Stop and Start on the New Fiat 500

Fiat 500 Stop & Start System Overview

The Fiat 500 Stop & Start System is now standard on the Fiat 500 Lounge and Fiat 500 Sport models fitted with the Blue&Me bluetooth feature. It’s available as an option on the Fiat 500 POP.

The Start & Stop system automatically stops the car’s engine whenever the car’s stationary e.g. in standing traffic. The system then restarts the engine automatically when the driver wants to proceed again.

The Start & Stop system is based on a starting system (battery and cranking motor) performing a faster engine restart with a higher number of restarts than in a normal system.

Several sensors and control mechanisms manage stopping and starting to ensure safety, driveability and energy balance of the car, without impacting the heating and air conditioning systems inside the car.

Engine Stopping

• Manual Transmission – when the vehicle is stationary, the engine stops if the transmission is in neutral and the clutch pedal is released;
• Semi-Auto Transmission – The engine stops when the car is stationary and the brake pedal is pressed. It’s possible to keep the engine stopped without pressing the brake pedal by engaging neutral.

Engine stopping is only allowed once a speed of 10 km/h has been achieved after pulling away.

An “S” icon is visible on the instrument panel when Stop & Start is engaged (see image below).

Engine Restarting

• Manual Transmission – the engine restarts when the clutch pedal is pressed;
• Semi-Automatic Transmission – if in neutral then the engine is restarted as soon as a drive gear is engaged; otherwise release the brake pedal.

Fiat 500 Stop & Start System Manual Activation and Deactivation

The Stop and Start system is activated every time the car’s engine is started.  With the semi-automatic transmission, if the Stop & Start system is on then it’s automatically set to Economy gear change mode.

The Stop & Start system can be activated and deactivated with the Stop and Start button switch. When deactivated an LED is visible on the instrument panel showing an “S” with a line through it (see image below).

With a semi-automatic transmission, if the S&S system is deactivated, the transmission is automatically set to normal gear change mode.

Fiat 500 Stop & Start System Conditions

For comfort, safety and and emissions requirements, the Start and Stop system will not stop the engine in the following circumstances:-

• When the engine is still cold;
• When the battery is in a low charge state;
• When the heated rear window is activated;
• When the front windscreen wiper is at maximum speed;
• For diesel engines only, when the DPF filter is regenerating;
• When the driver’s door is not closed;
• When the driver’s seat belt is not fastened;
• When reverse gear is engaged;
• When the automatic climate control (if fitted) has not yet reached the desired temperature.

In these cases the warning “S” icon on the dashboard blinks to show that the system can not be activated.

The Start & Stop system will automatically restart the engine without any driver involvement if the system detects the following circumstances:-

• Battery in a low charge state;
• Front wiper at maximum speed;
• Low pressure in the braking system;
• Car not stationary, for example, when on a slope;
• Car stopped by a system intervention for more than 3 minutes.

With any gear engaged, the automatic restart of the engine is only allowed by a full depression of the clutch pedal, the warning light will blink on the dashboard to alert the driver. If the clutch pedal is not depressed after a 3 minute period, an engine restart will only be possible using the key.

If the engine stalls unexpectedly, it can be restarted by depressing the clutch pedal or by selecting neutral gear.

Fiat 500 Stop & Start System Safety Functions

With the engine stopped, when the driver unfastens their seat belt and opens either the driver or passenger’s door, an engine restart is only possible with the key. When this is the case a buzzer will sound and a message will appear on the instrument panel and by the “S” dashboard warning light blinking.

Fiat 500 Stop & Start System “Energy Saving” Function

If after an automatic restart, the driver does not operate the vehicle for a long time, the Stop and Start system permanently stops the engine to save fuel. The vehicle can then be restarted using the key.

Fiat 500 Stop & Start System Other Info

The car must only be left if the ignition has been turned off and the key has been removed.

With a semi-automatic transmission, when the engine stops uphill, it’s recommended to restart the engine by moving the gear lever to + or -, without releasing the brake pedal.

Before opening the bonnet, make sure that the ignition is off with the key in the off position. Remove the key when other people are inside the car.

When refuelling, ensure the ignition is in the off position and remove the key.

The Stop and Start system can be turned off so that the climate control system operates continuously if desired.

