Fiat 500 Lounge TwinAir 85 - Ten years of ownership

The Fiat 500 has become one of the best selling cars across Europe since its launch 50 years after the Nuovo 500 of 1957.
This video video features a Fiat 500 in the comfortable Lounge trim specification and is equipped with the 85hp version of the award winning 2 cylinder turbo charged TwinAir engine. This is not your typical car review though, not even a typical long term test as we have owned this car for over 10 years. Join me for an on the road review and insight into our ownership experience of this little car over the past decade which resulted in the purchase of a second Fiat 500 and becoming actively involved in an owners club.
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[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Great review Mark, the 500 is a cracking little car, neighbours daughter at my old house had one and I beleive she is on her second one now, she suffered the broken door handle issue. It's a car that I aim to drive at some point. As Hubnut would say #powerlessismore.

[@markonmotoring]

They are full of character, especially with the TwinAir engine. The 105hp version has the edge but the 85hp is still great fun.

[@hoddy121john]

Great video mark, very informative 👍

[@markonmotoring]

Thanks John.

[@imgrumpy5932]

You're right about the turning circle on the Abarth. I have one and it's shocking! Great video mate 👍

[@markonmotoring]

Thank you. Yeh I think it's the bigger wheels to go over the bigger breaks. Possibly other aspects of the suspension set up. The turning circle on the Fiat versions is excellent.

[@Edgar_84]

Superb owner’s review!

[@markonmotoring]

Thank you.

[@seancooke7332]

Nothing will put me off Mark. I simply love them. My daughter loved her 2011 Kia Picanto 1.0 . Then she changed it for a 2019 Fiat 500S 1.2 last year and she can think of nothing she would like more, not BMW, not Mercedes, not Porsche. She loves the driveability, the visibility, the technology, the economy, the snickity gearbox, the comfortable seats, the big strong doors and the alloys. Now don't think it's a Fiat 500 so, naturally it would be leagues ahead of a 2011 Picanto, not until you have experienced a Picanto. They are really reliable, comfortable top quality little cars that punch well above their weight.

[@markonmotoring]

I need no convincing having two 500s. As an Admin of a Owners club I've seen a lot of cases of young women besotted with the 500. Many will go on to replace their car with another 500. Some will simply want to buy a larger car while a small percentage will opt for something like an Audi A1 and non necessarily enjoy it as much.

[@blackfiatpunto863]

I love your Fiat 500 they are great cars, I watched a video recently where a guy has a Fiat 500 with 180k on the clock and he drove it down near to Africa with no issues they go for ever, my own Punto has 100k on the clock the engines go forever with regular maintenance which is cheap compared to other cars, yours is in fantastic condition for the year I hope it lasts you for another ten years, brilliant video as always.

[@markonmotoring]

A bit of lacquer peel on the front bumper and the wheels could do with a refurb but the car drives very well indeed for its age. Regular maintenance is key.

[@paulfoakes9708]

Thanks for flying the flag for TwinAir engine! As you say a hidden gem, Only a TwinAir owner only really knows, so true. currently on my third TwinAir , Chrysler Ypsilon, 500c and now Panda 4x4 they truly have charm, character and make any trip fun. My other car is a Citroen 2CV which has two cylinders and I always joke that I have a whole engine between the two cars. Keep enjoying and great video.

[@markonmotoring]

Thank you. I'm pleased that you enjoyed the video. As we have two TwinAirs (85 hp and a 105hp) I too could joke that there is one engine between the pair of them. The 105 feels very similar to the 85 as the torque character is the same but the closer ratios in its six speed gearbox make a difference. A friend of mine had the Panda 4x4 cross with a TwinAir engine and that was a hoot. Great fun on or off road and I must admit, I was tempted by one myself. I do like French cars too though my 97 Mégane Coupe has a few more cylinders than your 2cv.

[@paulfoakes9708]

@@markonmotoring Fabulous Mark. Nice channel, I've subscribed..It's free!

[@steveGee5787]

I own one with the same engine as your's but in the later S trim (with the bodykit, half leather sport seats, flat bottom steering wheel etc) and it is an absolute hoot to drive! Your review is pretty much spot on!

