In a few months, Europeans will have a brand-new model at their disposal that will be the envy of the rest of the world. Following the indisputable success of the diminutive
500 subcompact, Fiat will launch a soft-top version this spring. The small master of the road pays homage to the 1957 model but with a decidedly contemporary attitude. The C variant is powered by the same engines as the coupe, a 75-hp turbo diesel mill and two gas engines producing 69 and 100 hp, respectively. There's no word at the moment on an Abarth performance version. The
500C is as tiny as its predecessor, only 355 cm long and 1.5 m wide.
It's also eco-friendly: in addition to low fuel consumption, it benefits from a "Start & Stop" system that shuts the engine down when the car isn't in motion, at traffic lights for instance. It maintains the roof side ridges for advanced
safety . The innovative design of the soft top allows for four passenger seats and generous trunk space even with the top peeled back. The roof will be come in three colours, ivory, red and black. The Fiat 500C will be built alongside the coupe at the Tichy plant in Poland. Unfortunately for us, Fiat doesn't plan on marketing the 500 or 500c on our shores yet. However, the recent
merging of Fiat and the Chrysler Group is keeping that particular dream alive.
photo: Fiat