Fiat has added two distinctive range-toppers to its 500 line up in the guises of the 500 Cabriolet and the 500 Sport MTA.
The Fiat 500 Cabriolet first emerged at last year's Geneva Motor Show as a sort of homage to the canvas-roofed 1957 predecessor. The double-layered fabric roof is available in three colours (ivory, red and black) and is underpinned by a clever parallelogram hinge set up that grants easier access to a boot which is only marginally smaller than that of the tin-top at 182 dm³.
The changes to the 500's distinctive silhouette accommodating the powered roof are minimal, basically comprising a slightly higher windshield and a colour-coded rear molding that houses a high-level brakelamp. Other nods to the 1957 convertible include an optional cross-spoked design alloy wheel set that emulates the spoked items of the original car, along with classic cup-shaped wheel nuts caps.
The Sport MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) model features a five-speed sequential gearbox that essentially emulates a clutchless manual with an automatic override option, as well as normal and economy programmes. The MTA model also features ESP and a Hill-Holder function.
Both the Convertible and MTA are powered by Fiat's 1,4-litre 16-valve petrol engine developing 74 kW at 6 000 r/min and 131 N.m of torque at 4 250 r/min. The Convertible cracks the 0-100 km/h run in a claimed 11 seconds while the MTA does the same trick in 10,5 seconds, both models have top speed of 182 km/h. Fuel consumption is a claimed 6,1 litres/100 km for the Convertible, while the MTA returns 5,8 litres/100 km in the combined cycle.
Being halo models, both the Cabriolet and MTA are generously specced. Among the Convertible's standard features are; air-conditioning, 15-inch alloy wheels, front foglamps, leather steering wheel with audio controls and Blue&Me hands-free/USB system. To this, the MTA adds sports seats and model-specific trim and a rear spoiler.
Both cars also feature a comprehensive list of safety features which includes ABS with EBD, 7 airbags, ESP, anti-slip regulator, Isofix child seat anchorage points, front seatbelt pretensioners and anti-submarining seats.
Pricing:
Fiat 500 Sport MTA R197 600
Fiat 500 Cabriolet R197 600
Both models come with a 3 years/100 000 km warranty and 5 years/90 000 km service plan, along with AA fleetcare roadside assistance for 12 months. Service intervals are every 30 000 km.
They're cute little city cars and no mistake. Though personally, I prefer the Abarth version, it's got a little hint of danger to it.
