Model tested: Abarth 500C 140bhp 1.4 16v Turbo T-Jet
Price: £17,500
Date tested: July 2010
Road tester: Stuart Milne

Significant reworking of the Fiat 500C convertible's styling, engine, transmission and chassis means the Abarth version is more than an exercise in badge engineering - more AMG than GTI.

While the last 10 per cent of the tin-top Abarth 500 is lost by ditching the roof, the 500C is by far the best handling convertible in its class.

Abarth has tweaked the 500's spring and damper rates to soften the ride slightly. The result is surprisingly comfortable, but still means the 500C offers an involving drive.

Under the bonnet, Abarth has squeezed the same 1.4-litre turbocharged engine from the 500 hatchback, but has boosted power by 5bhp to 140bhp to accommodate the extra weight. The engine gives a 0-62mph time of 8.1 seconds - just 0.2 seconds down on the hatchback - and a 128mph top speed.

The engine lacks the outright charm of the Multiair unit fitted in other hot Abarths and Alfas, but it's also surprisingly refined - although an occasional pop from the exhausts never fails to entertain.

Abarth has developed an automatic transmission for the 500C, which sees the gearlever replaced by buttons to engage neutral, reverse, first and manual or automatic modes. Select one of the drive modes and an electronic switch does the work of the gearlever and clutch.

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The automated manual gearbox requires the driver to lift off the throttle to make smooth gearshifts which can be frustrating in heavy traffic. However, flick through the gears using the paddles and it works well, and improves as the pace increases.

An Esseesse kit will be available by the end of 2010, boosting power to 160bhp with an ECU remap, new gearbox software to speed up gearshift times, and a set of 17-inch wheels to replace the standard 16s.

The Abarth 500C has similar styling to its hatchback brother - bulging, vented bumpers, deep skirts, stunning 16-inch alloys and big exhausts - but adds either a black or grey roof.

A set of comfortable sports seats sit upfront, with a leather steering wheel, Abarth badges and a turbo gauge pod on top of the dash. Other standard equipment includes climate control, rear park sensors, electric and heated mirrors and a height-adjustable driver's seat and steering wheel.

Safety kit includes seven airbags, xenon headlights and a number of grip-improving electronic systems.

Given the impressive performance on offer, emissions are low at 151g/km of CO2 and Abarth says the 500C is capable of a 43.5mpg average fuel consumption.

Priced at £17,500, the Abarth 500C is expensive, although it undercuts its stylish droptop rival, the Mini Cooper S Convertible by around £2,000. It's unlikely to sell as well as its hatchback cousin, but it does provide a good alternative for those looking for something a little different.