[@markonmotoring]

This one in Lounge trim is my wife's car. I actually have the S myself with a 105hp TwinAir engine. I reviewed it a while ago though there were some audio issues in places. Still worth a watch if your into 500s. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKG6iHeAqN6dhbs

[@steveGee5787]

@@markonmotoring Cheers, just had a look at your earlier vid - my 85hp is lots of fun in town or on the open road, and I can only imagine the extra 20hp just adds even more to what is already a very grin-inducing drive!

[@markonmotoring]

@@steveGee5787 Yes it died but it's not just the extra power. The six speed gearbox has closer ratios and it does make a difference to how the car performs.

[@steveGee5787]

@@markonmotoring I'll admit I did consider a Lounge model with the 105 engine.,...But it was about £1k overpriced so I plumped for my 85hp S version and it does the job! It has the characteristics of old lightweight sporty hatches like the Citroen AX GT albeit with airbags for me

[@markonmotoring]

That's the same reason I like it. My last two. previous cars before my 500S were a 155hp DS3 and a Skoda Octavia VRS but the Fiat is easily as much fun.

[@mattsbeamer]

A great little car. My friend and his wife in Cyprus love theirs. She has a normal type one, but nicely specced. Bright right white leather interior. It does feel very retro. His is a peralesent white Abarth esseesse. Great little car, which they love over their Mercedes GLC coupe. My 3 year old daughter has a little electric one, which I filmed on my channel for a joke :) keep up the good work

[@markonmotoring]

Thanks Matt. They are full of character, especial.woth the TwinAir engine. So much so that we have his and here's 500 TwinAirs as our year round daily cars.

[@stevencross7667]

Great informative video, especially when you have had the car that long too. I first drove a Twinair 500 in 2017 and loved it. Currently have on order a Panda 4x4 Cross with the Twinair which will be one of the last off the production line, can't wait to get it. Previously had a 2010 Abarth 500 Esseesse from new for 5 years. It was a great car. I prefer the early 500 interiors, lovely analogue dials and CD too instead of an inferior cheap Bluetooth thing. Interscope stereo in the early Abarths and an option in the normal 500 is well worth the money, sounds incredible and we'll balanced. And you are right about the Mk1 Ford Ka, some of the best steering I've felt in a car along with my mum's Mk5 Fiesta

[@markonmotoring]

A friend used to have a Panda 4x4 cross TwinAir and it was awesome. Fun in the road and even more amazing off road

[@stevencross7667]

@@markonmotoring perfect for me as I go skiing and I've been caught out before in a normal car, also good for hillwalking in Scotland where the start of some routes are usually down some really rough dirt track

[@iansavage2885]

Hi Mark, great video.....you are obviously well informed about the 500.....I have just returned from a week bimberling around the lanes of Normandy in a Lounge 13 plate with 55k miles...and got low 60s in mpg.(1.2)....if you dont tear the arse out of it, with block changing, and occasionally short shifting...mpg can be quite remarkable. I have a Mito with the twinair recently bought, and am keen to see what mpg I can get out of that....Well done on the video..thanks.

[@markonmotoring]

Thank you. The TA can be very efficient but its nature can bring out the worst in us. 😅

[@Lot76CARS]

Ironic that you came from a Ka to 500 as for a while they shared a floor plan in a later generation. The twin air is an interesting revvy, great sounding unit but I’ve heard that reliability wasn’t as good as the other engines, seems like your experience has put that to bed. Like any car, service it right and it’ll treat you right. Great, comprehensive review BTW!

[@markonmotoring]

The Ka we had was the previous generation prior to platform sharing. The TwinAirs have a lot of character and really suits the 500. They actually don't like to rev out and produce most of there performance from around 2000rpm. Reliability and fuel efficiency are constantly the subject of debate within the community between the 1.2 and TwinAir. Each have their Merritt's.