In case of a fault with the system, the user will be informed by a warning triangle icon on the dashboard and a system message. In this case a Fiat approved repairer should be contacted for assistance. Buy a new Fiat 500 with the Stop & Start feature from www.Better-Deal.co.uk

Fiat Stop Start Activated Dashboard Warning Light

Fiat Stop Start System Deactivated Warning Icon

]]> http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/2009/03/19/fiat-introduce-stop-and-start-on-the-new-fiat-500/feed/ 0 rdsingleton fiat-500-top fiatstartstop1 fiatstartstop2 http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/2009/03/09/discover-the-new-suzuki-splash/ http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/2009/03/09/discover-the-new-suzuki-splash/#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:27:46 +0000 rdsingleton http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/?p=175 ]]>

The New Suzuki Splash

Suzuki Splash Design

The Suzuki Splash’s high roofline gives it street presence as well as more headroom and a commanding view of the road. It’s high driving position gives great all-round visibility. The gently rising nose and A-pillars that flow into the roof give a streamlined look and help the new Suzuki Splash cut through the air helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. In addition, its sharp design gives a sleek, agile look on the road. The rear light clusters are set right at the corners to allow a wide tailgate for easy loading. The large multi-reflector headlamps cut through the darkness. Sporty features such as alloy wheels and front fog lamps on the GLS and DDiS models add to its stylish looks. Inside, it’s remarkably big on space with enough room to seat five adults in comfort so even the longest trips can be enjoyed instead of endured. The rear seatback splits 60/40 for extra load-carrying versatility. There are bottle holders everywhere. Air conditioning, remote central door locking, a trip computer and CD/Radio with MP3 are standard.  The range also features a leather steering wheel, a stylish metallic silver ringed centre console featuring a large easy-to-read speedometer with a dashboard mounted rev counter pod.

New Suzuki Splash Opal Trim

Suzuki Splash Colours

The new Suzuki Splash is available in six eye-catching colours: Bright Red and White are the standard solid colours with Galactic Grey, Splash Green, Cosmic Black & Lagoon Turquoise metallics. Plus, there are two trim options, Opal (on models with Lagoon Turquose metallic paint) and Nero for all other body colours.

Suzuki Splash Specification

The new Suzuki Splash is available in three engines: 1.0 and 1.2 petrol and a 1.3 diesel plus the option of an automatic gearbox on the Suzuki Splash 1.2 GLS+ model. The standard Suzuki Splash GLS specification features:-

Comfort and Convenience

• 5 doors as standard;
• Electric front windows;
• Height adustable seats (driver and passenger);
• Rear seat with 60/40 split & tilt-down function;
• Cloth-accented door trim;
• 12v interior accessory socket;
• Front sun visors with vanity mirrors;
• Front passenger side-assist grip;
• 2 Rear seat grips with coat hooks;
• Power steering;
• Tilt-adjustable steering wheel;
• Tachmoter;
• Digital clock;
• Outside temperature display;
• Fuel consumption display;
• Distance until tank empty display;
• Remote fuel lid opener;
• Low fuel warning lamp;
• Lights-on and key-in reminder;
• Driver’s seat belt warning lamp and alarm;
• Door ajar warning lamp;
• Front map light;
• Luggage area light.

Heating, Ventilation & Visibility

• Manual air-conditioning;
• Pollen filter;
• Two speed front wipers with adjustable intermittent;
• Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors;
• Day/night rear view mirror;
• Multi-reflector headlamps with headlamp levelling.

Storage

• Glove box;
• Passenger side storage pockets;
• 2 Cup holders (one in front and one in rear);
• 2 Front bottle holders;
• Upper tray with coin holder;
• Sunglasses holder;
• Storage pockets in front door;
• front passenger seat back pocket;
• Ticket holder on driver’s sun visor;
• Dash storage pocket;
• Luggage area underfloor compartment;
• 2 luggage area convenience hooks.

Safety Features

• ABS with EBD function;
• Brake assist function;
• ESP (Electronic Stability Program);
• Driver and passenger front airbags;
• Side airbags (incorporated into the front seats);
• Curtain airbags;
• Front passenger airbag deactivation system;
• Energy-absorbing trim on pillars and roof rails;
• Front 3-point ELR seatbelts with pretensioner, force limiter and height adjuster;
• 3 Rear 3-point ELR seatbelts;
• Foot-protecting brake and clutch pedals;
• Side impact protection beams;
• High mounted stop lamp;
• ISOFIX child seat anchorages;
• Child seat tether anchorages;
• Childproof rear door locks.

Security

• Immobiliser;
• Remote central locking;
• Deadlocks;
• Freewheeling key cylinders;
• Visible VIN plate;

Styling

• Body coloured exterior door handles and mirrors;
• Black-coloured B-pillars;
• Green-tinted windows;
• 15″ steel wheels with full wheel caps;
• Silver-coloured instrument panel centre garnishes;
• Silver-coloured side louvre bezels;
• Silver-coloured inside door opener;
• 2-spoke leather covered steering wheel.

