Fiat's baby drop top

As if the re-born 500 hadn't been enough of a hit for the Italian brand. Now comes conformation that the 500C convertible will be on sale in Australia by the middle of next year.

Fiat has given a preview of the 500C ahead of its official unveiling at next month's Geneva Motor Show. Images show a folding fabric roof, with the side window frames still intact, that pays homage to the original 1957 model.

The design work was handled by Fiat's Styling Centre and incorporates a glass rear window into the electronically operated folding soft-top. The roof will be available in three shades - ivory, red and black - that can be matched to the car's colour. Two unique exterior colours have been created for the 500C; Pearl Red and Warm Grey.

Mechanically the 500C is almost a match with the hardtop. It uses the same dimensions, the same range of engines (1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel) and the same choice of gearboxes (five-speed manual and DuaLogic). But the soft-top differs with the addition of Fiat's new Start&Stop system that is designed to cut fuel economy and emissions. It is expected that the technology will eventually make its way across the rest of the Fiat lineup.

Fiat's Australian importer, Ateco, has stated it will announce pricing of the 500C closer to the launch date next year.

The hardtop 500 has proved a major hit for Fiat Australia, with 584 sold in 2008 during its first year, making it the company's most popular passenger model.