[@ollieb9875]

I've kind of inherited the 500c it's soft top with the automatic clutch.. It's quite ok.. I did 400miles to totnes and back in a day and felt it afterwards though😅. Saw 50mpg making.. " good progress". I'm trying to look after it but missed a plug change and it went to limp mode on the motorway when i was overtaking which was less than ideal, it's well again now and I'm trying say learn to do things like that myself. Cheers for the video. 👍😀

[@markonmotoring]

Thanks Ollie. Glad to hear you are making good use of your 500. I presume yours is the Duoligic transmission?

[@ollieb9875]

@@markonmotoring I believe so, not it's greatest feature but you get used to it. We did have a manual but swapped it for that when the owner found she couldn't use the clutch anymore. I preferred the manual but you know what, going stop start on the M25 traffic for ages it does save the leg! I think I should be able to change the oil and plugs without taking it to the garage. Will figure it out 😀 Be well 👍

[@markbrennan4693]

Brilliant informative review. Sounds like a more reliable engine than ford's ecoboost. Used to own a Seciento sporting loved it.

[@markonmotoring]

Thank you. Yes a neighbour has their eco boost engine replaced under warranty. The twin Air in this car proved reliable for the 11 years of ownership until someone drive into the back of it and wrote it off. The car has since been put back on the road though and as far as I'm.aware still going strong. My other Twin Air (a 105 hp suffered a flywheel failure at around 40k miles unfortunately so they are not completely flawless but I think I was just unlucky. Generally if you keep on top of oil and plug changes they are pretty good. Only other things that can fail are the coolant expansion bottle can go brittle and on all RHD 500's the clutch had a hydraulic linkage and the unions can corrode over time.

[@davidheron1884]

Great talk, and helpful, enjoyed your style. I enjoy a Peugeot 107 it's a bit road noisy. What's the noise like in your car

[@markonmotoring]

We don't have the 500 any more but they are not at all bad for noise. A friend went from a Citroen C1 to a 500 and did comment on how he found the fiat to feel more premium despite all of the hard plastic. The 500 seemed to sit In a gap between cars like the 107/C1 and the more costly Mini. We had two Fiat 500's and only lost the red one after 11 years of ownership after someone rear ended it and wrote the car off due to its low value by that point.

[@valp13]

Hello great review!! I’m thinking of buying the 900cc twin air version. One question. Is the steering wheel assisted or hydraulic ? due to the lightness.

[@markonmotoring]

I think it will probably be electrically assisted as most modern cars seem to be these days.

[@hayleymurphy3449]

Great video. Ive just purchased a lounge and absolutely love it. Only niggle is it keeps saying memory full on the dash?Hiw do I rectify this and does it impact the running of the car in any way

[@markonmotoring]

Thank you. In all my years of owning not one but two 500's I've never seen that message displayed. If you are on Facebook you may wish to try the following Fiat 500 group which I used to admin. Hope that will be of help. facebook.com/groups/fiat500ownersclubuk/?ref=share

[@bogdanbosoi1483]

Hello, I am (again...) in the market for a TwinAir but a I have a dillemma which I know you have an answer to: Between the 85 and the 105 bhp version how do you find the braking performance/pedal feel, as the 105 has rear discs? Is it very noticeable? Thanks!

[@markonmotoring]

Not really though I'm not particularly heavy on braking. The main noticeable difference I found between the two was that the 105 has a six speed gearbox. As it happens top gear I'm both cars is about the same ratio but on the six speed version the gear ratios are closer together which really suits the dynamic of a fun city car. The problem with regard to the 105 is that there simply were not as many built so it's harder to find one. As you may expect the more powerful version does have its advantages but I would always recommend buying the best example you can find that has had its oil changed every year and spark plugs at least every other year. I certainly wouldn't discount the 85hp model if an exceptionally good example were available.

[@bogdanbosoi1483]

Thank you for your detailed response, really appreciate your input!

[@oddities-whatnot]

I had the twinair Panda but I did get a new 500 twinair S with the 105bhp engine which apparently was dropped from the lineup due to power loss issues which mine suddenly started to suffer from after a few weeks. Took two months for it to arrive as factory order, was great to start with but I felt at the time it wasnt worth going back to the dealer for investigation I was irritated a new car wasnt working properly. Waste of money buying it, 13.5k it was on a 62 plate, and cant remember what car I got after that.

