Skip advert
Advertisement

Fiat 500C Vs Mini Cooper Convertible Vs Peugeot 207CC

With its catwalk good looks, Fiat’s 500C is the coolest new drop-top in showrooms this summer. But is it the best? We rate it against key MINI and Peugeot rivals...

It’s August, so thousands of people are flocking to Italy for their annual summer holiday. But you don’t have to go that far to experience the new 500C.

Such is our love of open-topped motoring that UK dealers are the first in Europe to get their hands on the fashionable Fiat. Taking inspiration from the 1957 original, the modern recreation has a similar sliding fabric roof design. And with four seats, a decent-sized boot and the same blend of cheeky retro appeal as the hatch, it aims be the best small drop-top money can buy. But to take that title, it has to defeat the MINI Convertible.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The latest second-generation model has been on UK roads since the spring, and although it’s more expensive than the Fiat, its fully folding roof arguably makes it the purer cabriolet.

However, both newcomers need to take on the car that, along with its 206 CC predecessor, has consistently been one of Britain’s best-selling small cabrios. Peugeot’s folding hard-top 207 CC simply can’t be ignored.

Read on to find out which of this trio deserves to be 2009’s hot destination.

Verdict

Making a small car into a great convertible is a difficult task. The tight dimensions mean it’s hard to package the roof, passengers and luggage, while the need for the end result to be affordable means engineers have a tight budget to work with. So, which one of our trio strikes the right balance between all these demands?

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Model Y

2023 Tesla

Model Y

43,784 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £23,600
View Model Y
XCeed

2022 Kia

XCeed

49,491 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £13,500
View XCeed
Corsa

2022 Vauxhall

Corsa

14,296 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £12,100
View Corsa
XC40

2022 Volvo

XC40

25,321 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £23,100
View XC40

It’s not the 207 CC. Although Peugeot’s big seller is still the best coupé-cabriolet in this price range, its rear seats are too small and its body simply not rigid enough. The car is fun to drive, yet finishes third here.

That leaves the Fiat and MINI to fight for top honours.

The 500C has all the charm and ease of use that made the hatch version our favourite city car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s also cheaper than the Cooper Convertible and well equipped.

It has the best rear seats and a decent boot, too, but with its roll-back fabric roof and fixed side beams it just doesn’t feel like a real convertible.

It can’t match the MINI’s driver appeal or interior quality, either. With fixed-price servicing, low emissions and great residuals, the British car is brilliant to own – and that’s why it’s a thoroughly deserved winner in this test.
 

* 1ST: MINI Cooper Convertible

Entertaining to drive and very well engineered, the MINI is just as desirable as a cabriolet as it is in tin-top guise. The fabric roof is well designed and the quality of the interior first class. Plus, while the luggage area is small, folding rear seats enhance practicality.
 

* 2nd: Fiat 500C 1.4 Lounge

By mimicking the roll-back-style roof of the Fifties original, the 500C manages to provide a roomy cabin and decent-sized boot considering its dimensions. It drives like the hatch, too, and in this company it carries a very competitive price tag.
 

* 3rd: Peugeot 207 CC

For some buyers, the metal roof will hand the 207 the advantage. But we think its two-piece design compromises the styling and the space inside. Plus, the tiny rear seats can’t be used by adults, so the Lion is the least practical car.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,499 off RRP*Used from £10,695
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,800
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025