Fiat 500C here for summer
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UK spec Fiat 500C (above)
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Fiat
15th September, 2009
The new Fiat 500C, the open top version of Fiat’s
"Bambino", will now arrive in Australia earlier than first expected. A January 2010 release is now
scheduled.
“The interest in the open top Fiat 500 C has already proven as strong as it has been for the
normal Fiat 500,” explains Andrei Zaitzev, General Manager for Fiat in Australia.
The new Fiat 500C is available to order in two versions, both equipped with the 1.4 litre 74 kW
engine with a choice of a manual or DuaLogic gearboxes. Prices start at a recommended price of
$28,990 for the manual version and $30,990 for the self shifting DuaLogic version, excluding dealer
and statutory on-road costs.
“The 500C has been the car to be seen in during the European summer this year and the demand,
like that for is solid roof 'cousin', has run well ahead of supply,” explains an optimistic Mr
Zaitzev. “With limited numbers coming to Australia and existing pent-up interest, we expect the
demand to run ahead of supply here, too, so now is the time to start planning for chic open top
motoring this summer!”
The stylish new Fiat 500 C pays homage to the original 1957 fabric roof Fiat 500, but today’s
thoroughly modern interpretation offers customers innovative solutions in terms of mechanical
design, performance and comfort.
The Fiat 500 C’s introduction is in line with the Fiat tradition of giving customers access to
segment firsts in terms of content and technology, and comes just 18 months after the local launch
of the Fiat 500.
Starting from the basis of the hatchback, the introduction of a soft top version does not
change the characteristics of the model, such as its four seats, but it does add new functions
that heighten enjoyment, including easy access to the boot even when the soft top is fully open,
thanks to a system of parallelogram hinges.
Another point of this original convertible version is its climate and acoustic comfort. Thorough
aerodynamic research means that turbulence experienced on the move with the roof open has been
reduced to a minimum, allowing full enjoyment of fresh air and the company of fellow occupants.
The decision to re-interpret the original design in a modern idiom, with an electric sliding
roof that retains the shape of this classic vehicle, makes the Fiat 500 C less of a seasonal
product and one that can be enjoyed the whole year round. In short, all these features make this
new vehicle one of the most successful convertibles in the modern city car segment.
The Fiat 500 C soft top stands out for its elegant electrically controlled movements and its
impressively finished and carefully selected technical features, from the glass rear window to the
third brake light built into the soft top itself.
The new Fiat 500 C has an exclusive feel to its interior, which is embellished with top quality
desirable fabrics, including optional Frau leather upholstery, and a long list of standard
features: from automatic climate control to the innovative Blue&Me telematics system.
New Fiat 500 C retains the same dimensions as the hatchback (355 cm long, 165 cm wide and 149
cm high) and uses the 1.4 74 kW petrol engine, available with manual or Dualogic semi-automatic
robotised gearboxes.
The launch of Fiat’s little convertible ensures that the Fiat 500 continues to be discussed,
and confirms its status as an Italian icon. Clear evidence of its success are the more than 360,000
customer orders for the hatchback received in 59 markets where it is now on sale.
This is all the more impressive when it’s appreciated that more than half this vehicle’s sales
have been recorded outside Italy, (50 per cent elsewhere in Europe and 8 per cent in the rest of
the world). In each country where it has been launched, the Fiat 500 has generated enormous
interest: in Japan, for example, there have been more than 5,000 orders. It should also be
recognised that 80 per cent of Fiat 500 customers select the most expensive features and 90 per
cent ask for the Blue&Me system.
In short, as an expression of Italy's automotive design, the Fiat 500 is not merely a
super-compact city car, but a real platform upon which Fiat Group Automobiles is building a whole
'family' of cars. The new Fiat 500 C represents another step forward in this direction.
Alluring shape and innovative design
"The Fiat 500 C is not merely the open version of the 500," explains Roberto Giolito,
Fiat & Abarth Style Director. "In fact, thanks to the wide range of available versions, this
new model is really a whole new car in its own right, with a strong personality inherited from the
original 1957 model and an undoubted sentimental value brought to it by so many fans over the
years. If, on the one
hand, the Fiat 500 C respects the original version, on the other it enriches it with new features
which, thanks to stylistic choices, afford each one of us maximum freedom of use."
The Fiat 500 C uses a deeper windscreen than the Fiat 500. This is needed to resize the upper
cross member; and affords a better view for the rear passengers, increases torsional rigidity and
facilitates clean lines. These are also enhanced by the continuity of the windscreen, which extends
to the fabric roof without exposing any part of the bodywork (an elegant and technologically
sophisticated solution in keeping with the spirit of the 500 C).
