« See all motor and boat

Fiat cries foul over Aussie car tax system

20/Dec/2011

By Bill Buys - Community Newspaper Group motoring editor

Comments: 1 reader has left a comment

Cute as a button, smart as a zip: Fiat’s new TwinAir 500. Cute as a button, smart as a zip: Fiat’s new TwinAir 500.

FIAT Australia’s general manager has called for the nation’s car tax system to be changed.

His plea comes on the eve of the arrival of a brace of new Fiats with super-efficient engines that set new standards for clean air and economy.

The new bambinos, the 500 cabrio and the 500C hardtop, use Fiat’s new TwinAir two-cylinder 875cc turbo engines that apart from providing peppy performance, emit just 92g of CO2 per kilometre and have a fuel consumption figure of 4.1litres/100km (69mpg).

“The cars are perfect examples of why the taxation system in Australia for clean air cars needs to be changed,” general manager Andrei Zaitzev said.

“At the moment there is no incentive for new car buyers to actively consider cleaner cars other than having an environmental conscience.

“From a manufacturer’s point of view, the lack of tax support for clean air technology at the lower end of the market and penalisation of it at the top of the market with the luxury car tax, blocks the ability of Australian car buyers to have full access to the latest technology.

“It is time that this was changed.”

The TwinAir-engine was voted 2011 International Engine of the Year, 2011 Best New Engine and 2011 Best Green Engine.

Fiat has been the lowest CO2-producing car maker in Europe for the past four years.

When the cars arrive in Australia next year, their powerplants will supersede the current model’s 1.4litre four-cylinder engine.

The company says there will be no loss in performance and a big gain in economy.

The TwinAir generates 63kW and 145Nm, so power is down 11kW but torque is up by 14Nm, and acceleration to 100km is barely affected: 11 seconds, compared to the 1.4’s 10.5 seconds.

The big win is in fuel economy, dropping from 6.1 l/100km for the 1.4 to 4.1 l/100km for the TwinAir.

Fiat says the gains come from the latest application of its electro-hydraulic valve management system, next generation turbocharger and use of gas flow management developed by its Ferrari Formula One

Team to reduce engine friction.

Prices have not yet been determined.

And the Dept of Milking the Motorist has not responded to Mr Zaitzev’s call.

Bookmark and Share

What everyone else is thinking

Rob Nagel

21/12/2011

I wholeheartedly agree with your comments. The twin air 500 is a great little car and needs to be supported.
This would be a cost-effective way of helping to get greener cars onto our roads now. I don't believe hybrids have all the answers.

Share your thoughts in 60 seconds!

Members : login to comment


 

Wednesday 23 May 2012

  • Min 9°C
  • Max 21°C

Thursday

  • 8 - 22°C

Friday

  • 7 - 22°C

Most Popular Articles


community digital epaper link

Latest Competitions



Win a share in $20,000 of Coles groceries Go>:


driveway comp

Fuel up with Driveway Go>:



Win a double pass to Bel Ami  Go>:


Win a romantic getaway for two at Fremantle's finest!  Go>:


Win a double pass to the Good Food & Wine show Go>:


Win tickets to FRAGILE  Go>:



Featured Video Clips


2012 RAAF Pearce Air Show promo



Community Newspaper Group Photographer Jon Hewson goes for a spin in a P/C-9A Hawk to help promote the 2012 RAAF Pearce Air Show, held on May 19 and 20. Video, images and editing by Jon Hewson.



Circus performer Brenna Day



Circus performer Brenna Day talks about her career and upcoming performances in the Perth International Burlesque Festival. Video, images and editing by Matthew Poon.


See more videos 

Search
email subscribe linkHBF junior sports hero
Deliver our newspapers linkCommunityPix banner linkSolahart