Fiat 500C Review 2026
.JPG?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.JPG?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.JPG?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.JPG?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.JPG?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.JPG?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.JPG?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
Fiat 500C Verdict
Characterful and charismatic. Funky retro look inside and out. Fun TwinAir engine.
Cramped inside for 6 footers. Not much room in the back. TwinAir struggles to match official economy. Rear visibility poor with the roof retracted.
Find out more about the Fiat 500C
Insurance Groups are between 9–18
On average it achieves 77% of the official MPG figure
The Fiat 500C is exactly what you expect it to be – it’s a Fiat 500 with a convertible roof. That means it packs in all the charisma of the regular 500 hatchback but with the added bonus of top-down motoring in the summer, without too much impact on practicality.
The roof mechanism is simple enough. It folds electronically and can be stopped wherever you like, so you can have a little bit of a breeze or the proper experience with it retracted fully. Obviously this isn’t a true cabriolet, but on the go with the roof back and the windows down you get almost the same experience, though rearward visibility is obscured.
The roof can be operated on the go at up to 37mph, which is great around town. It does mean that you can’t fold it up and down on national speed limit roads, though – something that you can do with a Citroen DS3 Cabrio. On that car the roof can be folded at up to 70mph.
The engine range is similar to that for the hard top, with an entry-level 1.2-litre petrol, a fun little 0.9-litre TwinAir petrol with 85PS or 105PS power outputs and a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel. The TwinAir suits the 500C perfectly thanks to its characterful exhaust note and sprightly performance, though its real world economy doesn’t match official figures.
If you like the Fiat 500 and want to enjoy soft-top motoring it’s easy to recommend the 500C. The Citroen DS3 Cabriolet is more accomplished as a driver’s car and feels more substantial, but it costs more than the 500C and doesn’t quite have the same charm. For many, charm will be the deciding factor and the Fiat 500C has it in abundance.
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
Fiat 500C handling and engines
- Engines range from 0.9 TwinAir 85 Dualogic to 1.4 Dualogic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 32–61 mpg
Fiat offers the 500C with a choice 1.2-litre or 0.9-litre petrol engines or a 1.3-litre diesel. The 0.9-litre TwinAir sounds great and offers enjoyable performance, especially in 105PS form, but it tends to fall short of official economy figures in real world driving. Even so, it’s still the pick of the engine range and it has the added benefit of sub-100g/km emissions, so is free to tax.
If economy is your primary concern the proven 1.3-litre diesel will do the job fine though, with its official figure of 76.3mpg and emissions of 97g/km. It isn’t as enjoyable and fizzy as the TwinAir though, nor is the ageing 1.2-litre petrol. This is neither particularly powerful nor very frugal, so is best avoided unless you’re on a tight budget.
Those who need an auto can choose between the 0.9-litre and 1.2-litre petrol with Duologic transmission. This is an automated manual rather than a proper automatic, so is best avoided unless you really need it. It was also fitted to the 1.4-litre petrol, which was discontinued in 2011.
On the road, the 500C drives like its hard top stablemate, which is no surprise at all. It’s not the sharpest handling car on sale, but it has light steering and is easy to drive. It’s ideal for shorter drivers thanks to the high mounted gear lever and high seats. On the road it is fairly composed on most roads but at high speeds on rougher surfaces the ride gets unsettled.
It’s not the most comfortable car for long distance driving – the fabric roof isn’t as quiet as a hard top, and the foot well is cramped. There is nowhere to rest your left foot when cruising and the pedals are close together, so those with wide feet will have to be careful until they are used to the car.
It doesn’t take long to get used to the quirks of the car though. After that it is easy to live with, particularly in town where compact dimensions, light controls and a tight turning circle make stop start traffic and tight parking spaces very easy to deal with.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.9 TwinAir 105 | 67 mpg | 10.0 s | 99 g/km |
| 0.9 TwinAir 85 | 57–74 mpg | 11.0 s | 90–106 g/km |
| 0.9 TwinAir 85 Dualogic | 71–74 mpg | 11.0 s | 88–92 g/km |
| 1.0 MHEV | 52 mpg | 12.9–13.8 s | 88–121 g/km |
| 1.2 | 53–66 mpg | 12.9 s | 99–126 g/km |
| 1.2 Dualogic | 52–63 mpg | 12.9–13.0 s | 105–122 g/km |
| 1.3 MultiJet 75 | 67 mpg | 12.5 s | 110 g/km |
| 1.3 MultiJet 95 | 76–83 mpg | 10.7 s | 89–97 g/km |
| 1.4 | 49 mpg | 10.5 s | 135 g/km |
| 1.4 Dualogic | 50 mpg | 10.5 s | 130 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Fiat 500C
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
77%
Real MPG
32–61 mpg
MPGs submitted
123
Fiat 500C interior
- Boot space is 180–550 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of three stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3546–3571 mm |
| Width | 1627–1893 mm |
| Height | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2300 mm |
Besides the folding roof, the 500C is just like the hatchback inside with a cute, retro design. There are no fancy soft-touch materials, but the car doesn’t really feel any worse for it thanks to the handsome body-coloured dashboard cover. There are problems, though – the radio unit and buttons feel out of date compared to more recent cars and there isn’t a lot of space.
