Item: Fiat 500 Cabrio
Rating: 5
Author: What Car? Team

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DS 3 Crossback E-Tense

Fiat 500 Cabrio

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Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

The 500 Cabrio’s electric underpinnings mean it’s a pricier buy than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/t-roc/sports/review/n21188">Mini Convertible</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/smart/fortwo-coupe/city-car/review/n18076">Smart EQ Fortwo</a> and isn’t much less than the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/t-roc/sports/review/n21188">Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet</a>. Strong desirability means it’s predicted to hold its value well, although not quite as well as a Mini Convertible. Meanwhile, monthly <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/pcp-or-hp-which-car-finance-option-makes-most-sense/n1163">PCP deals</a> are attractive for an electric car, if not quite as cheap as a Mini.

The 500 Cabrio’s 42kWh battery allows you to charge at speeds of up to 85kW. This means a 0-80% charge takes just 35 minutes if you can find a charger powerful enough, although a 0-100% charge at home will take considerably longer – around 6hr 45min.

Entry-level Passion trim gets the basics such as manual air-con and cruise control, although we reckon Icon trim makes the most sense. As well as the infotainment goodies we mentioned earlier, this also brings 16in alloy wheels, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, keyless entry and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. La Prima gets LED headlights and a punchier stereo, but is too pricey to recommend.

The latest 500 hadn’t been appraised for safety by <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/euro-ncap-safety-ratings-2019-%E2%80%93-how-safe-is-your-car/n17044">Euro NCAP</a> at the time of writing, but all versions come with lane-keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition and automatic emergency braking. Blindspot monitoring and adaptive cruise control are standard only on range-topping La Prima trim, but are at least optional on the other, cheaper versions. It’s a pity, though, that you have to pay extra for an alarm on all trim levels.

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Unlike the 500 hatchback there’s no lower-cost short range version, only the 42kWh battery pack is available. Still, that’s the one we’d recommend anyway thanks to its ability to charge at a faster rate and crucially, its greater range.&nbsp;

Now, the 500 Cabrio can’t travel quite as far as the hatchback on a full battery, however its range of up to 188 miles (dropping to 185 on top La Prima trim) is still far greater than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/smart/fortwo-coupe/city-car/review/n18076">Smart EQ Fortwo Cabrio</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/honda-e/hatchback/review/n20882">Honda e</a>, if not the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/e208/hatchback/review/n20228">Peugeot e-208</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/zoe/hatchback/review/n152">Renault Zoe</a>. We’ve yet to put the 500 through our scientific <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-car-real-range-which-electric-car-can-go-farthest-in-the-real-world/n18159">Real Range tests</a> but, based on our early drives, a range of 150 miles should be easily achievable as long as you take it easy.

In our tests, the punchy 117bhp electric motor managed to get the 500 to 60mph from a standstill in 8.0sec, and thanks to that acceleration being so instant, it feels even faster than it actually is. To compare it with the petrol-powered <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/convertible/sports/review/n17156">Mini Convertible</a>, its turn of pace feels more Cooper S than plain-Jane Cooper.

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The 500 is built primarily for the city, so it has a tight turning circle and is great for zipping along narrow streets or darting away from traffic lights. It doesn’t lean too much, even through tight turns, and has plenty of grip; just don’t expect a lot of feedback from its super-light steering. A Mini Convertible has meatier steering and rolls a little less, however like the e-208 and Zoe, it doesn’t handle as tidily as the 500 Cabrio.

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The ride is fairly choppy but not uncomfortably so, proving better at soaking up bumps than the overly firm Mini Convertible. And while softer rivals, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/t-roc/sports/review/n21188">Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/e208/hatchback/review/n20228">Peugeot e-208</a>, are calmer and more settled along faster roads, the 500 is upset less than most by potholes and expansion joints around town.&nbsp;

The 500 isn’t out of its depth on the motorway, though – handy because its healthy range between charges makes longer journeys a genuine possibility. Mind you, it's quite noisy at faster speeds, with lots of wind and road roar. Still the Mini Convertible isn’t exactly a quiet companion.

When you fold the roof down you aren’t blown around as much as you might imagine. That’s partly because on the top of its windscreen it has an ‘air cap’ that diverts air over the heads of those sitting in the front. Unlike the Mini Convertible and T-Roc Cabriolet the 500 Cabrio’s roof pillars remain in place, helping to reduce buffeting further when the roof is down. They also make the 500 Cabrio’s body stiffer than rivals, so you’ll notice the rear-view mirror wobbling far less.

