Following the sales success of the retro-styled Fiat 500 in Europe, the company is quickly following up with a drop top variant- the 2009 Fiat 500C. Do you think the folks over at Mini are getting nervous yet?
The design of the 500C's soft top doesn't quite make it your typical convertible. However, the roll-back roof does follow true to the original 1957 open-top models. While occupants don't quite get the full top down experience, the folded roof doesn't encroach on passenger or luggage space either.
Rolling back the roof takes only the push of a button thanks to the electrically operated linkage. The top also features a glass rear window and a third brake light. Three colors - ivory, red, and black - are available to complement the color of the body panels. In fact, two new body colors will be introduced specifically for the cabrio; pearl red and warm grey.
Engine choices for the 500C remain the same as the standard 500. Choose from a 75-hp, 1.3-liter diesel engine, or either a 69-hp 1.2-liter or 100 hp 1.4-liter gasoline I-4 engines. So far no plans have been made for a 135 hp rapid ragtop Abarth model. Manual transmission models will showcase new automatic start/stop technology that further enhances the 500C's environmental friendliness.
Debuting at the Geneva Motor Show, the 500C will launch in Europe this spring. If you like what you see, keep your fingers crossed and we might just get the 500C in the U.S. Chrysler has announced that the 500 is coming to the U.S. should their partnership with Fiat pan out.