Even the front seats feel tight for taller people, while the back row isn’t really suited to carrying adults except on very short trips. Despite having a folding roof the boot space isn’t too different from the hatchback, though it is hardly spacious at 182 litres. Thankfully access is reasonable – certainly compared to the letterbox style opening on a DS3 Cabrio – though if you’re carrying anything large you’ll need to fold the rear seats.
From 2014 the 500C is available with a new digital instrument display which, despite being a modern touch, fits with the retro design. It’s much clearer and easier to read than the traditional analogue display fitted to all early 500 models, which has a combined rev counter and speedo.
The new display is a nice high-tech touch – and it’s about the only one. Standard equipment feels distinctly out of date, with no standard fit aux and USB connectivity unless you choose a trim level with Blue&Me, which also adds Bluetooth. The 500C also misses out on cruise control, which is increasingly common on other small cars.
On the other hand there are plenty of customisation options for the 500C, including a broad range of colours and wheel designs, plus various details and embellishments like a chrome bonnet strip and various graphics packs. These add expense, but generally the options aren’t too pricey.
Standard equipment:
Pop models come with 14-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, electric windows, CD player and radio, remote central locking, stop start, hill-hold assist and tyre pressure monitoring.
Pop Star trim adds 15-inch alloy wheels, 50/50 split fold rear seats, body-coloured door mirrors.
Lounge trim adds 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, USB and AUX-in, chrome styling kit, fog lights, leather steering wheel with audio controls, rear parking sensors and automatic climate control.
S trim adds 7-inch TFT instrument cluster, dark tinted windows, sports kit,
Cult is the top trim and has unique Cult trim details.
Fiat 500C models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3546–3571 mm |
| Width | 1627–1893 mm |
| Height | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2300 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 905–1020 kg |
| Boot Space | 180–550 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 9000–18000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £15,670–£21,150 |
| Insurance Groups | 9–18 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–E |
| Official MPG | 48.7–83.1 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 3 |
Currently on sale
| Cabriolet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Connect 70 12v MHEV Start/Stop 2dr | - | - | 13.8 s |
| Dolcevita Plus 70 12v MHEV Start/Stop 2dr | - | - | 13.8 s |
| Hey Google 70 12v MHEV Start/Stop 2dr | - | - | 13.8 s |
| mHEV 1.0 70hp Pop 2dr | £15,670 | - | 13.8 s |
| mHEV 1.0 70hp Sport 2dr | £17,570 | - | 13.8 s |
| mHEV 1.0 70hp Star Dolcv 2dr | £21,150 | - | 13.8 s |
On sale until April 2021
| Cabriolet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| mHEV 1.0 70hp Lounge 2dr | £17,400 | - | 13.8 s |
| 1.2 69hp Lounge Dolcv Dualogic 2dr | - | 52.3 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.2 69hp Lounge Dualogic 2dr | - | 52.3 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.2 69hp Pop Dualogic 2dr | - | 52.3 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.2 69hp Rock Str Dualogic 2dr | - | 52.3 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.2 69hp Sport Dualogic 2dr | - | 52.3 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.2 69hp Star Dualogic 2dr | - | 52.3 mpg | 12.9 s |
| mHEV 1.0 70hp Launch Edition 2dr | £19,800 | - | 13.8 s |
| mHEV 1.0 70hp Rock Star 2dr | £19,070 | - | 13.8 s |
| mHEV 1.0 70hp Star 2dr | £18,900 | - | 13.8 s |
On sale until July 2020
