Geneva 2009: Fiat 500C Convertible

Italian automaker FIAT has revealed the expected convertible version of the 500 supermini ahead of it's debut at the Geneva auto show next month. It's pretty much what fans of the super cute subcompact were expecting, which is no bad thing.

The drop-top (sort of!) version, called the 500C, differs from it's competition mainly in it's structure.  Instead of having a full drop-top (as in, the entire roof folds), the 500C retains it's roof arches and C-pillar, with a powered roll-back canvas top providing fresh air.

I suppose the main benefit of this is retaining the majority of the closed car's structural rigidity and rollover safeness, but I suspect it also has a lot to do with it being cheaper as well as a historical reference.  See what I'm talking about?

Engine choices for the new 500 drop-top will include 1.2L (69bhp) and 1.4L (85bhp) petrol motors, as well as the 1.3L "Multijet" commonrail turbodiesel with Fiat's Stop/Start fuel saving technology, making 75 horsepower.  So no smouldering road rocket, then, but hopefully they'll offer it in Abarth form, with the turbocharged 1.4L 135bhp motor.

The 500C will be offered in a variety of colors and option packages, along with three different colors for the top - white, red, and black.  Pricing and availability hasn't been announced yet, but we'll let you know when we do.