In-Car Entertainment

• MP3/WMA compatible CD tuner with 4 speakers;
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls;
• Speed sensing audio volume control;
• Front roof mounted antenna.

The Suzuki Splash GLS+ and DDiS models also feature the above plus:-

• Driver’s side foot rest (automatic version only);
• Front fog lamps;
• 15″ alloy wheels;
• Privacy glass (rear doors and tailgate).

Suzuki Splash Technical Data

Engine

The new Suzuki Splash GLS and GLS+ come with a 4 cylinder 16 valve, Euro 4 compliant, 1242 cc 86 PS (at 5,500 rpm) petrol engine with 114 NM of torque at 4,400 rpm. The Suzuki Splash DDiS model features a direct injection 4 cylinder 16 valve, 1248 cc turbo diesel engine offering a maximum power output of 75PS and 4,000 rpm with 190 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm.

Transmission

The new Suzuki Splash is available in a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission.

Dimensions

Overall length 3,715 mm Overall width 1,680 mm Overall height 1,590 mm Wheelbase 2,360 mm Minimum turning circle 9.4 m Tyre size 185/60R15 Seating capacity 5 Luggage capacity seatback raised 178 litres,  seatback folded 573 litres

Weights

Kerb weight 1065kg (man) 1165kg (auto) 1160kg (DDiS) Gross weight 1485kg (GLS/GLS+) 1530kg (DDiS)

Performance

Maximum speed 109 mph (GLS/GLS+) 106 mph (auto) 102 mph (DDiS) 0-62 mph 12.3 seconds (GLS/GLS+) 14.9 seconds (auto) 13.9 (DDiS)

Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions

Fuel tank capacity 45 litres CO2 emissions g/km 131 (GLS/GLS+) 142 (auto) 120 (DDiS) Urban cycle – 40.9 mpg (GLS/GLS+) 36.2 mpg (auto) 51.4 (DDiS) Extra-urban cycle – 60.1 mpg (GLS/GLS+) 57.6 mpg (auto) 70.6 (DDiS) Combined – 51.4 mpg (GLS/GLS+) 47.9 mpg (auto) 62.8 (DDiS Check out our latest offers on the New Suzuki Splash range – click here.
]]> http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/2009/03/09/discover-the-new-suzuki-splash/feed/ 0 rdsingleton suzuki-splash suzuki-splash-interior http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/introducing-the-new-suzuki-alto/ http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/introducing-the-new-suzuki-alto/#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:14:04 +0000 rdsingleton http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/?p=159 ]]>

New Suzuki Alto

Suzuki Alto Design

The rounded front headlamps add to the new Suzuki Alto‘s fun personality, whilst the angular rear lights give it a sleeker, sportier feel. The SZ4 models add 14″ alloy wheels complementing the car beautifully.

It’s eye-catching curvaceous style not only gives it lots of character but also great aerodynamics. Little touches like the streamlined door mirrors help reduce drag which lowers fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The new Suzuki Alto also has a body which is strong but lightweight helping the manual transmission version achieve 64.2 mpg on the combined cycle with only 103 g/km CO2 emissions making it qualify for the £35 road tax band.

Inside, eveything is designed to be both easy to reach and operate. The CD tuner has MP3 compatibility with iPod connectivity. There’s also handy storage compartments for your CDs, keys and drinks. The SZ4 also has a tachometer for that sporty touch.  In addition, there’s room for four adults plus their shopping with the new Suzuki Alto’s 129 litre boot space.

Suzuki Alto Colours

The new Suzuki Alto is available in nine striking colours: Bright Red and White are the standard solid colours with Fortune Rose, Paradise Blue, Desert Brown, Healing Green, Silky Silver, Midnight Black and Azure Grey metallics.

Suzuki Alto Specification

The new Suzuki Alto is available in three versions with either a manual or automatic transmission:-

The standard Suzuki Alto SZ2 model features:-

• 5 doors as standard;
• Electric front windows;
• 12v interior accessory socket;
• Power steering;
• Tilt-adjustable steering wheel;
• Low fuel warning lamp;
• Lights-on and key-in reminder;
• Driver’s seat belt warning lamp and alarm;
• Door ajar warning lamp;
• ABS with EBD function;
• Driver and passenger front airbags;
• Side airbags (incorporated into the front seats);
• 2 ISOFIX child seat anchorages;
• 2 child seat tether anchorages;
• Childproof rear door locks;
• Storage pockets in front and rear doors;
• Luggage area cover;
• Immobiliser;
• Remote central locking;
• 14″ Steel wheels with full wheel covers;
• 3-Spoke steering wheel;
• MP3/WMA compatible CD tuner with 2 speakers.