| Cabriolet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 0.9 85hp Twinair Lounge 2dr | - | 56.5 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 0.9 85HP Twinair Rock Star 2dr | - | 74.3 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 0.9 85HP Twinair Star 2dr | - | 74.3 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 1.2 69hp Dolcevita 2dr | - | 60.1 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.2 69hp Lounge 2dr | - | 56.5 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.2 69hp Pop 2dr | - | 53.3 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.2 69HP Rock Star 2dr | - | 60.1 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.2 69HP Star 2dr | - | 60.1 mpg | 12.9 s |
On sale until October 2019
| Cabriolet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 0.9 85hp Twinair S 2dr | - | 56.5 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 1.2 69 Collezione Fall Dualogic 2dr | £17,610 | 54.3 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.2 69hp 120th 2dr | - | - | - |
| 1.2 69hp 120th Dualogic 2dr | - | - | - |
| 1.2 69hp Collezione Fall 2dr | £16,710 | 53.3 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.2 69hp Pop Star 2dr | £15,335 | 56.5 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.2 69hp Pop Star Dualogic 2dr | £16,235 | 52.3 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.2 69hp S 2dr | - | 53.3 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.2 69hp S Dualogic 2dr | - | 52.3 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.2 69hp Spiaggina 58 2dr | £18,100 | 53.3 mpg | 12.9 s |
On sale until January 2019
On sale until October 2015
| Convertible | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Lounge 0.9 TwinAir 105 3dr | £16,870 | 67.3 mpg | 10.0 s |
| Lounge 0.9 TwinAir 85 3dr | £16,390 | 70.6 mpg | 11.0 s |
| Lounge 0.9 TwinAir 85 Dualogic 3dr Auto | £17,140 | 72.4 mpg | 11.0 s |
| Lounge 1.2 69 3dr | £15,090 | 60.1 mpg | 12.9 s |
| Lounge 1.2 69 Dualogic 3dr Auto | £15,840 | 61.4 mpg | 13.0 s |
| Lounge 1.3 MultiJet 95 3dr | £16,490 | 78.5 mpg | 10.7 s |
| Pop 1.2 69 3dr | £13,690 | 60.1 mpg | 12.9 s |
| Pop 1.2 69 Dualogic 3dr Auto | £14,440 | 61.4 mpg | 13.0 s |
| S 0.9 TwinAir 85 3dr | £16,540 | 70.6 mpg | 11.0 s |
| S 0.9 TwinAir 85 Dualogic 3dr Auto | £17,290 | 72.4 mpg | 11.0 s |
| S 1.2 69 3dr | £15,240 | 60.1 mpg | 12.9 s |
| S 1.2 69 Dualogic 3dr Auto | £15,990 | 61.4 mpg | 13.0 s |
| S 1.3 MultiJet 3dr | £17,640 | 78.5 mpg | 10.7 s |
On sale until April 2015
| Convertible | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Colour Therapy 0.9 TwinAir 85 3dr | £14,970 | 70.6 mpg | 11.0 s |
| Colour Therapy 0.9 TwinAir 85 Dualogic 3dr Auto | £15,720 | 72.4 mpg | 11.0 s |
| Colour Therapy 1.2 69 3dr | £13,770 | 58.9 mpg | 12.9 s |
| Colour Therapy 1.2 69 Dualogic 3dr Auto | £14,520 | 60.1 mpg | 13.0 s |
| GQ 0.9 TwinAir 105 3dr | £18,170 | 67.3 mpg | 10.0 s |
| GQ 0.9 TwinAir 85 3dr | £17,690 | 70.6 mpg | 11.0 s |
| GQ 1.2 69 3dr | £16,490 | 58.9 mpg | 12.9 s |
| GQ 1.3 16v Multijet 95 3dr | £18,890 | 76.3 mpg | 10.7 s |
On sale until September 2014
| Convertible | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Pop 1.3 MultiJet 95 3dr | £15,560 | 76.3 mpg | 10.7 s |
On sale until August 2012
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 0.9 TwinAir 3dr | £14,360 | 68.9 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 0.9 TwinAir Dualogic 3dr Auto | £15,110 | 70.6 mpg | 11.0 s |
On sale until December 2011
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 0.9 TwinAir 3dr | £14,300 | 68.9 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 0.9 TwinAir Dualogic 3dr Auto | £15,045 | 70.6 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 1.4 Lounge 3dr | £15,705 | 48.7 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.4 Lounge Dualogic 3dr Auto | £16,450 | 50.4 mpg | 10.5 s |
On sale until August 2011
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 0.9 TwinAir Pop 3dr | £14,100 | 68.9 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 0.9 TwinAir Pop Dualogic 3dr Auto | £14,845 | 70.6 mpg | 11.0 s |
On sale until November 2010
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 Pop 3dr | £13,865 | 48.7 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.4 Pop Dualogic 3dr Auto | £14,595 | 50.4 mpg | 10.5 s |
On sale until October 2009
