FIAT REVEALS PRICES FOR 500 C

Fiat has just announced prices for the eagerly awaited convertible version of its iconic 500 city car, some 15 months after the widely acclaimed supermini’s UK launch.

Starting at just £11,300 OTR, the new Fiat 500 C, which goes on sale here in the summer, represents notable value for lovers of soft-top motoring, and positions the new car comfortably below its benchmark rivals.

Topping the top-down range, a highly specified Lounge version with a larger engine costs £14,100 – an OTR price that includes automatic climate control, rear parking sensors and alloy wheels as standard equipment.

“The sophisticated new 500 C is a faithful yet thoroughly modern ‘take’ on the rich heritage of our sought-after 500, which highlights its strong, attractive personality,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK. “It is a car for people who want to express themselves and demonstrate their own personality. I am sure 500 C will make a host of enthusiastic new friends!”

In recognition of British drivers’ enjoyment of convertibles, the UK is the first country in Europe to receive the new 500 C – the car arrives here even before it goes on sale in Italy.

Pop and Lounge versions of the new 500 C will be available at launch. An electrically operated hood, air conditioning, remote central locking, radio/CD/MP3 player, seven airbags and electric door mirrors are standard on all cars, while climate control, ESP stability control, foglights and rear parking sensors are among the principal features incorporated in Lounge models.

Blue&Me, Fiat’s hands-free entertainment, information and communications system, along with eco:Drive, the computer technology which monitors a driver’s style and gives tips on how to save fuel and reduce emissions, is also standard on Lounge versions.

Available in 11 colours – including the newly-created Tech House Grey and RaggaMuffin Red – the 500 C comes with red, ivory or black roof colours. Pop interiors can be specified in either ivory or black finish with red or grey cloth seat colours. Lounge specification offers an ivory or black interior with black or brown cloth seats. Frau Leather is also available as an option.

The new Fiat 500 C is powered by the same frugal, ultra-low emissions and Euro 5 range of engines as are already available in the 500, including 69 bhp 1.2-litre and 100 bhp 1.4-litre petrol units, and the 75 bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel.

Power is delivered through manual or Dualogic (automatic) transmissions while Fiat’s fuel-saving Start&Stop system, which stops the engine automatically whenever traffic conditions bring the car to a complete halt, and restarts it when the driver wants to move off again, will also become available.