The Suzuki Alto SZ3 model is as above plus:-

• Manual air-conditioning;
• Pollen filter.

The Suzuki Alto SZ4 also adds:-

• Rear seat with 50/50 split folding bench;
• ESP electronic stability programme;
• Curtain airbags;
• Front fog lamps;
• Body coloured exterior door handles and mirrors;
• 14″ alloy wheels.

Suzuki Alto Technical Data

Engine

The new Suzuki Alto comes with a Euro 5 compliant, 996 cc 68 PS (at 6,000 rpm) petrol engine with 90 NM of torque at 3,400 rpm.

Transmission

The new Suzuki Alto is available in a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission.

Dimensions

Overall length 3,500 mm
Overall width 1,600 mm
Overall height 1,470 mm
Wheelbase 2,360 mm
Minimum turning circle 9.0 m
Seating capacity 4
Luggage capacity seatback raised 129l seatback folded 367 l

Weights

Kerb weight 885kg (man) 910kg (auto)
Gross weight 1250 kg

Performance

Maximum speed 96 mph (man) 93 mph (auto)
0-62 mph 13.5 seconds (man) 17.0 seconds (auto)

Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions

Fuel tank capacity 35 litres
CO2 emissions g/km 103 (man) 122 (auto)
Urban cycle – 51.4 mpg (man) 42.1 mpg (auto)
Extra-urban cycle – 74.3 mpg (man) 62.8 (auto)
Combined – 64.2 mpg (man) 54.3 mpg (auto)

Check out our latest offers on the new Suzuki Alto range – click here.
]]> http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/introducing-the-new-suzuki-alto/feed/ 0 rdsingleton New Suzuki Alto http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/2009/01/25/cheap-car-loans-in-uk-motor-industry-bail-out-plan/ http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/2009/01/25/cheap-car-loans-in-uk-motor-industry-bail-out-plan/#comments Sun, 25 Jan 2009 13:43:43 +0000 rdsingleton http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/?p=152 ]]> Car buyers could be tempted back into showrooms by cheaper car loans in the government’s plan to rescue the stricken motor industry.

Gordon Brown has indicated that car manufacturer’s finance houses may have the same support extended to them as other banks and finance providers – allowing them to offer incentives such as 0% finance to prospective car purchasers. Richard Burden, the Labour MP and chair of the all-party motor group, met with Brown last week to discuss options. He said “We talked about using the facilities that are available to banks to underwrite consumer credit. Most domestic customers will buy a car on credit and the people offering 0% finance deals, a lot of those will be run by offshoots of the manufacturers. He was receptive to that.”

Ministers are also looking at other schemes to stimulate demand including “scrappage” incentives where motorists looking to trade-in older polluting cars for new green models may be offered a one-off payment. Germany, Spain and France are looking at similar measures worth up to £2,000. The Business Minister Lord Carter told peers recently that “we are considering [scrappage schemes] carefully.

Visit www.Better-Deal.co.uk, with direct links to ten major car manufacturers, for up-to-the-minute offers on car loans and incentives on new cars to UK car purchasers.

Fiat Qubo Dynamic

Inside, there’s ample leg room in the front and back and a huge 330 litre boot. What’s more, you can remove the rear seats and fold the passenger seat flat making a 2,500 litre load space. Plus, the Fiat Qubo’s practical sliding side doors make accessing the vehicle easy too.

The instruments and controls look and feel well made. Standard specification on the Fiat Qubo Active model includes a Radio CD player with MP3, Blue&Me (Fiat’s bluetooth hands-free phone system), a leather steering wheel , trip computer, electric front windows, power steering and remote central locking. Upgrading to the Fiat Qubo Dynamic model gives you air conditioning, front fog lamps, 16″ alloys, electrically adjustable door mirrors, body coloured bumpers and wing mirrors, roof bars and more. Safety features on all models include ABS with EBD, front, passenger (with deactiviation) and side airbags, rear head restraints, auto door locking over 13 mph and Isofix child seat anchoring.

The Fiat Qubo is powered by either a 1.4 8v petrol engine or a 1.3 16v Multijet diesel. The 73 bhp 1.4 petrol engine boasts a top speed of 97 mph with 0-62mph in just over 16 seconds. Fuel economy on the combined cycle is 40.4 mpg rising to 47.9 mpg on the motorway. Whereas the 75 bhp diesel unit offers a top speed of 97 mph with 0-62 in 16.5 seconds. Fuel economy is better at 62.8 mpg on a mixed journey and 74.3 mpg on the extra-urban cycle. The Fiat Qubo also has green credentials too with the 1.4 petrol’s CO2 emissions 165 g/km and the diesel 119 g/km making the diesel version eligible for the £35 per year road tax bracket.

