By Dan Trent
03 March 2009 18:13:32

Topless Fiat 500C peels off at Geneva

Fiat’s plan to be the Italian Mini moves into its next phase with a new open-top version of the 500.
The 500C boasts what Fiat calls ‘a window to the sky’, the reality being a large roll-back canvas roof.

GALLERY: Fiat 500C in pictures
Quirky cabriolet
Fiat 500C Cabriolet (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics)
Click images to enlarge
Revealed to the world via a spectacular press conference display featuring violin playing beauties, air-jets and a garden theme, all was going great for the 500C – until the stage broke down. This stranded one of the cars below ground level, and sent Fiat personnel diving through the crowd with shouts of “No pictures please!”
 
So, not exactly an auspicious start for a brand famed for its reliability problems. Fortunately the stranded 500C was only one of several examples on display, so we did get to have a good look at this summer's staring soft-top. And upon close inspection, the roof appears to be rather clever.
 
Fiat 500C Cabriolet (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics)
It’s not a full cabriolet like the Mini Convertible, Fiat’s solution being a lot more cost effective to both build and develop. Will it deliver the same al fresco thrills though? We’ll have to wait and see when we get behind the wheel, the car going on sale in Europe in the spring.
 
Apparently harking back to classic Fiats of the 50s the design does have certain benefits and, unlike the Mini, doesn’t impact on rear seat accommodation. A special parallelogram linkage on the boot lid enables full access to the luggage space even when the roof has been rolled back too.
Fiat 500C Cabriolet (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics)
The engine range is as per the existing hatch version, meaning a choice of 1.3-litre 75hp MultiJet diesel or 1.2-litre 69hp and 1.4-litre 100hp petrol units. All but the diesel are available with the optional automated Dualogic gearbox, a five-speed manual transmission standard across the range.
 
Also following Mini’s lead is Fiat’s new Start&Stop system, being introduced with the 500C but likely to be rolled out across the Fiat range. The Italian firm already has one of the lowest fleet CO2 ratings anywhere, this new system likely to improve that record further still.
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Geneva Motor Show 2009 - your vote

  1. Which car unveiled at Geneva would you most like to see on your driveway?

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  1. Which car unveiled at Geneva would you most like to see on your driveway?
    1. Aston Martin One-77
      33%
    2. Audi TT RS
      6%
    3. Bentley Supersports
      5%
    4. BMW 5 Series GT
      4%
    5. Ferrari 599XX
      10%
    6. Fiat 500 Cabriolet
      2%
    7. Lamborghini LP670-4SV
      18%
    8. Lexus RX450h
      2%
    9. Mazda 3 MPS
      1%
    10. New Mercedes-Benz E-Class
      4%
    11. Porsche 911 GT3
      5%
    12. Rolls-Royce 200EX
      4%
    13. Saab 93X
      1%
    14. Skoda Yeti
      2%
    15. Volkswagen Polo
      3%
30521 responses, results updated every minute.
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