Fiat 500 has introduced a start and stop model based on its 1.2 Lounge.

The system stops the engine automatically when trasffic conditions bring the car to a halt and restarts when the driver wants to move off again, much like technology in BMW and Citroen cars.

Costing £9,500, it is the most economical version of Fiat 500 petrol range with 113g/km CO2 and combined cycle of 58mpg.

Fiat’s Blue&Me hands-free telecommunications and entertainment system is standard on 500 Start&Stop, which means the car also has eco:Drive, a system which allows customers to monitor and improve on their CO2 emissions and fuel consumption figures.

Andrew Humberstone, Fiat UK managing director, said: “This is an important development for the 500 as it will help to make what is already a fuel-efficient, value-for-money car an even greater consideration for town and city drivers.”