Fiat 500 Cabrio spied

It’s hats off to the Fiat 500! Our exclusive spy shots reveal the new 500 Convertible undergoing testing in Germany.

Top brass at Fiat aren’t too fussed about who sees the roofless baby out and about, as they’ve made little effort to disguise the car, save for the sliver of fabric covering the roof.

The Italian manufacturer won’t go down the usual folding hard top route for the 500, instead opting for a more traditional canvas roof, which will boost fuel economy and drive down emissions by saving weight and match the retro look of the little car.

Buyers will have plenty of scope for customisation, too, as they will be able to choose from a variety of colours for the soft-top. Aiming straight at the MINI convertible, Fiat will also drop a pair of rear seats into the 500 cabrio, but adjustments to the interior don’t stop there.

The company has used noise-reducing materials in the cabin to keep road and wind noise down to a minimum. Don’t expect any big mechanical changes, though. The 500 Cabrio will be available with the same engine range as the outgoing hatchback when it arrives in summer 2009.

Expect the usual 69bhp 1.2 and 100bhp 1.4-litre petrol engines, along with a 75bhp 1.3-litre Multijet diesel unit.