Model tested: Fiat 500C 1.2 Pop 2-door cabriolet
Price: £11,300
Date tested: September 2009
Road tester: Stuart Milne

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 83%
The cute 500 has been a smash hit, with buyers loving its retro charm, low running costs and impressive city car credentials. Now Fiat has peeled back the roof and built a cabriolet.

1. Looks
The roof is more like a massive sunroof incorporating the rear window, so with the roof up it looks as good as the hatchback. It's not as pretty roof down though...
10/10

2. Looks inside
The cabin is as nice as the exterior. The instrument cluster features a rev counter around the outside, with a speedo inside and a trip computer in the centre. The facia is colour-coded and stretches from door to door.
9/10

3. Practicality
Roof up, the 500C is as easy to live with as the hatchback; rear space is limited, so think of it more as a 2+2. Roof down it's more compromised as rear visibility is dramatically reduced.
7/10

4. Ride and Handling
There's less chassis flex on bumpy roads than with many rivals, but the ride can feel choppy. Enthusiasts will bemoan the lightness of the steering, but it's perfect for driving around town.
8/10

5. Performance
The base 1.2 petrol engine is quiet around town and happy to mix it in the fast lane on occasions. The 62bhp engine will power the Fiat to 62mph in 12.9 seconds before reaching 99mph.
7/10

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6. Running Costs
Expect strong residuals while the 1.2-litre petrol engine manages 55mpg, and emits 119g/km of CO2. Insurance is cheap with a group 4 rating; servicing is every two years/18,000 miles.
8/10

7. Reliability
Forget Fiats from the past – the latest crop of cars seem to be built as well as anything else on the market. The 500 is built in the same Polish factory as the Ford Ka.
8/10

8. Safety
The 500C hasn’t been tested by EuroNCAP, but the hatchback has a five-star rating. Standard kit includes ABS with EBD and driver, passenger, driver’s knee, side and curtain airbags. Higher spec models add hill hold and ESP.
9/10

9. Equipment
There are two models in the 500C line-up: Pop and Lounge. The Pop features remote central locking, air-con and electric windows and mirrors. The Lounge adds Bluetooth and USB connectivity, climate control, chrome trims, fog lights and alloy wheels.
8/10

10. X-Factor
The coolest car on the block just got even more appeal. For chic city types, there’s no better way to get the wind in your hair.
9/10