If the soft top is down and the boot release is activated, an electronic system automatically
lifts the hood a few centimetres to allow the boot to be fully opened. This functional and neat
solution contributes to the fact that the Fiat 500 C is amongst the best in class for ease and
versatility of loading and unloading. The luggage compartment itself, (with a capacity of 182
litres – just three litres less than the saloon version), together with a traditional
upwards-opening boot and wide access, is spacious and easy to load.
The interior of the Fiat 500 C boasts quality materials. In particular, the new seats are
upholstered in a high quality durable fabric. The backrest and cushions of the rear seats keep
passengers well located.
An innovative soft top for a unique style
The Fiat 500 C soft top is characterised by sophisticated electrically controlled movements and
innovative technical solutions. In particular, a colour-coded moulding of the same colour as the
soft top acts as a spoiler and houses a third brake light, providing similar aerodynamics to the
saloon version – a Cx of 0.33.
In addition, when the soft top is down, the spoiler is arranged so that the third brake light
is always visible. The double-layered roof fabric ensures the best possible insulation from the
elements, and along with the fabric covered pillars, completes an attractive finish from the
inside.
The electrically operated soft top can be controlled either by buttons next to the interior roof
light, or from the car’s remote control unit. In addition, the soft top can be operated at any
speed under 60 km/h.
The soft top is designed to be easy to use: to open it, just press the button for at least half
a second to trigger the movement that then continues automatically up to the spoiler position (a
midway point can of course be chosen by pressing the button again). Press the button again for at
least half-a-second to fully open the roof. When using the remote control, the roof can be opened
only as far as the spoiler. For safety reasons, the roof stops at around 25 cm from complete
closure; (just press and hold the button to complete the movement).
When the boot is open, the soft top can only be closed (the opening function is de-activated).
However, if the roof is fully open and the boot needs to be opened, the soft top automatically
moves to a midway point to avoid obstructing loading operations.
Finally, the standard wind-stop can easily be positioned behind the rear head restraints
(attached to the parcel shelf). This wind tunnel-tested accessory has been designed specifically
for the Fiat 500 C. It offers a notable reduction in turbulence for all passengers, at all speeds,
and there is no need to remove the wind-stop to open or close the soft top (another unique feature
for this vehicle segment).
Environmentally friendly engines
The Fiat 500C’s 1.4 litre engine boasts modern day technology and is characterised by its lively
and flexible feel.
The Fiat 500's power units are produced by Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT), the division of
the Fiat Group that is wholly responsible for the innovation, research, design and production of
engines and gearboxes for all types of vehicle: from cars to trucks, boats and agricultural
equipment. With around 20,000 employees, 16 factories and 11 research centres across nine countries,
this division is one of the most important global players in powertrain manufacturing. At FPT,
around 3,000 technicians are dedicated to developing and engineering innovative technologies. More
than 40 patents filed every year is proof of the quality and seriousness of this commitment, making
FPT a centre of excellence for technology and continuous innovation.
Fiat’s 1.4 litre 16V engine delivers 74 kW at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 131 Nm at 4,250
rpm. Developed with performance and low consumption in mind, this engine puts the Fiat 500 C at the
top of its class, with a top speed of 182 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 10.5 seconds. Fuel
economy is 6.3 l/100 km (combined cycle). With 74 kW available, this little car is almost capable
of lively performance and quick responses in city traffic.
Class-leading safety
Structurally derived from the Fiat 500 hatchback (the first car under four metres to receive a
five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating), the Fiat 500 C retains all the safety components and
features (active and passive) that justifiably place it among the market's best-in-class.
For example, with seven airbags offered as standard equipment, (two front, two window, two side
and one knee bag) the Fiat 500 C is unrivalled in its segment in terms of passive safety.
Furthermore, the new car’s stable and efficient braking system combined with its responsive
acceleration and reliable handling allows it to emerge unscathed from emergency situations.
The Fiat 500 C uses technical solutions to ensure that the driver is in control of the car
(active safety): such as ABS anti-lock braking with electronic brake distribution (EBD); electronic
stability programme (ESP); anti-slip regulation (ASR), a Hill Holder system – which helps the
driver with hill starts – and hydraulic brake assistance (HBA) to help with emergency stops.
Moreover, to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers, the Fiat 500 C has a body designed
according to the latest crash resistance criteria. This is the first super-compact car equipped
with a front-end structure specifically designed to improve inter-vehicle compatibility in
head-on collisions, with a rigid cabin to protect the occupants and high-absorption zones on the
outside.
