Right in time for summer cruising, the 2012 Fiat 500c Cabrio has begun arriving at dealerships, starting at $19,500 for the base Pop model with a manual transmission. Prices range up to $23,500 for the Lounge trim level with a six-speed automatic transmission. (Read our Fiat 500 Cabio preview.)
These prices are about $4,000 higher than the Fiat 500 hardtop, which starts at $15,500, before destination charges. Given that the Fiat 500 is pitched as an alternative to the Mini Cooper, complete with European pedigree, the prices significantly undercut that entertaining hot hatch. For comparison, the base Mini Cooper Convertible begins at $25,500, giving the Fiat 500c Cabrio a $6,000 advantage. The 500c Cabrio Pop is the only four-seat convertible priced under $20,000 offered in the United States.
The Cabrio reinterprets the classic canvas top used on the original Cinquecento, with a premium dual-layer power-operated cloth top that is designed to deliver all-season driving pleasure with the top up or down. The 2012 model uses a wide glass rear window, offering comparable visibility to the coupe—something most convertibles can’t claim.
A neat trick, the power-operated cloth top can retract any distance up to the rear spoiler during speeds up to 60 mph. Press the button again, and the roof will fold all the way open and tuck neatly behind the rear head restraints at speeds up to 50 mph.
With the Fiat 500c Cabrio, modern conveniences and classic cues combine for a welcomed treat among affordable, fuel-efficient cars.
Read our 2012 Fiat 500 review.
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