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.3 MultiJet Lounge | £16,100 | 67.3 mpg | 12.5 s |
| 1.3 MultiJet Pop | £14,700 | 67.3 mpg | 12.5 s |
Model History
- March 2009: Worldwide preview of Fiat 500C
- March 2010: 500C Pink launched
- August 2010: 500C by Diesel announced
- June 2011: 500 TwinAir became a separate 500 model
- October 2016
- June 2017: Fiat 500 Anniversario launched
March 2009
Worldwide preview of Fiat 500C
Featuring an innovative soft top – an unrestricted window to the sky – the new 500C is exactly the same size as the basic model (3.55 m x 1.65 m x 1.49 m), and utilises the same three powerplants: 1.3 litre 75 hp MultiJet Turbodiesel coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission, and the two 1.2 litre 69 hp and 1.4 litre 100 hp petrol engines, available with either manual or robotised Dualogic transmission.
The new 500C incorporates the company’s recently announced Start&Stop system, an innovative device which initiates engine shutdown and subsequent re-ignition. To this end, at every complete stop, when shifting to neutral and releasing the clutch, the engine is switched off, and then restarted simply by selecting a gear.
The soft top of the Fiat 500C stands out for its refined electrically operated linkage and engineering solutions of great quality and finish, such as the glass rear window and the built-in centrally positioned high mounted stop light. Available in three colours (ivory, red and black), this original soft top will be matched with several body colours, two of which have been conceived specifically for the new car in a brilliant Pearl Red and a special Warm Grey.
Thanks to the adoption of the innovative sliding soft top combined with a design concept which retains the vehicle’s all-round protection, the Fiat 500C offers a delightful motoring experience at any time of the year. All told, its many special features make this new car one of the best equipped cabriolet models currently available in the city-car segment.
Full price list for the Fiat 500 C range is as follows:
- 1.2 Pop £11,300
- 1.4 Pop £12,500
- 1.3 Mjet Pop £12,700
- 1.2 Lounge £12,700
- 1.4 Lounge £13,900
- 1.3 Mjet Lounge £14,100
March 2010
500C Pink launched
Based on 1.2 Pop specification, the Fiat 500C Pink features:
- Special Pink colour
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Chrome trim
- Side rubbing strip with 500 badge
- Body coloured door mirrors
- Leather steering wheel
- Leather gear knob
- Special carpet mats
- Special Pink key cover
- Split folding rear seat
- Blue&Me infotainment
With an on the road price of £13,500 – the 500C Pink costs £1,200 more than a regular 1.2 Pop convertible, yet includes £1,870 worth of extra equipment.
August 2010
500C by Diesel announced
Based on the Fiat 500C Lounge specification, the by DIESEL comes with a choice of 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol, and 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engines. Also available in Crossover Black and DIESEL Green, there’s the option of black, ivory and red soft top colours. Spec includes
- 16-inch special alloy wheels with DIESEL logo
- Brake callipers painted yellow (optional on 1.4 version only)
- Specific burnished-metal-finish front and rear bumper inserts
- Specific burnished-metal-finish side rubbing strips
- Specific burnished-metal-finish door handles and mirrors
- Unique side pillar moulding embossed with the word DIESEL
- Unique rear moulding with the DIESEL logo
- Special DIESEL branded upholstery in denim fabric and yellow stitching
- Specific leather steering wheel with yellow stitching
- DIESEL logo on the gear lever knob
In line with the Fiat 500C Lounge version, the 500CbyDIESEL will also be fitted with automatic climate control and rear parking sensors as standard. Prices for the Fiat 500CbyDIESEL start at £14,865 OTR for the 1.2-litre version and rise to £16,265 OTR (1.4-litre) and £17,265 OTR (1.3-litre MultiJet).
June 2011
500 TwinAir became a separate 500 model
The 500 TwinAir is enhanced by black alloy wheels, burnished metal effects on dashboard and front and rear mouldings, spoiler, chrome exhaust pipe and sports seats.
