Fiat 500 C (09 on) - Review

Review by Oli Laverack on
Last Updated: 13 January 2011
The retro looks of the Fiat 500C may hark back to the 1950s, but this latest incarnation is a thoroughly modern small car with efficient engines, good levels of crash protection and plenty of creature comforts. It should come as little surprise that it's a popular small car - buyers also love the fact that it's cheap to run and easy to drive around town. Most of the car is identical to the 500 hatchback, with the obvious exception of the electric fabric roof. It slides back quickly and can be folded back halfway (as a sunroof) or all the way back to get the maximum wind-in-the-hair experience.
4 out of 5

Other Fiat reviews

3 out of 5

Buying new

Diesel versions offer eye-catching fuel economy, but only the highest of high mileage drivers will find that they will make back the premium that they'll pay for the diesel. Options include those that you'll find from most manufacturers including xenon headlamps, larger alloy wheels and leather upholstery, but also a few that are unique to the 500 including a 'blackboard panel' for the dashboard, a make-up holder and a light-up keyfob with a cover made from Swarovski crystals. A total of three different roof colours are available. Unlike the hatchback, air conditioning is standard across the range, which helps to justify the premium that Fiat charges for the convertible.

Buy a new Fiat 500 C and save 10% on selected models

3.5 out of 5

Buying used

The best cars are within the Fiat dealer network where they come with the assurance of Fiat's approved used scheme. Many 500s have been personalised to their owners' tastes. So look out for cars in unusual colours (Funk White, for example, has the opaque appearance of a pearl), cars with stripes and other body graphics and cars with accessories. The types of finishes will vary from person to person, but much of the personalisation can be quickly and easily changed - body graphics can easily be removed with hot water. The dealer can do much of this for you, if the car isn't to your taste.

  • Boot/Load Space Fiat 500 C (09 on)
  • Interior Fiat 500 C (09 on)

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See 43 used Fiat 500 Cs for sale, starting at £8,988

4 out of 5

Selling

Trendy, cheap to run and ideal good to drive - it's no wonder that the 500 is so popular among used buyers. Buyers with 1.2-litre or 1.4-litre petrol engines and Lounge specification should find it easiest to find buyers. Many 500Cs are overpriced, with owners hoping to cash-in on the car's demand. Overpriced cars will struggle to sell, so make sure that it's priced in-line with Parker's valuations.