Fiat goes back to the future with cute 500C

SOME cars suit a nice sensible diesel engine, but you wouldn't really group the Fiat 500C amongst them.

Would you? This convertible version of the sweet 500 city car isn't a vehicle usually bought following an exhaustive analysis of the facts and figures: it's one that people glimpse and fall in love with. So why would you choose an object of desire like the 500C and equip it with an intensely sensible diesel engine? It will probably be something to do with its potential for fuel economy of nearly 70mpg, but that's hardly in the true spirit of this Fiat.

The 500C is the convertible version of the 500 city car and, if anything, this open-topped model is an even more seductive prospect for the people who go fuzzy with nostalgia at the sight of those rounded lines and circular headlamps. With Fiat's diesel engine, it can even turn in some of the best economy figures you'll get this side of a solar-powered moped.

The 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine is amongst the best small diesel powerplants about. In comparison to the other 500 engines, it fares even better around town with plenty of torque to give it useful muscle.

The car promises to be fairly adept on the road with the same basic set-up as the hard-topped 500, a chassis that's also shared with the Fiat Panda and Ford Ka.

A rear anti-roll bar stiffens things up and the electric power steering is shared with other 500 models. Fiat's fuel-saving Start&Stop technology is also available.

It's hard not to appreciate the loveable looks of the standard 500 city car. Borrowing its retro design themes straight from the 1950s original, it's undeniably a model with the rare capacity to bring a smile to your face. The convertible 500C version cranks the cute factor up a couple of notches.

It's better to think of the roof arrangement as a huge canvas sunroof rather than a full folding canopy. At the touch of a button, the entire centre section of the roof retracts into a concertinaed bundle just above the boot. It's not the most elegant piece of engineering but the sight of the car with its roof retracted adds to the retro appeal and, with the roof up, it's tough to tell a convertible 500 from a hard-top one. The roof itself features a glass rear window and is available in a choice of colours, so buyers can personalise their car.

The simple roof arrangement also means there's a decent amount of room in the rear seats of the 500C. There are some convertible cars twice the size of the little Fiat that are stingier with the legroom they lay on for passengers in the back.

Delicious design details drip from the 500's interior. It's like a tiny pearl, especially when the ivory finish is specified. There's a very well-judged blend of retro chic and ruthlessly contemporary design inside, with circular head restraints and neat 500C badging on the Panda-sourced dashboard. Chrome-ringed vents and a fascia that can be specified in the same colour as the body are other highlights.

The usual Pop and Lounge trim levels are available with the 13-litre Multijet engine but there's no automatic gearbox option.

The entry-level Pop models get the electrically operated roof, air-conditioning, remote central locking, a CD stereo with MP3 compatibility, electric door mirrors and seven airbags. The Lounge trim option adds ESP stability control, front fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control and rear parking sensors to make manoeuvring in tight spaces even easier. The Lounge comes at a premium of 1,400, however, and so looks considerably less affordable than the entry-level cars.

From launch, there's a choice of 11 exterior colours and Fiat offers buyers a huge scope of optional extras to personalise their 500C.

You couldn't class those upfront costs for the 500C as cheap but the 1.3-litre diesel will be good for those looking to keep running costs under control. The Multijet diesel version gets 67mpg on the combined cycle and is highly tax efficient. Buyers can also bank on decent residual values.

Fiat has also taken further steps to boost the car's environmental credentials with its Start&Stop technology and a clever system called eco:Drive. Bundled up with the Blue&Me Bluetooth telephone system on the Lounge models, eco:Drive is a computer that monitors your driving style and offers tips on how you can improve your fuel economy.

People are going to want the 500C. That much was certain as soon as the designers edged its cute factor into the stratosphere. Will they want a diesel though? The answer to that will largely boil down to the running costs and high mileage drivers will get the real benefit of the oil-burner's superior economy. Regardless of the engine, fun should be guaranteed.

FACT BOX

CAR: Fiat 500C 1.3 Multijet

PRICE: 12,700-14,100 – OTR

INSURANCE GROUP: 5

EMISSIONS: 110g/km

PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 13 seconds; max speed: 103mph

FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 67.3mpg