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Open-top Italian style. The 500C features a fabric canvas roof that electrically reclines — not a full convertible (the pillars stay), but it adds huge character and open-air fun. Perfect for summer.
Search Our Stock ❯The Fiat 500C is not a true drop-top convertible. Instead, Fiat engineered a clever compromise: a retractable fabric roof that disappears entirely, pillar-less styling that looks open, but structural A and B pillars that remain for rigidity. The result is something unique—a proper convertible feel without the engineering complexity, structural weakness, or torsional rigidity loss of a full cabriolet. On a sunny day with the roof down and the wind in your hair, you forget the pillars exist.
The 500C roof is fully motorised and operates via a single button. Unlike some convertibles that require manual assistance or fumbling with straps, the 500C roof deploys with the press of a button. The operation takes approximately 15 seconds, and the roof can be opened or closed at speeds up to 37 mph (ideal if you're caught in a sudden drizzle on a city street).
The roof is made of multi-layer fabric, not solid plastic or metal. When fully retracted, it stows vertically behind the rear seats in the boot area—boot space remains unchanged at 185 litres. This is a crucial advantage over traditional convertibles, where the boot is typically halved by the retracted roof.
Three positions exist: tilted (just the front section opens—perfect for ventilation without full commitment), half-open, and fully retracted. The tilted position is popular in spring and autumn when you want some air but not full exposure to the weather.
The 500C has been available since 2009 in Pop, Dolcevita, and Lounge trims, mirroring the hatchback range. Pop Star came later (2016+). The Dolcevita is the most popular used trim, adding chrome details, pastel paint options, and a white interior with leather steering wheel. The 500C Dolcevita is beloved among enthusiasts and represents exceptional value in the second-hand market—often just £1,000-2,000 more than an equivalent hatchback.
Engine options mirror the hatchback: 1.2 petrol (69 bhp), 0.9 TwinAir turbo (105 bhp), and 1.0 mild hybrid (70 bhp, 2020+). The extra 10-15 kg weight of the roof is negligible—acceleration and fuel economy are virtually identical to the hatchback. The soft-top design means the centre of gravity is slightly lower than the hard-roofed hatchback, giving marginally better handling when the roof is open.
With the roof up, the 500C is as weathertight as the hatchback. The fabric roof is insulated and provides good sound deadening (far superior to older convertible canvas roofs). Visibility is excellent thanks to the large side windows and panoramic glass rear window. The downsides: In winter, frost accumulation on the roof can be annoying (takes longer to defrost than a hard top), and the fabric can develop mildew if the car sits unused and damp. Always operate the roof fully (open/close cycles) at least monthly to prevent seals from sticking and creases from setting. Wind noise with the roof down is minimal at city speeds, though motorway cruising above 60 mph gets noticeably louder. The fabric roof also means less headroom with it fully open compared to a hatchback at night—but the trade-off is the wonderful open-air feeling.
We source 500C convertibles in specific colours and specs. Just ask.
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