Fiat 500C S 0.9 TwinAir 85hp review | New Release - Car News Mar 2014

17:07 Thursday 13 Mar 2014

When the Fiat 500 came bounding onto the scene back in 2007, we, like the rest of the world, were bowled over by it.

Like BMW had done with the new MINI back in 2001, Fiat had managed to revive one of the most iconic cars in the history of internal combustion and transformed it into a capable and compelling all-round package which would appeal to 21st century motorists.

The addition of the convertible 500C model in 2009 further enhanced the 500's appeal with a knowing wink to the original 500 of 1957, as did the introduction of the excellent in-line two-cylinder TwinAir engine a year later.

Since its launch, more than a million 500s have rolled off the Fiat production lines; however, has the 500's age and ubiquity -- not to mention its popularity with estate agents -- managed to dull the lustre of its charm?

Fiat 500C review

We'll start with the looks. Perhaps because of its retro-infused appearance, the 500 has not aged one bit, looking as fresh today as it did when it was launched. It's a commonplace sight on UK roads now, of course, and as a result of this it's all too easy to overlook the 500; however, when you actually stop to take a look at it, you appreciate just what a good-looking car it is.

It's the same story inside. Fiat's masterful blend of form and function means that while the interior is more eye-catching than most cars in the 500's price bracket, it isn't self-consciously zany, while the quality of the materials is excellent for a car of the 500's dinky exterior proportions.

As this is a 500C model, the interior is topped off by a sliding fabric roof which can be retracted at speeds of up to 37mph at the touch of a button. It doesn't quite give you the sense of being in the great outdoors that a proper convertible gives you; however, it's still a nice touch. What isn't so great, however, is that when the roof is down, rear visibility -- which is pretty poor at the best of times -- is virtually non-existent. With the roof down there's also an awful lot of wind noise -- almost unbearably so at high speeds -- however, with the roof up, refinement is generally very good.

Fiat 500C review

Speaking of noise, we'll move straight onto arguably this 500C's best feature: the engine. Called the TwinAir, the engine is an 875cc in-line two-cylinder unit with 84bhp. This might not sound like much -- 0-62mph takes a leisurely 11 seconds -- but it has more than enough guts to make the 500C a hoot to drive, while providing an intoxicating sound track at the same time.

Honestly, you'll never, ever want to change up, such is the great rasping sound the TwinAir engine makes at high revs. About half of our test drive was spent with the 500C bouncing off the rev limiter while we desperately fought the urge to change up into third.

Take the 500C out onto a twisty road and you'll also find that it's a blast to drive. Because it's not a convertible in the true sense of the word, the 500C suffers little of the scuttle shake you'd normally associate with a drop-top, feeling sharp and direct as you thread it from corner to corner. On the downside, the ride is extremely fidgety, and on anything less smooth than a snooker table, the 500C never really settles down.

Thankfully, the 500's practicality has not been compromised too much in its translation from hatchback to drop-top. You'll still fit a pair of averagely-sized adults in the back and the boot remains relatively spacious at 185-litres. The rear seats can also be folded flat, giving 520-litres of boot space.

Fiat 500C review

Equipment levels are fairly impressive too. The S model we drove is the range-topper, with features such as 16-inch alloys, rear parking sensors, dark-tinted windows, a sports steering wheel, stop-start, climate control and a CD player with MP3 connectivity; however, all models get essentials such as air-conditioning, central locking and electric windows.

All of which brings us onto the price. The 500C we drove, with all options included, is priced at £17,750. And that, whichever way you cut it, is a lot. On the plus side, an entry-level Pop model can be had for a smidge over £13k if you're on a tighter budget, although for that money you'll be denied the TwinAir engine, getting a less exciting, albeit competent, 1.2-litre four-pot instead.

Running costs shouldn't sting you too much; Fiat claims that the 500C TwinAir will manage 70.6mpg on the combined cycle. And while you won't get anything like that in reality, especially if you drive it hard, CO2 emissions of just 92g/km mean that you won't be paying any road tax.

Fiat 500C review

On top of this, the 500C, like the rest of the 500 range, benefits from rock-solid residuals, so depreciation shouldn't be too much of an issue. You shouldn't even have to pay out much in repairs as the 500's reliability record is exemplary.

So, is the 500 still as appealing now, in 2014, as it was when it was launched back in 2007? The answer to this question is a resounding 'yes'. Whether or not the 500C S 0.9 TwinAir is a tempting proposition or not is a different matter. It's great to look at, great to drive and deceptively practical for a car of this type; however, more than £17k for a city car is an awful lot of money, regardless of how cutesy and retro it is.

Luckily for Fiat, the 500C remains the most desirable small drop-top on the market, and for that reason alone, it justifies its price tag.