Fiat 500 C convertible (2009 – ) expert review

Unlike some drop-tops which look ungainly with the roof up, the Fiat 500C still looks the business. And that’s because it’s not a cabriolet in the same way as the Peugeot 207CC or even the Daihatsu Copen. With them, you roll down the windows and roof and there’s nothing but sky. The Fiat’s roof is more like a massive sunroof that also encompasses the rear window, which means with the roof up it looks every bit as good as the standard hatchback. It’s not quite as pretty roof down, with the whole ensemble folded on top of the parcel shelf.

With the roof down, the last thing you need is an ugly interior, but fortunately the 500C’s cabin is every bit as nice as the exterior. The retro Fiat badge on the steering wheel beams back at the driver, while the instrument cluster features a rev counter around the outside, with a speedo inside it and the trip computer in the centre. On the move it’s as though the speedo needle is chasing the rev counter. The main dash facia is colour-coded and stretches from door to door, interrupted only by some retro buttons.

The Fiat 500C is a car of two halves when it comes to practicality. Roof up, it’s as easy to live with as the hatchback version, meaning a 182-litre boot (fractionally smaller than the hatchback) and loads of space up front. Rear space is limited for heads and legs, so think of it more as a 2+2 rather than a full four-seater. Fold the roof down however, and it’s a little more compromised. Rear visibility is dramatically reduced, and travelling at more than 40mph – with the roof folded to the last of its three positions – there’s an oscillating as the air bounces around the cabin. A wind deflector would help with the wind buffeting at speed too.

Where the 500C’s ‘huge sunroof’ philosophy pays dividends is with its ride and handling. There’s far less chassis flex on bumpy roads than many of its rivals, but the ride can feel a little choppy. Enthusiasts will bemoan the lightness of the steering, but it’s perfect for driving around town. It’s very light, making tight manoeuvres easy, and there’s a City mode that makes the steering feather-light at low speeds.

Three engines are available: two petrols and a diesel. We tested the 69bhp 1.2-litre petrol and while it’s quiet around town and happy to mix it in the fast lane on occasions, it is slower and less frugal than Fiat’s award winning Twinair engine. The 0.9-litre unit boasts 85bhp, which is enough to get the 500C to 62mph in 11.0 seconds (2.4 seconds quicker than the 1.2). Those seeking diesel frugality will be interested in the 95bhp 1.3 Multijet engine. While it’s quicker than the petrol options, we can’t help thinking some of the glamour of a chic convertible is lost when accompanied by a diesel soundtrack.

Expect the same strong used values that the standard 500 returns for the convertible, although it does cost a little more to buy new. The 1.2-litre petrol covers 58.9mpg, while emitting 113g/km of CO2, while the Twinair petrol covers 68.9mpg and emits 95g/km. The 1.3 diesel will be cheapest in terms of fuel costs, covering an impressive 72.4mpg and emits just 104g/km of CO2. Insurance groups are low, starting at group 4 and servicing is every two years or 18,000 miles.

Forget Fiats from the past – the latest crop of cars seem to be built as well as anything else on the market. The 500 is built in the same Polish factory as the Ford Ka.

Although the 500C hasn’t been specifically tested by EuroNCAP, the hatchback has, and achieved a full five-star rating. Standard kit includes ABS with EBD and driver, passenger, driver’s knee, side and curtain airbags. Higher spec models add Hill Hold and ESP.

There are two models in the 500C line-up: Pop and Lounge. The Pop features remote central locking, air-con and electric windows and mirrors but you’ll need to fork out extra for alloy wheels. The Lounge adds Bluetooth and USB connectivity, dual-zone climate control, chrome trims, fog lights, alloy wheels and leather highlights in the cabin.

The coolest car on the block just got even more appeal. For chic city types, there’s no better way to get the wind in your hair.