Is the 85ps FIAT 500 TwinAir a real alternative to the 500 1.4?

I want to buy a FIAT 500 and decided that the 100PS 1.4 engine should provide the kind of performance I am looking for. FIAT has now produced the 85PS 'TwinAir'. Should I consider this, as FIAT claim,...

Which cars are in a low or exempt road tax bracket?

I want to change my big old car for something small and economical. There are so many to choose from, but what do you recommend? I want low tax group, low VED and good mpg. I do mostly rural driving, occasional...

Why won't my Volkswagen Golf achieve its quoted fuel economy figures?

My Volkswagen Golf 1.6 Bluemotion estate, two months old, has done 2,500 miles. This car should do 54/67/78 to the gallon. It does 40mpg round town and maybe 50mpg on a run (A-roads at 60mph). Volkswagen...

Recommend a car that offers good fuel economy on dual carriageways and motorways?

My weekly commute of 400 miles is responsible for about 90 per cent of my car's mileage. Almost the entire journey is on dual carriageways and motorways, and is done at 70mph. I am always watching the...

Our new Fiat Panda automatic has returned an excellent 55mpg average over 5000 miles.

We recently swapped our old Rover 45 1600 auto for a FIAT Panda Automatic. We're really pleased with it - particularly the fuel consumption. We've always found autos pretty uneconomical, but the 5-speed...

Is there a known problem with the FIAT 500's stop-start system?

Please can you tell me if you are aware of an engine management problem on the FIAT 500? I understand there have been a number of complaints. I have had a problem with my start-stop on a 1.4 Lounge.

Abarth 500 on 16" wheels

I know that you have frequently recommended the standard 16" wheels on the Abarth 500, but I didn't realise just how much better the car would be in comparison to the 17" upgrades. I recently bought a...

Abarth 500

I'm interested in buying the Abarth 500. I really like the car but I'm having second thoughts about it because of the hard suspension. I currently own a 1.4 Fiat 500 and while I like it, I hate it's ride...

Can you recommend an economical, safe lease car for use as a city commuter?

I presently lease a Nissan Micra Tekna through the NHS trust l work for. The trust will not be undertaking any further leasing agreements when mine runs out in June 2011. I have decided to take on a personal...

Where should I look for a used Fiat Panda, Toyota Yaris or Skoda Fabia?

My 19 year-old shopping trolley, a Vauxhall Nova 1.2 Merit Plus, will have to be replaced. Should I buy a Panda (2004/2005) or a Yaris (2003/2004) or a Fabia for £2,000 to £3,000? And should I source it...