(continued from above)
The Nuova Cinquecento debuted in the summer of 1957 as a cabrio and offered a
distinctive canvas roof that opened right to the rear of the vehicle. More than
50 years later, the new 2012 Fiat 500c showcases the brand's ingenuity to build
world-class small cars that ignite a spirit of the times through simple design,
beautiful craftsmanship and timeless value. As a result, the Fiat 500 models
have continued to surprise and delight customers worldwide.
The new Fiat
500c builds on the Italian styling, all-season performance, fuel-efficient
powertrain options, interior comfort for four passengers and more than 35 safety
and security features that have made the Fiat 500 hatchback model an
international success.
Cleverly designed with a multi-position
power-retractable cloth top, fully stamped body-side silhouette and 70 percent
less header shake then key competitors - the new Fiat 500c delivers leading
interior sound quality (quietest at 45 mph, 70 mph and lowest powertrain noise).
In addition, its longer windshield and minimized header design maximize
rear-seated passengers' outward visibility, while minimizing cabin turbulence.
And for easy access to the cabrio's trunk, premium "parallelogram" liftgate
hinges conveniently position the liftgate out of the way, while the
power-operated cloth top simultaneously retracts.
Metro-Friendly
Proportions
The new 2012 Fiat 500c combines city-friendly
proportions, iconic Cinquecento cues and a fully power-operated cloth top - all
wrapped in modern Italian styling that conveys simplicity and joy.
At the
front, the new Fiat 500c model's signature "whiskers and logo" face features
circular projector headlamps and lower park lamps that resemble the latest Fiat
models while paying homage to the distinctive elements of the original
Cinquecento in stylistic harmony. To show its road-holding stance, the cabrio's
front fascia features chromed trim and tapers outward toward its large wheel
arches, while a horizontal cooling duct adds design character and additional
engine cooling.
Differentiating the Fiat 500c from the hatchback model is
a slightly longer windshield that is designed to provide passengers with a
maximized outward view. In addition, the windshield elegantly conceals the
reinforced upper-cross member that ensures the cabrio's rigid body structure
during spirited driving.
From the side, the Fiat 500c's pillars stand out
and present strong arches, while the shape of the soft top provides a more
slender silhouette compared with the hatchback version. Below, the black or
available chromed belt molding, the signature body-side A-line slopes forward
for a dynamic look, while its lateral section features clean surfaces and flared
wheel arches to deliver a modern interpretation of the historic Cinquecento. To
keep its design simple and modern, the hood-to-fender seam is elegantly cut at
the A-line. Filling the wheel wells are four unique wheel designs, all with the
"500" logo on the center caps. For more design character, bi-halogen projector
headlamps and clear-lens taillamps are visible from the side profile thanks to
the way the cabrio's rounded sides link up to the front and rear. Providing
enhanced durability, new lower-sill spats protect the body-side from stone
chips.
At the rear of the new Fiat 500c, a roof-mounted and color-matched
spoiler improves aerodynamics, while elegantly integrating the center
high-mounted stop lamp that cleverly functions with the roof up or down.
Separating the premium cloth top from the liftgate is a chrome trim accent that
also highlights the cabrio's width. To keep the rear design clean, the lighting
functions are divided vertically following the liftgate's cutline. Finishing off
the iconic styling of the Fiat 500c is a chromed license plate brow, a motif
from the original Cinquecento that was inspired by a bicycle saddle.
Fiat 500 Cabrio: Review (2/2)
