Abarth 500C

Insane looks
Entertaining to drive
Clever folding roof doesn’t cannibalise boot

Abarth 500C Convertible (2009 - 2015) MK1

The Abarth 500C convertible is a hoot to drive at any speed. It can’t match the MINI Cooper S Convertible for performance, but it’s much cheaper and packs a stronger visual punch.

Our verdict

Is the Abarth 500C a good car?

How we rated this car out of 5 on the following

Abarth 500C interior

Space, materials, boot size and comfort.

Abarth 500C performance

Power, handling, fuel and range.

Abarth 500C how good does it look

Abarth 500C practicality

Abarth 500C drive

Abarth 500C reliability

Abarth 500C equipment

Our expert review

See what our expert review team say about this car

Interior Performance Appearance Practicality Driveability Reliability Equipment

Area of interest:

The thick-rimmed, flat-bottomed steering wheel is lovely to hold, and the coloured panel in the dashboard gives the car a premium feel. It’s easy to make the Abarth 500C look even more distinctive using Fiat’s vast array of personalisation options. We like the little turbo boost gauge next to the big speedometer. Sadly the ergonomics aren’t a patch on those of the MINI Convertible. The Abarth 500C is a small car with limited headroom and a cramped driving position. The pedals are squeezed together, the steering wheel lacks adjustment and the driver’s seat is set too high.