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

http://example.com

1.0 Mild Hybrid

10-mild-hybrid

87kW

87kw

The Fiat 500 Cabrio is a car with a long and storied history. Soft-top roof aside, it’s identical to its hatchback stablemate – a car that traces its lineage back to the late 1950s, but which was brought kicking and screaming into the present by switching to electric power. To achieve that, it was redesigned from the ground up, yet is still instantly recognisable as an evolution of the petrol-powered original.

So, despite the familiar looks, you’re looking at a cutting-edge electric 500 Cabrio that’ll be sold alongside the existing 500C. Unlike that car, which is offered only with petrol power, albeit with light hybrid assistance, the 500 Cabrio is all-electric.

Unlike the 500 hatchback the Cabrio offers only one battery option, but, as you’ll find out, that’s not really an issue. So, once you’ve picked your preferred trim level, the trickiest decision will be the colour. Are you bold enough to rock rose gold?

As an electric convertible, The 500 Cabrio’s most obvious rival is the two-seat <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/smart/fortwo-coupe/city-car/review/n18076">Smart EQ ForTwo Cabrio</a>, while the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/convertible/sports/review/n17156">Mini Convertible</a> leftfield <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/t-roc/sports/review/n21188">Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet</a> and, of course, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500c/sports/review/n22462">Fiat 500C Hybrid</a> are natural alternatives if you don’t mind sticking with petrol power. Of course, if you want electric power but a soft top isn’t essential, other electric rivals include the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/honda-e/hatchback/review/n20882">Honda E</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/electric/hatchback/review/n20910">Mini Electric</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/e208/hatchback/review/n20228">Peugeot e-208</a>, as well as the regular Fiat 500.

To find out how the 500 Cabrio compares against this eclectic mix of rivals, click through to our comprehensive review. We’ll tell you what it’s like to drive, how plush the interior is and whether you’ll fit, and how much of a hole it’ll make in your finances. Should you decide to take the plunge and buy this or any other new car, our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/fiat/500/sports/deals?fuelType=electric">New Car Buying service </a>offers&nbsp;stress-free purchase at a great price.

You sit pretty high up in the electric Fiat 500, more so than in a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/convertible/sports/review/n17156">Mini Convertible</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/e208/hatchback/review/n20228">Peugeot e-208</a>. You’ll either like that or you won’t, but the fundamentals of the driving position are tough to fault thanks to a steering wheel that moves in and out as well as up and down, and a driver’s seat that provides enough support in all the important places. You'll need to fork out for the Comfort Seats pack (or go for range-topping La Prima trim) if you want a central armrest for your left elbow, though.

The fact you're high up in the car also helps give you a good view of the road ahead and to the sides. Over-the-shoulder visibility isn’t brilliant, so it’s a good thing all trims have rear parking sensors as standard and the Eye Park pack (standard on La Prima trim and optional on Passion and Icon) adds more sensors at the front and flanks along with a rear-view camera. You’ll certainly want those items in the Cabrio; the rear window is smaller than in the hatch, while the folded roof blocks much of your rear view. Still, that’s also true of the Mini Cabriolet.

Only the range-topping La Prima gets standard LED headlights for better visibility at night, and adding these to cheaper trim levels – as part of the optional Magic Eye pack – isn’t cheap.

Given its retro exterior styling, you might be surprised by the relatively modern-conventional look of the interior. But the ergonomics are good, and while there aren’t as many upmarket, soft-touch materials as in an e-208, let alone a Mini Convertible, everything feels solidly screwed together. In short, the 500 doesn’t feel at all cheap inside, even showing up the pricier T-Roc Cabriolet.

Opt for entry-level Passion trim and you’ll get a 7.0in screen with a DAB radio, wireless phone charging and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple Carplay</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> smartphone mirroring.

Go for Icon or La Prima trim and the touchscreen grows to 10.3in and gains a built in sat-nav function. This is the only system we’ve tested at the time of writing and, apart from one or two small icons on the main homepage, the interface is easy to use and the screen responds quickly when you press it.

Sports

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

A terrific drop-top that just happens to be electric.

You’ll have seen countless Fiat 500s on the road over the past few years so you’ll be well aware this isn’t a big car. True, this latest electric version has grown slightly in all directions, but there are still no rear doors and even short adults won’t want to sit in the back for long.&nbsp;

Viewed as an occasional four-seater, though, the 500 Cabrio is perfectly fit for purpose.

