Category: Convertibles 
Price Range: £11,700 to £14,500
Ultra-chic, easy-to-use roof, remarkably civilised drive.
Poor rear visibility, reflected light blinds instruments, 1.2-litre engine sometimes struggles.
Refined, easy to use, well made and great to look at: it's worth the hefty price hike.
The new Fiat 500C is inspired by the original 1957 convertible that came with a full-length fabric top that folded into a neat heap above its engine lid.
So when Fiat looked for a solution for its 21st-Century retro-echo convertible, it was only logical to let the 500 retain its pillars and roof rails, just like the original. The result is a car that obviously feels less open than most drop-tops but, in many ways, is more pleasant because there's less buffeting and noise at speed. The structural integrity of the Fiat's body is better preserved too, allowing it to retain a full five-star NCAP rating.
As with the 500C's tin-top sibling, the standard of finish is high, the (electrically operated) fabric roof is fully lined and there's a heated rear window. The rear seats still fold forward and the boot loses little to the conversion.
The introduction of a rear anti-roll bar has also smoothed out the 500's ride, as have running production refinements that have also improved its steering. Fiat is asking a not-insignificant £3,000 more for the 500C, but you do get air conditioning and some minor features fitted as standard.
The 500C is available with the 500's range of three engines, but there is no Abarth version.
So with prices ranging from £11,300-£14,100, is it a good-value proposition when compared to the Mini and smaller convertibles such as the Micra?
Read on to find out.