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All four seat belts are three-point type – while both front belts have dual pretensioners and load
limiters. The front and rear seats are equipped with an anti-submarining system that stops the wearer
from sliding underneath the seatbelt during an impact.
The Fiat 500 C has all the dynamic and comfort features that allow users to embark comfortably and
safely on any journey. The suspension system plays a fundamental role in this: front suspension is
provided by independent MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension is semi-independent with a
torsion beam axle. The semi-independent torsion-axle rear suspension system also features an anti-roll
bar derived from the Abarth 500 to improve handling and comfort.
Standard and optional features
The Fiat 500C version stands out for its Chrome kit, which includes chrome trim on the side windows,
exhaust tail pipe, the interior door handle inserts, gear lever and the front and rear bumpers.
Standard equipment includes automatic climate control, ESP, fog lights and parking sensors. The unique
to the 500C alloy wheels with 185/55 R16 tyres and electric wing mirrors painted to match the body
also come as standard, as does climate AirCon, ABS brakes power windows and locks and the innovative
Blue&Me telematics system, which even allows owners to talk to their Fiat 500! Blue&Me, with its
eco:Drive programme also enables the 500C to teach its owner to drive more economically.
Fiat 500 C technical specifications
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Fiat 500 C 1.4 |
Fiat 500 C 1.4 |
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Manual |
DuaLogic |
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Emission standards |
Euro 5 |
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No. of cylinders and arrangement |
4, in line, transverse |
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Bore x stroke (mm) |
72 x 84 |
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Displacement (cm3) |
1,368 |
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No. of valves per cylinder |
4 |
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Compression ratio |
10.8 : 1 |
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Max. power output: kW at rpm |
74/6,000 |
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Peak torque: Nm at rpm |
131/4,250 |
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Tappet control |
Finger rocker arm with hydraulic tappets (2 x OHC) |
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Timing (control) |
Toothed belt |
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Fuel supply |
Sequential and timed electronic MPI |
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Ignition |
Static advance, electronic, integrated with the injection |
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Emissions control |
Three-way catalyst in engine bay,
2 Lambda probes, EOBD |
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Transmission |
5 Speed Manual |
5 Speed robotised manual |
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Drive |
Front |
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Clutch |
Mechanical, self-adjusting |
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Brakes |
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Front (mm) |
D257 x 22 ventilated |
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Rear (mm) |
D240x11 (full) |
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Suspension |
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Front |
Independent, MacPherson strut suspension with transverse
lower wishbones secured to an auxiliary cross member;
anti-roll bar connected to the shock-absorber |
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Rear |
Semi-independent suspension with torsion beam axle and
anti-roll bar |
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Performance and fuel consumption |
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Top speed (km/h) |
182 |
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0-100 kmh (secs) |
10.5 |
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Urban consumption (l/100 km) |
8.2 |
8.2 |
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Extra urban consumption (l/100 km) |
5.2 |
5.2 |
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Combined consumption (l/100 km) |
6.3 |
6.3 |
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CO2 (g/km) |
140 |
140 |
Fiat 500C Equipment List
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S – Standard; O - Optional |
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Electric soft-top with two positions (partially open/fully open) and
automatic partial closure to open the boot |
S |
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Remote central locking with customisable key cover |
S |
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Electric front windows |
S |
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Dualdrive™ electric power steering |
S |
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Dual stage driver and passenger airbags |
S |
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Side airbags |
S |
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Window bags |
S |
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Driver kneebag |
S |
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ABS + EBD |
S |
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Body coloured bumpers |
S |
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Chromed exterior door handles |
S |
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Passenger seatback with pocket |
S |
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Height adjustable steering wheel |
S |
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Height adjustable driver's seat |
S |
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Radio with MP3 compatible CD player and 6 speakers |
S |
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Automatic climate control/AirCon |
S |
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Body coloured electric door mirrors |
S |
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Foglights |
S |
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50/50 split rear seat with height-adjustable headrests and Isofix attachments |
S |
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Rear parking sensors |
S |
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Front passenger seat with storage compartment under the seat and glove compartment |
S |
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ESP + ASR/MSR, HBA and Hill Holder |
S |
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Blue&Me hands-free system with Bluetooth technology, voice recognition,
steering wheel mounted controls and digital audio file player with USB port |
S |
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Leather steering wheel with commands |
S |
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Chrome kit (Side window contours with chrome insert, chrome exhaust pipe,
chrome inserts in front and rear bumpers, chrome gearlever) |
S |
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16" alloy wheels with 195/45 tyres - specifically for the 500C |
S |
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Dualogic gearbox |
O |
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Dualogic gearbox controls on the steering wheel |
O |
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Wind stop |
S |
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