Uno Mille Economy arrives at Fiat dealers with new technologies for reduction of consumption

Among the novelties of the 2009 Fiat Uno Mille model is the new Fire Economy 1.0 Flex engine, which together with an important set of mechanical solutions, makes it approximately 10% more economical than the previous engine.
The new version Mille Way Economy was created in function of the success of Kit Way, which accounted for approximately 30% of sales. Therefore, now there are four options for the customer: Mille Fire Economy and Mille Way Economy, available in 2 and 4 doors.
With these novelties and a more modern look, Fiat Mille Economy will continue to be unbeatable in its segment when one refers to economy, cost/benefit ratio, robustness, low maintenance cost and durability.
Ever since it was launched up to our present days, it is undeniable that it concerns an extremely revolutionary project. The automobile has excellent characteristics of habitability, ergonomics and visibility. To date, these are strengths of the product that attract customers.
The sales numbers, which place it among the most sold models of the Country, attest to the qualities and the added value of Fiat Uno, which has a broad history of success. With approximately nine million units produced worldwide since its launching, it is a clear example of the sum of qualities that keeps the consumer’s interest and recognition.
The main mechanical evolutions of the new Mille Economy are:
• Fire Economy 1.0 Flex Engine. Developed by FPT Powertrain Technologies, it was totally thought to favor fuel economy and reduced pollutant emission levels. The new Fire Economy 1.0 Flex engine received an efficient development package in the sense of improving even more what used to be an already outstanding feature of Mille Fire: fuel economy. The new consumption standards offered by the engine were reduced.
• Longer fifth gear. Available only for the Mille Fire Economy version the gear box received a new longer ration for the fifth speed. This ratio, which previously was 0.882:1 in the 2009 model passed to 0.838:1. This is a measurement that assures the use of the engine in smaller regimen of rotations on highways and large avenues, which improves fuel consumption standards.
• New oil. The use of 5W30 Low Friction oil, of very low friction. It concerns a lubricant with special lower viscosity base, and with specific additive for reduction of internal friction of the moving parts of the engine.
• Suspension. The front suspension passed to have a new configuration in its geometry. The convergence and wheel alignment values were modified to provide more resistance to rolling and improve the automobile’s economy values in urban and in highway circuits as well.
• Low rolling resistant tire. Mille Fire Economy is equipped, as standard equipment, with low rolling resistant tire. Its tire tread was designed so as to reduce rolling resistance. As a consequence it collaborates to lower consumption levels.
The last generation polymers used, along with a 5% reduction in tire weight, generate smaller rolling resistance, assuring better performance in fuel economy. If compared to a normal tire, it offers an RR (rolling resistance) reduction of approximately 30%.
• Econometer. An instant consumption indicator was added to the new instrument panel, “teaching” the driver the most economical way of driving using the least fuel as possible. With electronic operation, it is accurate in its indications and decisive item in a driving directed towards fuel economy. Its operation takes into account the vehicle’s speed and instantaneous consumption information, both supplied by the electronic injection central unit.
• Uno Mille Economy practical guide. It brings instructions and tips for better drivability with lower consumption.
The new Fire Economy 1.0 Flex engine
FPT Powertrain Technologies engineering worked in the sense of reducing sensibly the consumption and emission levels for the new Fire Economy 1.0 Flex. The improvements were obtained with the new electronic central unit and the adoption of new mechanical solution for the engine.
Inside the Fire Economy 1.0 Flex engine, as well as in the systems that are directed related to its operation, various interventions were arranged. The engine received a new tubular exhaust collector with optimized fluid dynamics, which was idealized to provide lesser load losses. A catalyst was also adopted with greater volume and impregnation capacity of noble metals, to assure greater retention and reduction of emissions. With a large transverse area and smaller height the assembly decreases at a maximum the restriction caused by the passage of gases through the catalyst’s ceramic.
The valve control mechanism also passed through a complete revision. It has its total mass reduced to about 27% using tappets, regulation pads, spring plates and lighter valves. This solution allowed a 25% reduction in the load of valve springs and, consequently, lesser energy used to activate the axle-valve control. As final result, reduction of consumption and internal noise level of the engine.
Another point refers to weight reduction of the thrust rods. They remained 30% lighter with the use of a forged and fractured thrust rod model. This attitude, besides collaborating towards the improvement of fuel consumption, provided decrease in vibration and in friction.
Reducing the injected fuel volume at engine startup was one more necessary precaution taken to minimize consumption and emissions. The use of a sensor allows the central unit to recognize the engine phase where the startup can be done in sequential mode. That is, by injecting fuel into a cylinder at a time. Otherwise, without the sensor, the central unit does not recognize in which stage the engine is and injects intermittently the mixture in the four cylinders at the same time, wasting fuel and increasing gas emission.
The engine’s gauging was totally redone, always in the sense of improving fuel consumption and gas emission indices. The slow gear passed from 850 to 750 rpm, condition that the vehicle does not need extra load for maintenance of electric voltage (ex.: conditions with air conditioning turned off, headlights turned off, windshield wipers and defrosters turned off).
To complete the mechanical prescription the mixture maps for consumption and control of the lambda probe for emissions were optimized.
Novelties in the style
Externally, the new Mille Fire Economy received a new grill in gray color with chrome-plated ledges, hoods, light alloy wheels with 13 inch diameter rim (optional accessories), fumed rear lamps and the new Fiat logo in red ? in front, rear, steering wheel, key and hoods. Another novelty is found on the bumpers, which now are in the same color as the body, leaving the model more elegant.
Internally, the central instrument panel received a new color and a differentiated fabric was adopted for the textile for lining of seats and door panels.
Besides the abovementioned innovations, the Mille Way Economy version received new grill, new textile fabric, bumpers and fender frames injected in the Gray color, lateral strips that identify the version and the new Economy and Mille Way ? marks on the rear. The Way version brings, furthermore, higher suspensions and series 70 profile tires (175/70 R 13).

A model for all
Currently it is the model that best meets countless needs of the market in the category. And with the novelties of the 2009 line Fiat Mille Economy is going to satisfy even more its wide public. It is the preferred one as rational buying option, it has been the favorite model of whoever decided to acquire a brand new car for the first time. It is also in the list of priorities of young university students, as the second family automobile, besides being the choice of liberal professionals that need an automobile for work with excellent cost/benefit ratio, low maintenance value, economy and durability at any circumstance of use.
Tranquility after the purchase
Fiat Uno Mille Economy comes with a general guarantee of one year with limitless mileage.  During the validity of the general guarantee, the owner of a Mille has the right to Confiat 24 hour assistance, which executes emergency services like towing, mechanical aid and standby vehicle at any place in Brazil.
To carry out any services in your Mille Economy, more than 500 service points all over the country are at the customer’s disposal, among dealers and assistance points. The services will always be executed with agility, efficiency and competitive costs, both for parts and labor as well.