Hit the button for the folding electric roof on the
new Fiat 500C and you're rolling back time as well.
Silently but swiftly it goes back in stages to
settle on the top of the bootlid as it did in the original over 50 years ago.
In a few seconds you have transformed the closed four-seat
coupe into a true cabriolet which offers sophistication and refinement in a
compact package. You can open, or close, it in stages to select precisely the
amount of openness you want.
Even with the neatly folded hood on the lid, you
can still open it to put in or remove items because sensors detect movement and
instantly lift it a few centimetres to permit the lid to open.
A slim aerofoil above the header rail can be
released to direct airflow over the heads of anyone in the back two seats to
provide a ruffle-free ride. In addition a windstop is an option fitted to the
rear parcel shelf.
Developed from the popular 500 hatchback the C was
conceived and developed by Fiat's own styling team and it has a deeper
windscreen, more body strengthening and a revised rear suspension which has
been incorporated from the sporting Abarth version. Abarth, Fiat 500 and 500C
are assembled in the same Polish factory which makes the Ford Ka and it is one
of the most productive plants in Europe.
Pitching into an exclusive area of the market, the
Fiat 500C is very well equipped with powered roof, optional leather trim, and availability of climate control, advanced
sound system, portable navigation as well as more familiar options.
It shares the hatchback's dimensions and choice of
75bhp 1.3 MultiJet turbodiesel with five-speed box or 69bhp 1.2 and 100bhp 1.4
petrol with six-speed manual or semi-automatic boxes. The clever folding room arrangement means the
bootspace runs to 182 litres, just 3 litres less than the hatchback.
There are seven airbags inside the strong passenger
cage and it comes in two trim levels, Pop and Lounge, but only the Lounge
standard electronic stability programme on the traction control.
Pop versions are fitted with electric steering,
manual climate control, CD/ MP3 player, height adjustable steering and driver's
seat, central locking and electric windows. Lounge models gain chrome detailing,
automatic climate control, ESP, fog lights and parking sensors and colour coded
alloys and door mirrors.
More unusual options are a small dashboard
blackboard and a make-up holder, but the whole accessories list runs to 100
items.
The Fiat 500C six model range is priced between
£11,300 and £14,100.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The new Fiat 500C is a delight to use with its
powered hood quickly opening or closing, and you do not badly suffer from wind
buffeting when it's open.
It has adequate power but slightly easier delivery
in the diesel and it looks very attractive, is comfortable and roomy for anyone
of average height and it handles well on open roads and with satisfying ease
around town thanks to the city-steering mode.
Ride is slightly firm but not
hard.
I am not sure you need parking sensors in such a
small car but the folded roof does restrict sight lines to the back and it may
be a good idea to order the sensors.
Access to the rear seats is a little tricky but the
boot opening action and capacity are good.
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