Report: Fiat readying 500 hybrid

With its compact body and highly efficient range of gasoline and diesel engines, there aren't a lot of cars on the road that return better fuel economy and lower emissions than the Fiat 500. But if the latest reports are to be believed, Fiat isn't about to rest on its green laurels.

According to emerging reports, a hybrid version of the Fiat 500 is in the works. The gas/electric retro mini would start off with Fiat's 900cc two-cylinder engine, hooked up to a battery pack and backed up by a start-stop ignition system and a dual-clutch transmission. The idea of an environmentally-friendly 500 was previewed by the Fiat 500 Aria concept (pictured above) shown earlier this year at the Geneva show, while the 500 hybrid would reportedly be unveiled, oddly, at next year's Goodwood Festival of Speed. The combination of green credentials would surely increase the 500's economy to industry-leading levels, and help the entire Fiat Group come in below impending European emissions standards.

[Source: Auto Express via Auto Unleashed]