Fiat Punto and Alfa Romeo MiTo to get new TwinAir engine

The 900cc two-cylinder unit uses Fiat's innovative TwinAir technology, which features a unique valve management system and a turbocharger. In the 500 city car, the engine is able to produce 85bhp, and Fiat has now announced that it will offer the powerplant in the Grande Punto and Alfa Romeo MiTo hatchbacks.

Despite the smaller capacity size, the new engine will see an increase in power for both hatchbacks. Currently, the Fiat Grande Punto uses a 1.2-litre engine that produces 64bhp, while the Alfa Romeo MiTo's 1.4-litre unit produces 77bhp.

The cars will also come with start/stop technology and a dashboard-mounted Eco button, which modifies throttle input, and helps ensure optimal fuel economy. Fuel consumption and emissions are expected to be reduced by around 10 to 15 per cent.

The new TwinAir 900cc engine will serve as a complement to the hatchbacks existing powerplants, and be offered as a premium option to European customers who want extremely low emissions. Fiat has not confirmed whether the new engine will be fitted to cars bound for export markets.