First drive - Fiat 500 C 1.3 Multijet Lounge

Monday 12 October 2009

Drop-top 500 sticks close to the original and is full of retro charm.

What is it? The 500 C is the convertible version of the retro-cute Fiat 500. Inspired by the original 1957 Fiat 500 Nuova, it features an electric-folding fabric roof that retracts like a very large sunroof, down through the rear window, to sit just above the bootlid.

Fiat says that the benefit of keeping the roof like this – other than staying true to the original car – is that the 500 C’s body retains most of its rigidity, which would otherwise have been lost in the removal of the pillars and roof rails. This, in turn, means that the 500C gets the full five-star NCAP rating.

The 500 C – available in two trim levels, Pop and Lounge – will set you back around £3,000 more than the standard tip-topped car, but it does get more equipment, with both trims receiving an upgraded interior and Lounge models adding climate control, ESP, front fog lights and rear parking sensors.

Is it any good? The 500 C is a superbly capable convertible.

One of the great benefits of the folding roof design is that Fiat has been able to maintain the car’s interior dimensions, so there’s still a good-sized boot and enough rear space to squeeze in two small adults.

Fiat has managed to limit the amount of buffeting with the roof fully down, even at motorway speeds, while the occupants don’t get blown about much either. The car feels solid too, and there’s only the slightest hint of scuttle shake – not helped on bumpier surfaces by the 500’s slightly stiff suspension and the larger 16” alloys on our test car.

Overall though, the 500 C feels very good to drive, with well-weighted steering. We’ve previously criticised the 1.3 Multijet engine in larger models such as the Qubo and Grande Punto for its lack of grunt, but in the lighter 500 it seems to make much more sense. It’s still not the quickest of engines, but there’s less need to work the gears and it’s happy cruising, with the ability to pick up nicely for overtaking. With the roof up too, the 500 C feels much like the hatch to drive and there’s not a great deal of extra wind noise through the fabric roof.

The only minor niggle with the 500 C is its poor rear visibility. The rear quarter view is almost completely obscured due to the bulky rear pillars, while the roof sits quite high when folded down, limiting the view through the rear mirror. It is an issue, but thankfully the rear parking sensors (standard on Lounge models) compensate to help avoid collisions.

Should I give it garage space? If you’re after a seriously cool budget convertible to see you through the summer – and into the winter – the 500 C is the car for you. It perfectly combines the joys of top-down motoring with all the things we love about the 500.

The roof is very easy to use, requiring the pressing of just one button above the rear-view mirror. It can be opened in two stages too, either as a large, open sunroof, or fully retracted. It can even be operated at speeds of up to 30mph.

And don’t let the £3K price hike put you off. Fiat will be doing some affordable personal finance deals on the 500 C, so buyers can get their hands on one for as little as £199 per month.

Specifications Model: Fiat 500C 1.3 Multijet Lounge


Price: £14,100


Engine: 1,248cc 4cyl 16v diesel 


Power: 75bhp at 4,000rpm


Torque: 107lb-ft at 1,500rpm


Performance: 0-62mph 13 seconds, top speed 103 mph


Fuel economy: 67.3mpg


CO2 emissions: 110g/km