The Fiat Qubo is available in a choice of ten exterior colours and three interior trims. The standard pastel colours are Rumba Red, Ambient White. Line Blue and Funky Orange are chargeable special paints. Metallic colours available include Bolero Red, Disco Green, Foxtrot Azure, Cool Jazz Blue, Minimal Grey and Rockabilly Black. Three interior trims are available: Black Tangram cloth, Black and Grey Sail cloth and Black and Blue Sail cloth.

The options list includes a Dualogic (automatic) gearbox, twin rear doors (rather than a tailgate), alarm and rear parking sensors.

Check out our Fiat Qubo page now for our latest deals.
]]> http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/2009/01/17/new-fiat-qubo/feed/ 0 rdsingleton fiatqubo http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/2009/01/13/quentin-wilson-says-nows-the-time-to-buy-a-new-car/ http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/2009/01/13/quentin-wilson-says-nows-the-time-to-buy-a-new-car/#comments Tue, 13 Jan 2009 21:12:26 +0000 rdsingleton http://betterdeal.wordpress.com/?p=57 ]]>

Quentin Willson "Now's the best time to buy a new car!"

He reasoned that with falling demand for new cars came lower prices and people were now far better off trading in their old expensive-to-run car for a newer, more fuel efficient, model.

One participant in the show saved £1,700 on running costs per year by trading in his old Rover 600 for a new Fiat 500.

Another was spending £6,000+ a year keeping a gas-guzzling Mitsubishi Shogan 4×4 on the road.

Better-Deal.co.uk offer discounted new cars and finance for UK motorists. If you’re driving an older car and would like to know how much you could save in running costs each year by trading it in for one of our new, modern, fuel-efficient cars, please give us a call on 0845 129 0979 – we’d be pleased to advise you on your best options.

The most common forms of finance for a retail car purchaser are Hire Purchase (HP) and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP).

With Hire Purchase,  you can choose how much deposit you want to put down and you can repay the loan over one to five years at a fixed monthly repayment and interest rate. At the end of the agreement, title to the vehicle passes from the finance company and you become the owner of the vehicle.  You also can pay the loan off at any point during the agreement by asking the finance company for a settlement figure. HP agreements are great if you intend to keep your car for a while.  

With Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), you pay a deposit at the start of the agreement and then make repayments to cover roughly half of the balance plus all of the interest. The repayments are fixed and can usually be made over 2 or 3 years. The interest rate is also fixed. At the end of the agreement, you have three options: pay the balance and keep the car, hand the car back to the finance company and walk away or part-exchange your car for a new one.  PCP’s are great for people who like to change their cars regularly. They also offer protection against depreciation in that the finance company guarantees the value at the end of the agreement (provided that the car is in good condition and the mileage limit has not been exceeded). So if your car’s value is less than the amount owed at the end of the agreement, it’s the finance company’s problem.

Our experienced advisors at Better-Deal.co.uk can go through the different car financing options with you. Give us a call on 0845 129 0979 when you’re in the market for a new car.

Kia’s modern, attractive and excellent value range is clearly the perfect motoring package for tough times.

At www.better-deal.co.uk you’ll find the full Kia range at discounted prices including the Kia Cee’d with its industry-leading seven year warranty.

Prices start at just £5,595 for a Kia Picanto 1.0.

One group of motorists, however, have nothing to fear.  People who bought a car using a personal contract plan (PCP) can hand it back to the finance company at the end of the agreement under the guaranteed future value clause and walk away. Thus, if the finance company has guaranteed the value at more than it is worth today, then it’s the finance company’s problem and not the car owner’s.

At www.Better-Deal.co.uk we offer a full range of PCP products. If you would like a PCP quote on a particular car, please give us a call on 0845 129 0979.

At the time, administrators Tenon Recovery said a large number of customers had paid deposits, but What Car? fears many buyers may have paid the full balance for their car.  

One case that their Helpdesk is investigating, involves a customer who handed over £16,000 in September after he was told his car would then arrive within two weeks. Three months later the customer still has no car and fears he could lose the money!

At www.Better-Deal.co.uk we never ask for payment for your new car upfront – you only pay when you physically receive your new car.

Plus, as we are a division of one of the most successful main franchised dealer groups in the country, the deals we advertise can be done and you will get your car when promised.

So, if you’re shopping around for a new car at the moment, research the prices online, but also check who you are dealing with too – you never know, that amazing bargain from that online car broker could just turn out to be too good to be true!