The new Fiat 500 C, a convertible version of the iconic Fiat 500, goes on sale here today, 2 July. The stylish new Fiat 500 C pays homage to the original 1957 fabric roof Fiat 500, but today’s thoroughly modern interpretation offers customers innovative solutions in terms of mechanical design, engines and comfort.
Starting from the basis of the highly successful 500 hatchback, the introduction of a soft top version does not change the winning characteristics of the model, such as its four comfortable seats and its comprehensive safety equipment, but it does add new functions that heighten enjoyment, including easy access to the boot even when the soft top is fully open, thanks to a clever system of parallelogram hinges.
Another strong point of this original convertible version is its exceptional climate and acoustic comfort. Thorough aerodynamic research means that turbulence experienced on the move with the roof open has been reduced to a minimum, allowing full enjoyment of fresh air and the company of fellow passengers.
The decision to re-interpret the original design in a modern idiom, with an electric sliding roof that retains the shape of this classic vehicle, makes the Fiat 500 C less of a seasonal product and one that can be enjoyed the whole year round. In short, all these features make this new vehicle one of the most successful convertibles in the modern city car segment.
The new Fiat 500 C retains the same dimensions as the hatchback (355 cm long, 165 cm wide and 149 cm high) and shares all three of its lively, economical, low emissions power units: the 75 bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel engine combined with a five-speed manual gearbox, together with the 69 bhp 1.2 litre and 100 bhp 1.4 litre petrol engines, both available with manual or Dualogic semi-automatic robotised gearboxes. Each Euro5-compliant engine offers different qualities, but all three are defined by a lively yet sophisticated feel.
The Fiat 500 C soft top stands out for its elegant electrically controlled movements and its impressively finished and carefully selected technical features, from the glass rear window to the third brake light built into the soft top itself. Available in three colours (ivory, red and black), the clever soft top is matched with various paint finishes, including three new creations: a pearlescent Ragamuffin Red, a Tech House Grey typical of high performance supercars, and Goth-Metal Blue.
The new Fiat 500 C has an exclusive feel to its interior, which is embellished with top quality desirable fabrics, including optional Frau leather upholstery, and a long list of market-dependent standard and optional features: from automatic climate control to its innovative Interscope HiFi System, from the Blue&Me Map portable navigation unit to a smart wind-stop, and a new collection of customisable options.
If the soft top is down and the boot release is activated, an electronic system automatically lifts the hood a few centimetres to allow the boot to be fully opened. This functional and neat solution contributes to the fact that the Fiat 500 C is best in class for ease and versatility of loading and unloading. The luggage compartment itself, (with a capacity of 182 litres – just three litres less than the saloon version), together with a traditional upwards-opening boot and wide access, is spacious and easy to load.
The soft top is available in three colours (ivory, red and black) to match the numerous body colours (six pastel, three metallic and two pearlescent). Some of these are inspired by the vintage colours of its forerunner, while others are modern and boast a deliberately contemporary look. Among these, three were created specifically for the Fiat 500 C: pearlescent Ragamuffin Red, Tech House Grey (typical of high performance supercars) and elegant Goth-Metal Blue.
The Fiat 500 C soft top is characterised by sophisticated electrically controlled movements and innovative technical solutions. In particular, a colour-coded moulding of the same colour as the soft top acts as a spoiler and houses a third brake light, creating similar aerodynamics to the saloon version – a class-leading Cx of 0.33. In addition, when the soft top is down, the spoiler is arranged so that the third brake light is always visible. The double-layered roof fabric ensures the best possible insulation from the elements, and along with the fabric covered pillars, completes an attractive finish from the inside.
The electrically operated soft top can be controlled either by buttons next to the interior roof light, or from the car’s remote control unit. The soft top can be operated at any speed under 37 mph (60 km/h). Designed to be easy to use: to open it, just press the button for at least half a second to trigger the movement that then continues automatically up to the spoiler position (a midway point can of course be chosen by pressing the button again). Press the button again for at least half-a-second to fully open the roof. When using the remote control, the roof can be opened only as far as the spoiler. For safety reasons, the roof stops at around 25 cm from complete closure; (just press and hold the button to complete the movement).
When the boot is open, the soft top can only be closed (the opening function is de-activated). However, if the roof is fully open and the boot needs to be opened, the soft top automatically moves to a midway point to avoid obstructing loading operations.
For more information on the Fiat 500 C call our Fiat sales teams on Darlington freephone 0800 980 4532 or York on freephone 0800 072 0762.