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Fiat is set to showcase its developmental green technologies with the 500 Aria concept, a car the Italian automaker will unveil at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Unlike the gasoline/methane/hydrogen-fueled Panda Aria which Fiat debuted in Frankfurt, the 500 concept uses a small diesel engine.

The 500 Aria's 1.3-liter 16-valve Multijet diesel is equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and start-stop technology with a robotic Dualogic transmission. The auxiliary systems have been replaced with new units that draw less power, certain components have been replaced with lighter-weight versions, and the conventional tires have been switched out for low-drag Pirelli rubber. All in all, the measures taken on the 500 Aria concept reduce the car's fuel consumption by 10 percent in city driving, and cut CO₂ emissions down to 98g/km.

Fiat has also installed interior components made from recycled materials: the floor is derived from old tires, and the seats are upholstered with woven recycled leather and various organic materials. Although the 500 Aria itself remains purely a concept vehicle, it serves as a demonstration of earth-friendly practices and technologies which Fiat says it is already putting in place on standard production vehicles. See for yourself in the image gallery below and in the preliminary press release after the jump.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Aria concept