 500 Aria at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Based on the regular 500 minicar, the new Aria concept showcases new consumption and emissions reduction technologies Fiat plans to launch in its production cars in coming years.

The concept features a diesel 1.3L 16v Multijet Euro 5 capable powerplant (with anti-particulate DPF filter) combined with a robotic Dualogic gearbox. It also gets new engine stop-start technology, which reduces fuel consumption by up to 10% in urban areas when combined with the Dualogic gearbox. This also equates to a low carbon emissions rating of just 98g/km. Other fuel saving technologies include low power consumption auxiliary units, reduced weight components and low-drag Pirelli tires.

The interior of the car makes use of recycled materials including a new floor material derived from old tires, seats upholstered with recycled and woven leather and fabrics made from other organic materials. Fiat claims all the solutions presented here are an integral part of a development process which, already in 2008, will start to make their way onto actual production cars.