Shropshire Star

UK drive: Fiat’s 500C is cute, cheerful and surprisingly good to drive

The Fiat 500’s been around for over a decade in its current form – a tough show for any small car, let alone a niche, fashion-conscious model such as this. Tom Wiltshire takes the latest facelifted model for a drive, in drop-top convertible form

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What is it?

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What’s new?

The latest 500 facelift back in 2016 was the most comprehensive yet, with a raft of styling revisions inside and out. The headlights and taillights see the most noticeable changes, with smart LED daytime running lights at the front and new ring-shaped LED taillights. Inside, there’s a fresh five-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the option of a full LCD instrument display.
Under the skin, the existing engine line-up has been revised and, although there’s no more power on offer, the car’s economy and emissions have been given a boost. All but the basic 1.2-litre petrol now dip below 100g/km of CO2. Finally, there’s additional soundproofing to improve high-speed refinement.

What’s under the bonnet?

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What’s it like to drive?

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How does it look?

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What’s it like inside?

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What’s the spec like?

Entry-level 500s are sparsely equipped, with Pop trim missing out on essentials such as alloy wheels, air-conditioning or a touchscreen infotainment system. Pop Star adds the first two, but you’ll have to step up to Lounge to gain a 5-inch colour touchscreen infotainment display. That also brings stop-start tech and cruise control, plus foglights and rear parking sensors.
Sporty S upgrades to a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display, adds extra speakers and Apple CarPlay functionality, while range-topping Mirror also adds a TFT instrument display.
The 500C range looks very pricey alongside city cars of a similar size, but in the fashionable small convertible class it undercuts the Mini Convertible by several thousand pounds.

Verdict

Chances are you’ve already made your mind up whether you want a Fiat 500C or not. As far as small cars go, it’s behind the pack in terms of practicality and equipment, while pricing leaves a lot to be desired.
But as a fashion statement the 500C makes a lot more sense, with a timeless design and effortlessly funky style that appeals to motorists worldwide. Add in enough practicality for its target audience and a decent driving experience, especially with the peppy TwinAir engines, and it’s an appealing proposition. The convertible model tested here is even more charming than the hatch, and its popularity is deserved.

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