Front stowage space is surprisingly good, with a large tray halfway up the dashboard that’s the perfect size to hold a phone. As you might expect, this is where Fiat has placed the wireless charging pad in the versions that have it.

If you want to keep valuables out of sight, there’s a long (if narrow) lidded cubby between the front seats. The door pockets are quite small, though. Access to the boot is restricted because the boot lid is much smaller and more like a saloon car’s than the conventional hatch of tin-top 500s. You’ll find the Mini Convertible and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/t-roc/sports/review/n21188">Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet</a> are similarly afflicted, however. We were able to fit two carry-on suitcases into 500 Cabrio’s boot, one less than the Mini Convertible’s will take. At least 50/50 split folding rear seats are standard on all trims.

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All 500C models get electric front windows and side mirror adjustment, LED daytime running lights, heated rear window, multifunction steering wheel, USB input and a radio. Pop trim doesn’t get much else, though, missing out on air-con and alloy wheels, so is best avoided.

Sport

sport

Dolcevita

dolcevita

Connect

connect

This adds lots of chrome styling extras, the touchscreen system (albeit you still have to pay a bit extra to add nav), rear-parking sensors and a height adjustable driver’s seat. It’s quite expensive, though, and you still can’t add auto lights and wipers or cruise control, as some might expect.

Lounge

lounge

Hey Google

hey-google

Dolcevita Plus

dolcevita-plus

Star

star

Rock Star

rock-star

Launch Edition

launch-edition

Yachting

yachting

Passion

passion

Icon

icon

La Prima

la-prima

The Fiat 500 Cabrio is a terrific drop-top that just happens to be electric. Despite that, it’s well-priced, has a decent range and is better to drive than the Mini Cabriolet to boot. Naturally the boot is tiny, just like the rear seats, however there’s plenty of room for two up front to lounge out in comfort.


<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals. These cars qualify for the maximum plug-in car grant (PICG) of £3500.

The Renault Zoe is one of the most affordable options and has a surprisingly long range of between 120 and 180 miles (depending on the weather and the road type). However, the Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen e-Golf are more practical and more accomplished to drive, even if the latter doesn't have a particularly long range between charges.

At the other end of the scale, Tesla’s ground-up EV philosophy – and the American brand’s own network of super-fast chargers – makes the Model S a tempting choice. It has seating for up to seven, an classy interior and a long enough real-world range to make inter-city travel a real possibility.

Electric

<h2>What we're looking for </h2><ul><li>Generous enough real-world range to fit most lifestyles</li> <li>Plenty of charging options and quick top-up times </li> <li>Usable space and strong practicality</li> <li>Comfortable ride that isn’t hindered by a heavy battery</li></ul>

With so many electric cars now on offer, we've split the smaller models from the larger ones to ensure that we're able to compare direct rivals.

As well as being adept at coping with city life, small electric cars need to be roomy enough for a couple of adults and able to drive a decent amount of miles between charges.&nbsp;

There are some great small electric cars to choose from. The affordable Seat Mii Electric proves you don't have to have break the bank to go green, the Renault Zoe has been improved in every area, making it a great small EV prospect, and the Kia e-Niro was named our overall 2019 Car of the Year.

Small Electric

What we're looking for:<ul><li>Wind-in-the-hair excitement</li> <li>Roof that’s quick and easy to raise and lower</li> <li>Comfortable seating for four adults</li> <li>Sufficient practicality for everyday use</li> <li>Little wind buffeting</li> <li>Quietness, whether the roof is up or down</li> <li>Minimal shaking and shimmying over bumps</li></ul>

Despite the British weather, UK car buyers are among the biggest enthusiasts for wind-in-your-hair motoring, so convertibles have always been surprisingly popular here. It’s best to be able to react to the fickle climate, though, so we’re after a roof that opens (and closes) slickly and quickly and good top-down cruising refinement.

There are precious few bespoke drop-tops these days, so your choice of models is generally limited to soft-top&nbsp;versions of existing models. Mini will sell you a drop-top version of its style-focused hatchback, if you’re after a bit of flair. The Audi A5&nbsp;Cabriolet, meanwhile, brings all of the benefits of the regular A5&nbsp;– refined engines and a beautifully finished interior. Alternatively, the much more expensive Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet is one of the most luxurious convertibles on sale.

Fiat 500 Cabrio review

Introduction

What Car? says...