Fiat boxing clever with something unique

IT sounds like a Class A drug but Fiat’s novel Speedgear is anything but although it does bare one similarity – it’s addictive.

For Speedgear is the latest derivative of their immensely successful Punto. It’s a very clever idea that gives the driver a choice between a six-speed manual shift with a sequential engagement or a fully power-assisted gearbox where the car behaves exactly as a full automatic. A flick of the wrist switches from one system to the other.

And when the gearbox is in automatic tranmission the driver can programme it to either ‘performance’ or ‘economy’ settings.

The secret lies within the innovative CVT electronically-controlled continuous automatic transmission, the ‘Speedgear’ system, effectively two gearboxes in one.

Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) means the driver has access to a virtually unlimited number of gear ratios which are engaged simply by putting the gear lever into ‘Drive’. The CVT system, which substitutes the cogs of a conventional ‘box for a steel belt and two pulleys, then does the rest, seemlessly and automatically moving into exactly the right gear ratio for your needs.

In this fully automatic ‘Drive’ mode you can choose either a sporty style of driving with short gear ratios or an economy mode with longer ratios, ideal for ducking and diving along city streets and for more relaxed driving.

If at any stage it is felt the CVT system is doing all the work and having all the fun, just flick the lever into sequential mode. Now you have an exciting manual transmission system matched to a powerful 12. litre 80bhp 100mph 16-valve engine.

The sequential system means you just nudge the gear lever to change from one of six well-stacked pre-selected gear ratios. Nudge forward to change up or nudge back to change down. Ideal for driving on twisty country lanes or for those times you fancy playing racing driver.

Big on styling inside and out, the spacious five-door Punto 1.2 16v ELX Speedgear is identical to the conventional manual except for the shiny sporty steel-plated gear lever unit.

Standard equipment includes dualdrive electric power steering, central locking with Fiat code anti-theft engine immobiliser, electric front windows, Blaupunkt stereo radio/CD player, follow-me-home security lighting system and height adjustable driver’s seat, steering wheel and inertia reel front seat belts.

The 1.2 litre 16-valve engine has phased sequential electronic multipoint fuel injection, double overhead camshaft and produces 80bhp at 4000rpm for a top speed of 102mph.

At just £580 more than the normal manual version, the Speedgear makes a lot good sense. And it’s great fun to drive. Turn of speed in ‘Drive’ is impressive. Acceleration from standstill is very quick and instant and peformance is perky although revving it hard doesn’t necessarily produce more speed. The CVT varies the gear ratios almost imperceptibly for a smooth and relaxing drive.

And when you do get ‘nudging’ this is a fun experience in itself.

While the Speedgear is novel and fun the normal manual equivalent is still the better on performance and economy. Our return of 40.5mpg was not too far off Fiat’s 43.5mpg claim.

A year ago I drove Fiat’s clutchless Seicento Citymatic – you use the gears in the normal way – and thought it gimmicky. This is not the case with the Speedgear which I find ideal for the driver who wants the best of both worlds – and gets it at very little extra cost.