Fiat 500 Cabrio - first official pictures

The sky’s the limit for Fiat! The first official pictures of the 500 convertible – badged the 500C – have landed ahead of its Geneva debut in March. And in true Fiat style the quirky cabriolet has a style all of its own.

Paying homage to the 1957 original, the 500C uses a targa-style retractable soft-top, which has a number of advantages over a more conventional folding roof. The dimensions are identical to the fixed-head version, saving on manufacturing costs – and ensuring it retains the same dart-like handling. The engines range is untouched, too – there’s the 1.3-litre Multijet diesel, or a choice of two petrol units with either 68bhp or 99bhp.

To maximise fuel efficiency every 500C features Fiat’s ‘Start&Stop’ technology, cutting the engine as soon as you’re in neutral and release the clutch – but fires back up the moment you select a gear. More details will follow closer to the car’s UK launch this summer.