Fiat 500C 0.9 TwinAir Dualogic 3dr Pre-Model Car Review - March 2012

The Fiat's 875cc engine has 2 cylinders and 8-valves and is capable of propelling the 500C to 62mph in 11 seconds flat. The engine produces 85 bhp at 5500 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque at 1900rpm. It has a top speed of 108 mph which is impressive, given its microscopic engine.

The Fiat 500C feels solid and stable. Grip is excellent for a car of this size thanks to the 500C's square stance. The steering is responsive and although the ride can feel a little unsettled, this just adds to the driving experience.

The canvas roof folds in three stages and when it’s in the middle position expect some wind noise on the folded canvas. However, once the canvas roof is retracted fully, the cabin will be quiet again. The engine is quite refined. Rear visibility is impaired when the canvas roof is down.

The car’s dashboard is enhanced with an Italian-inspired twin-binnacle speedometer/rev-counter which is very stylish. To compensate for the compromised rear visibility when the roof is down, large door mirrors are provided. This 3-door car can accommodate 4 passengers although taller rear passengers are going to be uncomfortable on longer trips.

Standard kit includes electric front windows, electric adjustable heated door mirrors, height adjustable steering wheel, air conditioning, standard immobiliser, alloy wheels, Isofix child seat preparation, standard MP3 connectivity and rear parking sensors. Optional extras include climate control (£265), stability control (£315), metallic paint (£440), leather seats (£775) and Bluetooth (£265).

The Fiat 500C’s interior is not as spacious as that of a hatchback although the rear seats have retained the same legroom. The seats are fully adjustable and soft and can be folded for more luggage space. The boot space is difficult to access but its storage capacity of 185-litres (520-litres with the seats down) is the same as the hatch's.

This version has not been tested and rated by the Euro NCAP but, based on the tests done on the Fiat 500, is likely to be very safe. Occupants of this car are surrounded by 6 airbags. ABS is available as standard but stability control is a £315 option. There is also a lane change indicator to warn of an accidental drift from the lane on the motorway. Security-wise, this version is fitted with the necessary immobilizer, central and remote locking and locking wheelnuts to thwart thieves.

Fiat supplies a 3 year/60,000 mile warranty.

The CO2 emissions rating for the Fiat 500C is 92g/km. Combined with an impressive economy figure of 70.6mpg, this car is truly fuel-efficient and cost-effective. Priced at £15,045, the car is competitively priced and the resale value of this model is likely to be strong as the car’s demand is high.

The Fiat 500C falls under insurance group 12 and Road Tax Band A so not only is the 500C free to tax, it can also be driven into the capital free of charge.