Fiat lifts the lid on 500 Cabrio

Great news for style-conscious sun worshippers! Fiat has confirmed that a convertible version of its 500 city car will go into production. Styling chief Roberto Giolito made the announcement in Turin, promising that the baby drop-top would be simple, affordable and “aimed at bringing maximum customer enjoyment”.

As a result, a complex, heavy folding hard-top isn’t likely. Instead – as our images revealed in Issue 931 – it will get a light-weight retractable canvas roof, which is in keeping with the 500’s retro appearance. By using a simplified roof design, Fiat hopes to deliver fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures that will maintain the car’s urban appeal.

Contrary to the original plans, the car will have space for four. The compact canvas top has allowed designers to squeeze in a pair of rear seats, which will ensure the cabriolet is a match for its MINI Convertible rival.

Even though the newcomer has a fabric hood, engineers are confident of impressive refinement, thanks to the use of hi-tech noise-reducing material in the roof’s construction. As with the standard 500, the drop-top is set to offer buyers enormous scope for customisation – and they will even be able to pick from a range of colours for the roof.

Engine options are largely carried over from the standard 500. So when the car hits the road in time for summer 2009, there will be a choice of 69bhp 1.2 and 100bhp 1.4-litre petrol engines, plus a 75bhp 1.3-litre Multi-jet diesel. A 135bhp Abarth variant has yet to be confirmed.