We say The drop-top version is cute, enjoyable to drive, boasts a good roof and is powered by excellent engines - but it's a bit steep.Performance There are four basic engines available on the Fiat 500C comprised of three petrol models and one basic diesel unit with two outputs. It’s the largest engine in the range, the 1.4-litre petrol unit worth 100bhp, that’s the fastest with a 0-60mph sprint time of 10.2 seconds and a top speed of 113mph however it’s only marginally quicker than the smaller, 95bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel option and the smallest petrol unit – the fabled 0.9-litre TwinAir.Emissions Whilst the 1.4-litre petrol engine is the fastest, just, it is by far and away the worst in terms of emissions and fuel economy. On a combined cycle it returns 46mpg and emits 140g/km in CO2. The larger diesel unit and the 0.9-litre TwinAir engine again lead the way. The diesel returns 72mpg and emits 104g/km while the TwinAir unit returns 68mpg and emits 95g/km making it one of the cleanest petrol engines on the market.Driving The 500C is a fantastic little car to nip about town in. There’s plenty of pep in all the engines with only the 1.2-litre petrol ever feeling even slightly underpowered. It’s small and agile which makes it great for urban environments. It does roll slightly in corners and the steering isn’t quite as sharp as you might expect but all in all it’s good fun – particularly with the roof down.Feel There’s a strange heightened ride height for taller drivers especially however it absorbs the UK’s bumps and potholes with little fuss so you shouldn’t find yourself head butting the roof.Space The 500C is a little city car and that means space is at a premium inside. There’s hardly any room in the rear and passengers may find it claustrophobic without the roof down. Those in the front have more room to manoeuvre and sit in relative comfort. There’s a small boot at the rear of the car which is smaller than the standard hatchback’s at just 182-litres – bigger than the standard Mini hatch.Equipment Fiat markets the 500 and 500C as premium city cars and that means there’s a wide range of equipment available on the little drop top. As standard there’s air conditioning, power steering and electric windows which is all fairly typical however there is scope for rear parking sensors and other gadgets as you move up the trim levels.Price For its size, the Fiat 50C is not cheap with prices starting from around £11,000 and rising to around £15,000.Quality The 500 range – including the convertible – is a bespoke one and the interiors are unique to the city car. There are high-quality materials throughout the cabin, laid out in a sensible and attractive way, the cabin can look sparse as a result but we think it’s more laid back.Safety Electronic stability control (ESC) does not come as standard on the 500C but with seven airbags throughout the interior, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution, the 500C is fairly well equipped.Pros The 500C has distinctive styling, a comfortable interior with a cool dash and centre console and some brilliantly frugal engines.Cons The Fiat 500C is extremely expensive to buy when compared to similarly sized models. It’s also becoming quite a common sight on UK roads so lacks the ‘cool’ factor it once had.Alternatives Smart Fortwo cabriolet, Daihatsu Copen
