2012 FIAT 500c Ft Lauderdale

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The 2012 FIAT 500c offers Italian styling in a unique subcompact two-door convertible form. FIAT has added to the hardtop model with the 500c, with "c" standing for cabriolet, or convertible. There are fourteen exterior colors, as well as fourteen unique seat color and material combination to choose from. Available high-tech features include a navigation system, Blue & Me handsfree communication with a USB port, a premium sound system and SIRIUS satellite radio. The 500c adds extra reinforcements above the windshield to make up some of the rigidity lost to a convertible top, and the windshield itself is slightly longer to conceal things.  The electric top has preset stop points; two easy buttons above the rear view mirror let the driver open the roof as much or as little as desired.

Driving the 500c

The 500C is powered by a 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine producing 101 horsepower. Because of that minimal weight increase, the driving experience is largely unchanged from the hatchback's. Two transmissions are offered, a five-speed manual, and an exclusive to North America six-speed automatic with sequential shifting.  The powertrain features a reinvention of the cylinder head that's called MultiAir technology, to get 101 horsepower and 98 foot-pounds of torque. MultiAir is a complex system that drives the intake valves by oil pressure actuators, triggered by electronic control: it's truly continuously variable valve timing. The FIAT 500c excels while driving through the town or city. The Lounge model offers looser and easier the steering is. In the city, this is good. Light still characterizes the steering, and, as in the hatch, the dash-mounted Sport button adds some weight to the tiller and sharpens throttle response, while also changing the shift map on auto-equipped cars. The cabin remains quiet even on the highway with heavy rain pelting the fabric top.

2012 FIAT 500c Design

Rather than make the 500c a traditional convertible, FIAT retained a narrow portion of the roof above both doors, and the cloth top slides back at the touch of a button, folding just above the rear hatch like an accordion. Consequently it doesn't offer the entire, traditional top-down experience, but having the roof rails in place adds to safety and frame rigidity. And FIAT even beefed up the body to add even more stiffness.  The hardtop 500's hatch has been replaced by a pop-up trunk compartment in the 500c, with luggage volume behind the rear seats reduced to just 5.4 cubic feet. The 500 Cabriolet is identical to the new hardtop, save for a spiffy, folding curtain that slides along the side rails like the original 1957 "Cinquecento." This design keeps the pillars and roof structure intact so the body doesn't flex and rattle.  A folding deflector screen on the edge of the windshield minimizes buffeting at higher speeds, and the thick, lined fabric quiets the interior without exposing any of the top's bars and hinges.

Inside the '12 FIAT 500c

The FIAT 500c instrument panel gives the FIAT the visual feel of a sports car. The steering wheel tilts to adjust, and there's all the legroom in front that you need. The climate and audio systems and vents are in the center over the console. The shift lever, whether manual stick or autostick, rises from the bottom of the dash, a forward place where it's a more natural reach. There are three cupholders in front and two in back, and the glovebox is ample. Navigation is optional by TomTom, and handsfree communication, standard on Sport and Lounge, is by Blue&Me.

FIAT 500c Lineup 2012

The 500c comes in two models: The Pop and the Lounge, which offers a lot more standard equipment such as a six-speed automatic transmission, fog lights, a Bose sound system with Sirius satellite radio and an alarm.

FIAT 500c Pop comes standard with the air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with auxiliary input, power windows, power door locks, power heated mirrors, cruise control, vehicle information display, fabric seats, 15-inch steel wheels. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard; a 6-speed automatic with manual shifting is optional.

FIAT 500c Lounge is the upscale model, with the 6-speed manual automatic, a fixed glass roof that makes it feel bigger inside, premium fabric seats, Sirius satellite radio, 15-inch aluminum wheels with wagonwheel spokes, and more trim and chrome on the outside. It has the same softer suspension, steering, and body panels as the Pop.

Conclusions

Safety features on the 2012 FIAT 500c include even airbags, active front head restraints, electronic stability and traction control and a tire pressure monitoring system.  The 500c sports a cloth top with various retraction settings, from a sunroof-like ceiling opening to a completely stowed accordion. It is the perfect vehicle for those who love the Italian flare of the FIAT 500 and who are looking for an open air drive. For more on this model, visit the official FIAT 500c website!