What is it?
 
The Fiat 500C, a convertible version of the cute Italian Mini Cooper rival with a retro roll-back fabric roof. We drove the 1.3 Multijet diesel in Pop trim, which costs £14,865.
 
Technical highlights
 
Specifying a drop-top 500C over a hatchback 500 costs £3000, so it’s a good job the roof is quite a clever one – as the car’s structure remains broadly the same, it’s scuttle-shake free and wind struggles to make it into the cabin, so you’ll remain out of the cold while still able to enjoy the open air. There are three roof positions to choose from, and the transformation adds a minimal 40kg to the car’s weight.
 
The engine is a cracker, too. A 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel unit, it may not be the smoothest oil-burner, but is very punchy and gives the 500 real urge, while boasting a startling claim of 72.4mpg (combined) alongside 104g/km of CO2 emissions, i.e. £20-a-year tax. It even sounds quite good, with a rorty burble rather than agricultural clatter.
 
What’s it like to drive?
 
Far more fun than you might think. Fiat’s fitted the stabiliser bar from the Abarth 500 hot hatch to help sharpen up the 500C, but its ride and handling feel more accomplished still. It smoothes out rough roads with far more aplomb, and combined with the low-down clout of the engine – 148lb ft of torque from just 1500rpm – you can hustle your way along twisty roads with real enthusiasm, the car feeling with you the whole way. The steering and controls are all on the light side, but that’ll suit most 500C buyers perfectly.
 
How does it compare?
 
Small drop-top rivals come in the shape of the Peugeot 207CC, Renault Wind and Mini Cooper Convertible. Only the latter is available with a diesel engine though, while many sales in this class are from image conscious buyers, so styling (and personal opinions of it) is likely to be key. The Mini and Renault both offer fun drives, but neither have a pair of proper rear seats or a useable boot like the Fiat.
 
Anything else I need to know?
 
The 500 hatchback now gets the stabiliser bar that features on the 500C, so you needn’t go topless for the improved driving experience, and can enjoy lower prices, which start at £9465. A comparable 1.3 Multijet in costs £11,865 as a tin-top.