We get it first! The Fiat 500C will be on sale here this summer, before it’s even available in Italy, writes Phil Vaughan.
And the newly-released prices will tempt any convertible-lover.
Based on soar-away sales success, the retro-styled 500 supermini will cost from £11,300, and even the range-topping Lounge version isn’t that expensive, at £14,100.
The Lounge comes with a range of luxuries, including automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, and alloy wheels as standard.
The eagerly-awaited convertible version of Fiat’s iconic 500 city car will be powered by the same very frugal, low-emissions engines which are available in the 500, including 1.2-litre, 69bhp and 1.4-litre, 100 bhp petrol units, and the 1.3-litre, 75bhp, turbo-diesel unit.
“The sophisticated new 500C is a faithful yet thoroughly modern take on the rich heritage of the sought-after 500,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director of Fiat UK. “I am sure it will make a host of enthusiastic new friends!”
Lots of motorists are still looking towards the second-hand market for their open-air motoring, where demand for convertibles is currently quite high.
Buyers should consider having a punt at a special, convertibles-only auction.
For example, British Car Auctions (BCA) spokesman Tim Naylor says his firm will be offering some great value soft-tops and roadsters in special sale sections over the coming weeks.
“We see demand for convertibles at all times of the year, but as winter fades and spring blooms, interest in ragtops increases as buyers contemplate open-top motoring in the warmer weather,” he says.
“Average prices for convertibles can rise significantly, so for anyone who has their heart set on open-top motoring this summer, the sooner they buy, the better.”
There are prices to suit every pocket. Recent BCA sales examples include, at the top end, a 2007 BMW 635i Sports Convertible, with 15,000 miles on the clock, that went for £33,000, and, at the other end of the price scale, a 1999 MG-F 1.8i two-seater drop-top, with 68,000 miles under its belt, sold for£1,100.
Naylor does warn that prices for well-presented convertibles can routinely out-perform market expectations, although high or excessive mileage will soften values.
“General high demand always leads to competitive bidding, so potential buyers should set themselves a limit and be prepared to walk away if values heat up too much.
“For drivers who are set on buying a soft-top at auction, the usual advice applies – do your homework, get to know what sort of values the car you want commands, and what sort of faults you should look out for.
“On the day, check the catalogue and appraise any cars of interest. Pay particular attention to the hood mechanism, and ask the auction driver to open and close the hood for you,” he says.
“There are some spectacular bargains to be had, particularly on MG-F and the later MG-TF models, which are incredibly affordable.”
By Phil Vaughan
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