[@markonmotoring]

I had a 2014 TA105 S in electronics blue. Such a fun little car but the duel mass flywheel failed and nobody including the main dealer were interested in taking on the task or putting it right. I'm the end I traded the car in with full disclosure about the issue and the dealer I sold it to had it repaired and sold within five days. I was gutted to let it go knowing how rare they are. I think more than the extra 20hp it was the close ratio six speed gearbox that made the biggest difference.

[@oddities-whatnot]

@@markonmotoring yes, the six speed box was much better for motorways. I was disappointed to see it go after waiting so long to get it. If I remember right I may have got a cheap car and then the Panda 4x4 after I think and that turned out to be a great car except for the choice of engine, I got the diesel and it was hard work on motorways, the revs in fifth were like 4k at 70mph, I have no idea what Fiat were thinking. I should have got the twinair as it had a six speed box. I know for a fact I got a new Abarth hugely discounted at Arnold Clarks Wigan after that and that is in my top three all time cars I have owned. I got into financial problems so had to get rid in the end but I regret it now. They are twice the price now for new.

[@markonmotoring]

The 6th gear in the 500 TA 105 was actually near enough the same ratio as 5th in a five speed TwinAir but the gears were closer together making for much improved drivability at all speeds. I think the Panda 4x4 cross with a TA 85hp also got six gears but with a very low 1st gear as it didn't have the high and low range gearboxes found in larger off roaders.

[@catherinewilson3880]

My 2014 1.2 sport was hopelessly underpowered and I couldn't wait to get rid of it. I loved the styling and the interior, but having to constantly change down just to maintain progress was so annoying. It also had a terrible flat spot, which made reversing up an incline a nightmare, needing to rev like mad to prevent it stalling. My sister has a twin air lounge and that's much better to drive, but the 500 is just too small for my needs now.

[@markonmotoring]

I've not driven the 1.2 myself but the old Fiat Fire engine is from a time when engines generally did rev higher and smaller engines in particular thrived in a good thrashing. My first car only had about 45hp so as a young driver the 69hp of your old fiat would have been the stuff of dreams to me. 😅 Now there were some issues with 2014 cars with that engine. Changes made for emissions cause some big problems and there was an investigation and I believe a recall issued for some cars. One owner reported not being able to reverse up their driveway.

[@catherinewilson3880]

@@markonmotoring Hi Mark, thanks for replying. I'm rather old myself now and I also had some cars with comparatively low bhp, however none of them that I remember were as bad as my 500, with even small inclines requiring a change down to maintain progress. I bought it new, too. The reversing issue was quite bad as well and I can believe that a recall was issued, although I never received one, though that's probably because I didn't keep it long enough. The twin air is much better, and I would consider one now if I didn't need more space than it can offer.

[@alandavies1054]

My wife drives a 12 plate 1.2 and it is so slow…trying to go up a hill near our home is embarrassing and she normally ends up with a queue behind her lol. We’ve had it checked out at the local garage we use and they say all is fine…it’s just not very powerful. Apart from being slow it is a great car…reliable (no faults to speak of) and dirt cheap to insure. We are thinking of swapping it soon and we will definitely be looking at another 500…but with the twin air engine. Good review by the way 👍

[@markonmotoring]

Thank you.

[@oddities-whatnot]

The 1.2 engine sounded quite good but yes, not much power. No character really so the twinair was nicer to listen to, and of course with the small turbo at least pulls well enough on hills etc. I had the Panda twinair.

[@muaythai193]

What this car needs is a 315 or 270 degree crank. At least imo. Especially the 270 degree crank makes two cylinder engines run smoother while also having a massive improvement in sound, which is important to me, even in a car like that. 🤷‍♂️ Would sound like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipqbmXqql955Z9k Fits the character of the Fiat much better than the even drone the stock 360 crank has.

[@markonmotoring]

I'm not entirely certain having never opened one up but I think both cranks are set in such a way that both pistons fire together. Not 100% sure on that though. It would be interesting to see how it would change the characteristics of the engine.

