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29/06/2009
By EWAN KENNEDY
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Fiat has announced more details of the open top version of its 500C convertible, which is set to arrive in Australia in mid-2010.
 This isn't a convertible in the normally accepted sense of the word, rather it has a huge soft sunroof that folds all way back. This not only creates plenty of open air, but also pays homage to the original 1957 open top Fiat 500.
This is a stunning looking little machine that has everything fun-loving suburban dwellers are looking for. Trendy looks, the ability to be customised and ease of driving and parking like nothing else on the road. Fiat 500C will challenge cars like the Mini Cabriolet, even the Mazda MX-5 in the desirability stakes.
The Fiat 500C convertible is small – it's only 3550 mm long, 1650 mm wide and 1490 mm high - so will be a snack to drive and park no matter how crowded the driving conditions.
In Italy the little open-top car is to be powered by a choice of several powertrains: a 1.3-litre, 55 kW, turbo-diesel engine with a five-speed manual gearbox; a 1.2-litre, 51 kW petrol and a 1.4-litre 74 kW petrol, the latter available with manual or a Dualogic robotised manual gearbox. The decision as to which of these will come to Australia has yet to be made, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see all of them down under.
Fiat 500C convertible’s powerplants incorporate the innovative “Start&Stop” system, which controls the temporary cutting out of the engine and its subsequent restarting. When the vehicle stops, putting the gear lever in neutral and releasing the clutch will switch off the engine; to restart, simply put the car back into gear. This save fuel and reduces exhaust emissions, something that is particularly appreciated in a car that will spend a lot of its time in built-up areas.
 Fiat in Australia says, ”The best evidence of the new Fiat 500’s success are the 30 awards it has won across the globe, the 11 million internet users that have visited its website (viewing a total of 200 million pages) and the more than 360,000 orders so far received across the 59 markets in which it is being sold”.
Details of the versions to be sold in Australia, along with their prices and specifications, will be announced when the Fiat 500C convertible arrives in Australia midway through 2010. |
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