Fiat 500 Cabriolet

Having a long-term 500 in CAR's fleet changed my perception of the nuova cinquecento from that of a niche fashion accessory to that of a, well...pleasant and distintcive little runabout. Now that Fiat has dispensed with the roof, does it continue to make sense?

The 500 Cabriolet builds on one of the local automotive industry's most daring niches. I just don't see your average prospective convertible buyer weighing up options that would include the 500C. Not that it is particularly lacking in any department, but the 500 has pretty much taken up the role of a stylish accessory rather than your average city car alternative. Indeed, Fiat SA stated on the local media launch of the 500C and MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) Sport models that its target market is quite an open-minded group of individuals, those who really want to stand out in a crowd...

And stand out you will. The 500's shape is very noticeable as is, and the 500C adds to the equation a fabric roof, available in three colours (ivory, red and black), that stays very true to the original model's concept of a roof that folds all the way back to the rear of the vehicle. Essentially, that's all that's different on this model.

The execution is superb, the electrically- roof opens and closes via the touch of two buttons on the windscreen frame. The one on the right opens the roof, which folds all the way to just aft of the front seatbacks, and another half-second hold of the button sees it fold all the way to just behind the rear seatback. The third brake light, situated in a high-quality plastic housing that is usually positioned just above the rear window, is cleverly still exposed in a large fold with the roof totally open.

The button on the left automatically closes the roof to the aforementioned position, before more depression closes the roof to about 25 cm of total closure, creating the same effect as a conventional sunroof. Thereafter, the button needs to be held until the roof is completely shut, which is announced by reassuring clicks at certain points all down the A,B and C-pillar arch.

The experience is quite similar to that of driving a Smart ForTwo Cabriolet, because essentially, all the pillars are still employed and initially it just feels like there's a large panoramic glass roof above your head - with the added wind effect, of course. Fortunately, the driving experience hasn't been comprosmided too much by the sliver of metal missing above the occupant's heads. The 500C exhibits many of its hard-top siblings handling characteristics thanks to its wheel-in-each-corner design and a relatively stiff suspension set up. Switch on the facia-mounted 'Sport' button and the throttle response amd steering are noticeably beefed up.

I didn't notice the wind-deflector integrated within the windshield frame due to my eagerness to get out of town - with the roof already completely open, it was in its upright position. My passenger and I noted how badly the wind noise affected cabin conversation at around 80 km/h, but we were later to find out (while driving) that with the deflector clipped flat, there was a considerable improvement - allowing us to speak in a rational note even at the national limit.

The 1,4-litre normally-aspirated petrol engine provided ample oomph for town, but I couldn't help noticing that it felt just a wee bit less sprightly than I expected (blame it on the 30 kg of extra bracing and other cabrio gubbins). With 73 kW produced at 6 000 r/min and 131 N.m of torque at 4 250 r/min, the four-cylinder unit requires you to stir the six-speed manual gearbox quite a bit when you press on, but is more than competent for boulevard cruising, and is quite tractable in the higher ratios at urban speeds too.

As per the 500C's standard Lounge specification, you're pretty much left wanting for nothing inside with leather finishes, air-con, electric windows, remote central locking, leather, multifunction steering wheel, Blue&Me hands-free system with remote controls and USB input. Safety spec includes seven airbags, ESP with ASR and a hill-holder function.

There's much that could play into the 500C's favour, including its stylish design, comprehensive standard features list and a wide range of customising extras, but at this price I (R197 600) still think I'd be paying too much for too little car. Then again, there is the argument that for R200 000, you're not going to find a better convertible new, and that's certainly spot on.