Skip advert
Advertisement

Fiat 500C TwinAir

Cabriolet version of Fiat 500 gets clever two-cylinder engine

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Fiat 500
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Introducing the two-cylinder TwinAir engine has only added to the 500C’s vibrant personality. The powerplant’s unique sound and rev-happy nature suit the cabrio down to the ground, and it’s all the more enjoyable when you fold the roof. Our only concern is that the powerplant could be a little too small. On occasion, you end up having to work it hard to keep pace with traffic – and this is likely to  make a sizeable dent in the claimed economy figures.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The VW Beetle and new MINI started the trend for retro-styled modern cars. Yet Fiat has taken it further – not only by reviving its 500 city car from 1957, but by now adding a two-cylinder engine, as per the original. 

We drove the standard 500 TwinAir in Issue 1,139. So how would the unit fare in its drop-top stablemate: the 500C? We took the wheel to find out. Although it might seem as though the firm has gone back in time, there’s nothing dated about the new TwinAir engine. Thanks to Fiat’s innovative MultiAir variable intake valves and a turbo, the unit squeezes 85bhp from its 875cc, while returning a claimed 68.9mpg and emitting only 95g/km of CO2. That means the 500C is exempt from road tax and the London Congestion Charge. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

i10

2019 Hyundai

i10

38,755 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £7,490
View i10
HR-V Hybrid

2017 Honda

HR-V Hybrid

70,277 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £8,790
View HR-V Hybrid
EV6

2024 Kia

EV6

20,984 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £26,795
View EV6
1 Series

2021 BMW

1 Series

36,564 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £17,990
View 1 Series

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68606","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

As well as providing diesel-like fuel economy, the engine has similar power delivery to an oil-burner. It offers 145Nm of torque, available from 1,900rpm, and propels the 500C along with surprising urge, making lighter work of steep hills and overtaking than you’d expect. A high-mounted gearlever to operate the slick five-speed gearbox helps keep the TwinAir on the boil.

Although it’s described as a convertible, the 500C has more of a long sunroof than a proper drop-top, as the pillars remain intact. The hood slides back in two parts, retracting to the rear edge of the roof with one press of a button, and further back with a second press. The latter is preferable at speed, as there is less wind buffeting, although it restricts rearward visibility.

On the plus side, the 500C remains nearly as stiff as the hard-top model, meaning it’s still pretty sharp to drive. 

Having the roof lowered allows you to enjoy the engine note – it has a pleasing offbeat thrum. And while it’s louder than the four-cylinder, the unit isn’t unpleasantly noisy, even on long journeys, unless you hit the top of the rev range. 

The engine is only 10 per cent lighter than the four-cylinder, so no suspension tweaks were needed. And despite a firm ride, the 500C is a lot of fun.

Rival: MINI One Conv.

At £15,600, the One Convertible commands a hefty premium over the 500C, but it’s a high-quality product. And although MINI’s 1.6-litre petrol unit can’t match the Fiat’s claimed mpg, it should return better real-world figures.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £15,519
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025