FIAT has followed the launch of the new Fiat 500 1.3 MultiJet II turbo diesel with the new 1.2-litre 69hp Fiat 500 Eco with the clean simplicity of petrol and great business advantages including just 14% benefit in kind tax rate.

It’s fitted with a host of efficiency technologies including a smart alternator, improved underbody aerodynamics and low rolling resistance 15-inch tyres, as well as Start & Stop which is standard across the Fiat 500 range.

As a result the official CO₂ emissions for the Fiat 500 1.2 Eco drops from 110 to just 99g/km which, in turn, cuts the annual road tax bill from £20 to £0 and reduces company car BIK tax liability from 17% to just 14% compared to the standard 1.2 69hp model.

Living up to the Eco tag, official fuel economy figures also improve for the car which can now achieve 58.9mpg (urban cycle), 70.6mpg (extra urban) and 65.7mpg (combined) compared to the standard 1.2 69hp (51.4 / 65.7 / 60.1mpg respectively) meaning it will recoup the £100 price premium in no time at all.

Engineered to comply with the toughest standards, the Fiat 500 is one of the safest cars in its segment with larger front brake discs on the 1.2 69hp plus seven airbags (front, window and side airbags, plus a driver’s knee airbag), ABS with electronic brake distribution (EBD), advanced electronic stability control (ESC), anti-slip regulation (ASR), Hill Holder and hydraulic brake assistance (HBA) all as standard.

Available in Pop Star and Lounge trim levels, prices for the Fiat 500 1.2 Eco start at just £11,865 OTR with the convertible Fiat 500C 1.2 Eco  from £14,515 OTR (both in Pop Star specifications).