FIAT 500 CONVERTIBLE REVIEW

Performance

3 out of 5 stars

The entry-level 68bhp 1.2 struggles up steep hills and is far from fast, but it's perfectly adequate for trundling around in and enjoying the sunshine. It has enough get-up-and-go to keep pace with urban traffic, and happily reaches motorway speeds. The 85bhp 0.9-litre TwinAir, the 94bhp 1.3 diesel and the 99bhp 1.4 petrol (all with optional automatic gearboxes) are stronger, while the 138bhp Abarth gives hot-hatch pace.
Ride & Handling

3 out of 5 stars

Thanks to its solid roof pillars, the structurally rigid 500C feels very similar to the 500 hatch: solid, stable and secure on the road, with little convertible-style shake, rattle or roll. The ride can sometimes get a bit bouncy, but not in a way that will really bother you.
Refinement

3 out of 5 stars

The full-length canvas roof folds in three stages and the glass rear window slides right down. With the roof in the mid-position, there is some wind noise and buffeting around the folded canvas. However, the cabin is well insulated when the roof is up, and quiet again with the canvas fully retracted. Engine- and road noise is well suppressed.

Buying & Owning

3 out of 5 stars

The 500C looks expensive to buy, but running costs, including insurance and servicing, should be affordable. Fuel economy is excellent, and much helped by having a start/stop system on most models. The 0.9 averages almost 69mpg, the 1.2 almost 60 mpg and the 1.3 diesel an impressive 72.4mpg, with carbon dioxide emissions and tax ratings correspondingly low. Resale values are strong.
Quality & Reliability

3 out of 5 stars

Most of the 500C's technology is tried and tested, and even the roof mechanism is relatively simple. The cabin is nicely finished with plenty of retro touches, and time will tell as to how well it fares with regards to reliability. However, the first signs aren't too promising: in the 2011 JD Power customer satisfaction survey, owners rated its reliability as no better than average, as well as reporting a highish number of faults with the Blue&Me hands-free system and windscreen wipers.
Safety & Security

4 out of 5 stars

The 500 hatch scored five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, and the 500C is structurally very similar, because it keeps fixed roof pillars. Seven airbags are standard, including a driver's knee 'bag. Most versions have stability control, while the roof looks tough and well sealed.

Behind The Wheel

3 out of 5 stars

The driving position is upright, and the large, thin-rimmed steering wheel and billiard ball-type gearknob and lever mounted high in the dash all add to the retro flavour. The dials and controls aren't too fiddly, and the large door mirrors compensate for any loss of rearward vision when the roof is part-way folded.
Space & Practicality

3 out of 5 stars

The small rear seats give a little more legroom than in some rivals, and the boot is only slightly smaller than that of the hatch. The rear seats fold down to create more space for luggage, and the folded roof automatically slides up a little when the boot lid is opened to allow better access.
Equipment

4 out of 5 stars

Entry-level Pop models have all the essentials, including air-conditioning, central locking and front electric windows; Lounge spec adds chrome trim, front foglights, parking sensors, painted mirrors and 15-inch alloy wheels. There's an extensive list of further options and accessories, including leather upholstery, a blackboard-style dash panel, Bluetooth, decals and panel stickers.