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4
Handling
3
Performance
Usability
Feelgood factor
5
Readers' rating
3.5
By Ben Whitworth
First Drives
25 June 2009 18:00
The 500 has been an unprecedented success for Fiat. Last year the company’s revitalised UK dealer network shifted 15,148 500 models, and this year that number is expected to climb some 34% to 20,310. And this sales success will be bolstered by the arrival of the 500C convertible.
On sale from 2 July 2009, the dinky 500C echoes its 1957 predecessor with a simple folding fabric roof and winning character. Only 1500 are destined for the UK this year because of production constraints - from next year this should level out to annual sales of around 3000, around 15% of total 500 sales.
The 500C shares its key componentry with the tin-top version so you get the same range of 69bhp 1.2 and 100bhp 1.4 petrol and 75bhp diesel engines, five- and six-speed manual boxes, as well as the familiar Pop and Lounge trim levels. Prices range from £11,300 for the 1.2 Pop to a rather steep £14,100 for the 1.3 Lounge. That’s a full £3000 premium over the fixed-head version, although Fiat is quick to point out that the cabrio enjoys higher levels of standard spec, with seven airbags, central locking, unique alloys, a decent six-speaker audio system and air-con on all models. And its internal and external dimensions mirror those of the standard 500, save the 182-litre boot, which is now three whole litres smaller.
Fiat opted for the sliding fabric roof rather than a full pillarless convertible or folding metal hard-top for two reasons – firstly, it created a neat and exploitable historic link with the original 500 of 1957 which started life as a convertible first, with a tin-top following three years later; and secondly it cut development time and saved on engineering costs, allowing Fiat to equip the cabrio with the same active and passive safety features of the hatch which posts a full five-star Euro NCAP rating.
Engineering mods are minimal – to compensate for the loss of roof, the 500C is fitted with a more robust front cross-member behind the dash; a rear strut on which the retracted roof sits; bolstered B-pillars; a smaller but stiffer header rail for the windscreen; and the rear suspension receives the anti-roll bar setup from the frisky Abarth. In total, they add 40kg to the car’s kerb weight.
>> Click 'Next' below to read more of our Fiat 500C first drive
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Fiat 500C 1.4 (2009) CAR review
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ronwhite says
RE: Fiat 500C 1.4 (2009) CAR review
Definitely a check flick, but wot's wrong with that? We lads can still get off on the monthly reports from the Porsche/Lambo/Ferrari scene.
09 July 2009 15:06
kkirkou says
It's for chicks because it's a cute fashion item without dynamic thrills (like, say, a Mini). Isn't it obvious?
02 July 2009 01:13
comment8 says
At what point does a "chicks" car become a mans car and a mans car a sad reflection of sexual inadequacy. My super hetero (windsurfing, karate etc etc) brother-in-law has ditched his Land Cruiser for my sisters 500 for practically everything except getting his boat up a jetty. He is over 50 though so perhaps the fear of being labelled anything but 100% masculine does fade with age. The convertible concept is unfortunately not very suitable for Australia - anything longer than 2 minutes stuck at the lights in 40 degree heat is simply unbearable - male, female, straight or gay.
30 June 2009 04:15
wittgenfrog says
I'm a bit cocerned that people won't buy it 'coz its a "Girls' car". I know makers do all this demographics crap and I have seen a LOT of 500's being driven by the Laydeez, but not as many as i've seen Laydeez driving huge macho SUVs. Potential feminineness or not, I'd happily drive one. Unlike Jezza Clarkson, my masculinity is neither threatened nor enhanced by whatever wheels I'm driving, and the ability to smear burnt rubber everywhere forms no part of my car selection brief.
I'm a bit cocerned that people won't buy it 'coz its a "Girls' car".
I know makers do all this demographics crap and I have seen a LOT of 500's being driven by the Laydeez, but not as many as i've seen Laydeez driving huge macho SUVs. Potential feminineness or not, I'd happily drive one.
Unlike Jezza Clarkson, my masculinity is neither threatened nor enhanced by whatever wheels I'm driving, and the ability to smear burnt rubber everywhere forms no part of my car selection brief.
29 June 2009 13:50
jinglebuddy says
sorry guys, tin-top or convertible, i still think the new 500 is dead ugly. just take a look at the original, you know what i mean. heck, i think that recreated t-bird and new bug actually did way better than this one in terms of retro design. and you know what? screw all the hype about fun-to-drive factor, the original beats it on that front, too.
27 June 2009 06:15
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