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

4.5 out of 5

Safety

Although this convertible version has not been separately tested by Euro NCAP, the hatchback has, gaining five stars. It's an outstanding score for such a small car and the 500 was the first car of its size to achieve it. Seven airbags are standard (two front, two window, two side and one knee airbag), as is ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and an electronic stability programme on 1.4-litre models (optional on others). Two sets of Isofix child seat anchor points are fitted to the two rear seats.

NCAP Test

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3.5 out of 5

Reliability

The 500 hatchback went on sale in early 2008 and no major problems have yet to emerge. Many components are shared with the Fiat Panda and the second-generation Ford Ka - which, like the 500, was launched in 2008. Other parts - such as the 1.2-litre petrol engine - have been used in previous Fiats without major concern.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.