Fiat’s newly introduced 500C may not be a convertible in the real sense of the word, but the Italian company that holds the fates of Chrysler hopes to capture the attention of sun-seeking buyers with its panoramic canvas-top mini, which made its US debut at this week’s 2011 New York Auto Show.
Scheduled to go on sale this May, the new 2012 500C will be offered in two trim levels, the base Pop that is priced at $19,500, and the better-equipped Lounge, priced at $23,500. According to Fiat, the 500C is the only four-seat cabrio in the U.S. market. However, Fiat’s definition of a ‘cabrio’ is loose -to say the least- given that the 500C comes with full frame doors and columns, simply adding a rollover canvas top in place of the metal roof.
The base version will get you a power cloth top, manual transmission, 15-inch steel wheels, seven standard air bags, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with auxiliary audio input, chromed exhaust tip, power windows and door locks, power heated mirrors, speed control, BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication technology with USB port, and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. The similarly equipped tin-top 500 is priced at $15,500.
The more premium Lounge model adds several features on top of those found on the Pop, including the a six-speed automatic transmission, front- and rear-fascia chromed accents, chromed mirror caps, fog lamps, 15-inch alloys, premium cloth seats, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, automatic climate control, and BOSE Energy Efficient Series audio system with six premium speakers and subwoofer and security alarm.
12 Comments:
I have to admit I liked this car and considered getting one in North America until…
… I went on line to Fiat’s US website. Friend’s birthday was coming up and noticed there was a link to the Fiat Store. Saw a wireless Fiat 500 mouse and thought it’ll make a good present for friend’s new laptop. Selected the red one and found it was out of stock. So selected the white one - which wasn’t - and bought it. Week later no news. Emailed customer service – no reply. Emailed again a week later – no reply. Finally rang and was told it was out of stock. Discovered every item on sale in Fiat store was out of stock. Went to Amazon and bought friends present there.
And my point is?
Fiat dealers in the UK have always had a reputation for lousy service. One of the worst in the country. I had totally forgotten about that until I experienced the above.
Good luck if you want to buy this car. Don’t be surprised if the quality of service is not good. If it is, see how long it lasts!
that's not a bad price. However, a scion tc with standard moon/sun roofs is a better deal.
I prefer the VW Beetle
Am I supposed to like this car??? I want to but I just can't! I think I'll pass on this.
This car reminds me of the 1950 Nash Rambler Landau. Kind of rounded looking with a cloth top riding on side rails. Come to think of it, Chrysler did absorb AMC.
The new Beetle does make this Fiat look dated. Fiat relied too much on charm and not progress. This will bite them the ass in the US market; guaranteed slow seller here in the States. Too bad, but Fiat should have studied their market better, and even more so, better studied their competition.
This piece of shit car needs to stay in europe where it belongs
if it aint got at least 500hp under the hood and cant break 60mph in under 10 seconds then keep that shit in your back yard EU, let the real men make cars. you can play tea time in europe while we build real classicshere. 'Merica!
nice design. where is the 4 door model? overpriced and unreliable.
Yes I agree with the post above...
the Yanks dont have taste, they need Big cars for there Mc Donalds ass.
^Eurotrash post^
Too much.
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