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

@@markonmotoring both the pistons go up and down together but fire on separate strokes, just like the old British motorcycle twins of the 50s and 60s

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

Someone made a special crank for a Triumph twin, two halves of the crank bolted to the central flywheel, so theoretically you could fiddle about with the angle. Even firing twins can sound flatulent.

[@Mr.Riffian]

What does the Windows Mobile connection do?

[@markonmotoring]

An iPod or some iPhones can be connected to it to play music. Later cars had a similar system called blue and me that replaced the USB with windows symbol to one with a USB and 3.5mm audio aux in. Some users report compatibility issues though.

[@bigb0ss282]

85... Means 85HP? In Brazil we have 1.4 petrol 8v/16v, 80smtHP and 100HP (105HP after 2012/13)

[@markonmotoring]

Yes the TwinAir models in the UK were also listed as the 85hp and 105hp (we actually owned both up until last year. We also had the 1.4 16v 100hp in the UK which was superceded by the 105hp TwimAir. We also had the 1.2 8v Fire Engine and a 1.3 diesel.

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

It is a shame about the poorish mpg, please don't think I'm having a go, but, how does that happen? Our two 2009 panda 1.1's have basically the original 4 cylinder fire engine that is a 35 years old design, , just 8 valves, no VVT like the 65 bhp 1.2 fire engines engines, as basic as an old 1980s small capacity engine can get but return 48 mpg without any motorway or A road work yet the twin air is less than 1 litre in capacity has HALF the number of cylinders, has variable valve timing but delivers LESS mpg?! I'm looking at different frugal models for my next car and because I'm keen to keep it fiat the twin air was in with a shout but I'm disappointed such a small capacity twin cylinder engine with VVT can't in real world terms deliver a constant 60 mpg, the little Peugeot 106 3 cylinder and small Japanese stuff do it with ease. I had the opportunity to check the average mpg on a Ford 1.0 ecoboost tonight, fiesta, and the average mpg had not been reset for thousands of miles so it really was a good average, it was showing 38.9mpg!, absolutely terrible! Again it's a 3 cylinder, less than 1 litre engine with VVT and again it's only about a ten year old design. The car I checked does a mixture of urban and fast A road stuff so it's not just sitting in traffic. Can't help feel we are being ripped off somewhere because these small capacity 2 and 3 cylinder cars of less than 1.0 seem to be engineered for less emissions than to actually deliver good MPG. I had a 2002 BMW 2.0 PETROL that regularly delivered 50 mpg, but now a small capacity TWO CYLINDER with all of todays technology can't get near the BMW? I'm sorry but something is wrong. Everytime a twin air is mentioned poor fuel economy expectations are always raised. Thank you for your review I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@markonmotoring]

I'm pleased that you enjoyed it. The TwinAir can be frugal if you use the low end torque to your advantage. I think the issue often is that you will often want to exploit that extra performance you get over the 1.2 as when pushed the sound made us addictive, plus the way that the car picks up speed initially due to having a third more torque at half the revs makes it feel like a much larger capacity engine. On paper it's hard to make sense of the TwinAir but those who have owned one become hooked.

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

@@markonmotoring I'm going to do a test drive I think, I don't race around any more so I'm sure I could get more towards 50 mpg, I want to keep it fiat and that little 2 cylinder entriques me, thanks again.

[@binocular6615]

My 3 littile kids can sit back seat...???

[@markonmotoring]

The 500 only has 2 rear seat belts and on all but base spec cars have 2 rear head restraints on a 50/50 split seat. It is designed to be a four seater only. I think the larger 500X and 500L can seat more passengers.

[@worldhello1234]

@8:41 Who on earth would buy the guttless 1.2 FIRE engine instead? It is less powerful and more of a gas guzzler. ;)

[@markonmotoring]

The 1.2 is adequate but far less exciting. Fuel wise in the real world they are very similar. The 1.2 is cheaper to buy and probably the most readily available in the used car market but once you have driven a TwinAir you won't want a 1.2.