The TwinAir range comes in both 500 (hatchback) and 500C (convertible) versions and will only be available in vibrant colours such as Pearlescent Red, Tropicalia Yellow and Electroclash Grey. A special colour, Midnight Black, is available only on the TwinAir Plus model.
TwinAir:
- Sporty looking mouldings and metallic effect dashboard
- Sport kit (chrome exhaust pipe, spoiler)
- Sport seats
- Black interior surround
- 15-inch matt black alloy wheels
- Air conditioning
TwinAir Plus:
- 16-inch matt black alloy wheels
- Automatic climate control instead of air conditioning
- Blue&Me
- Sport leather steering wheel with eight commands
- Leather gear knob
- Dark tinted windows
- Body coloured door mirrors
October 2016
Fiat 500C Riva announced 500C TwinAir 85 or 105 or 1.3 Multijet trimmed out like a Riva powerboat with white leather, mahogany dash and solid mahogany gearknob. Seems that production cars are not coming through with the mahogany top to the white leather steering wheel.
June 2017
Fiat 500 Anniversario launched
To celebrate the 60th birthday of the Fiat 500 a new special series, the Fiat 500 Anniversario, has been launched
The Fiat 500 Anniversario is available as a hatchback or a convertible and honours the 1957 Italian-made icon with a contemporary re-interpretation of the stylistic features that made it famous in the Dolce Vita years.
This new special series has a sixties look that references some of the key historic characteristics of the car, such as the two new exclusive colours, Sicilia Orange and Riviera Green, the chrome accents on the bonnet and door mirror caps, the vintage Fiat logos and the 16-inch vintage alloy wheels.
An alternative 16-inch diamond finish alloy wheel is also available, as a no cost option, offering a modern take on the spokes of classic car wheels. Inside, the new seats channel the retro style with horizontal striped fabric, contrast piping in body colour and an embroidered 500 logo, while the body-coloured dashboard and "Anniversario" embroidered floor mats complete the look.
With automatic climate control, cruise control and rear parking sensors as standard, customers can also specify the optional Tech Pack, which includes the 7-inch TFT instrument panel, the Uconnect 7-inch HD LIVE radio, Apple Car Play and Android AutoTM, and satnav on request.
Available in combination with the 1.2-litre 69PS petrol engine, the Fiat 500 Anniversario returns 60.1mpg on the combined cycle, emitting just 110g/km CO2, combined with the Dualogic gearbox this reduces to 105g/km CO2, while returning 62.8mpg.
What to watch out for
Repeated failure of clutch hydraulics of 500C TwinAir from new to 4500 miles.
13-08-2013:Report of manual gearbox failure on 66k mile 2009 500C. Quoted £3500 to replace.
12-09-2013:PAS failure on 20 month old 500C.
20-06-2014:If you need a new windscreen for a 500C, be careful to specify that it is a 500C that has the radio aerial incorporated into the windscreen, and not a 500 that doesn't and has a separate antenna.
06-05-2015:Sunroof mechanism jammed on 4 year old 500C. Fiat dealer quoted £2,500 to repair it. Recommended to Bristol Sunroofs.
03-10-2015:Failure reported of boot lid wiring loom on 2010 FIAT 500C. Not the same corrugated rubber tube as on a 500 hatchback.
28-06-2016:TwinAir engine extremely oil sensitive. Wrong oil can destroy MultiAir system replacement of which costs £1,200.
17-10-2017:Strange complaint of airbag of 2012 FIAT 500C partially inflating on passenger side to the extent that the dash covering was raised, but the airbag did not break through.
06-12-2017:Broken rear window of Abarth 500C resulted in insurance bill of £2,000 for entire new roof, plus fitting, plus VAT.
01-01-0001:Report of timing chain failing on a 64 reg FIAT Panda Cross TwinAir at 22,804 miles. Some doubt about service regime. The reason turned out to be that it had run out of oil. VITAL to regularly check the oil level of a FIAT TwinAir engine. Important to idle the engine to ensure oil flow through the turbo before switching off after running on the motorway, after a long ascent, or after running at high revs.)
17-08-2018:Report of alternator repeatedly failing on recently purchased used FIAT 500C 1.4 100HP.
20-08-2019:Report of actuator trouble with recently purchased FIAT 500C 1.2 at 20,000 miles. Keeps flashing check transmission warning light and message and fails to change up the gears repeatedly without resorting to manual.
