Fiat drops the top of the 500C
(Credit:
Fiat S.p.A.)
Fiat released this preview of the new Fiat 500C before the unveiling at the 2009 International Motor Show in Geneva, and before its launch throughout Europe in the spring.
The Fiat 500C's soft top is fully motorized and features a glass rear window. The top is available in three colors (ivory, red, and black) and will be matched with several body colors, including two exclusive cabriolet-only colors: brilliant Pearl Red and special Warm Grey.
The 500C's sliding soft top opens the cabin without any obvious loss in space.
(Credit: Fiat S.p.A.)Aside from the new soft top, the 500C is exactly the size as the basic model, which is just fine by us. The convertible offers the same three powerplants: the 1.3-liter 75 horsepower MultiJet Turbodiesel with five-speed manual, and the 1.2-liter 69 horsepower and 1.4-liter 100 horsepower gasoline engines, available with either manual or automated-manual Dualogic transmission. It has the same footprint and dimension. It even features the same Start&Stop system, which shuts down the engine at every complete stop, when shifting to neutral and releasing the clutch.
The original 500 was met with rave reviews by the European automotive press and it looks as if we may see the tiny coupe on North American streets soon. Whether we'll be given the option of choosing the 500C soft top remains to be seen.
It was about time to discern between what is truly beautful and what is either an Asian poor copy or an American attempt at designing a car. And that's on top of the the energy efficiency, a concept quite alien in the land where shower taps control only water temperature, and not water volume.