2017 FIAT 500c Overview
The 2017 Fiat 500c is a stylish and distinctive subcompact convertible that injects a dose of Italian flair into the everyday commute. Building upon the iconic design of the standard 500, the "c" (cabrio) variant features a retractable soft-top that slides back, offering an open-air driving experience without the full complexity or cost of a traditional convertible. It's a car that prioritizes personality and urban agility over practicality and outright performance.
Highlights
- Engine: The 2017 Fiat 500c is primarily powered by a 1.4-liter MultiAir inline-four engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 101 horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque. While not a powerhouse, it's well-suited for city driving, offering peppy acceleration in urban environments. It can be paired with either a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an available 6-speed automatic transmission.
- Safety Features: Fiat equipped the 2017 500c with a decent array of standard safety features for its class:
- Seven Airbags: This includes front, front-side, full-length side curtain, and a driver's knee airbag, providing comprehensive protection in the event of a collision.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps prevent the car from skidding or losing control by applying individual brakes and reducing engine power when it detects a loss of traction.
- Traction Control: Works in conjunction with ESC to limit wheelspin, especially when accelerating or on slippery surfaces.
- Hill Start Assist: Automatically holds the brakes for a few seconds when on an incline, preventing the car from rolling backward when you release the brake pedal to accelerate.
- Trims: The 2017 Fiat 500c was available in several distinct trims, each offering a different flavor of the iconic Italian hatchback:
- Pop: The entry-level trim, offering the essential 500c experience with a focus on style and essential features.
- Lounge: This trim elevates the experience with a more premium interior, including upgraded upholstery, a panoramic fixed glass roof (in addition to the sliding fabric roof), and additional comfort features.
- Abarth: For those seeking a sportier edge, the Abarth trim boasts a turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir engine with 160 horsepower and 183 lb-ft of torque, along with sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and aggressive styling cues. This is the performance-oriented option.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Retractable Soft-Top: The signature feature of the "c" model, allowing for an open-air experience with a simple push of a button. The roof retracts to a large opening, offering a sun-drenched cabin without the full convertible mechanism.
- Iconic Design: The 500c inherits the beloved retro styling of the original Fiat 500, featuring a rounded shape, prominent headlights, and a charming, distinctive presence on the road.
- Compact Maneuverability: Its small footprint makes it exceptionally easy to navigate tight city streets, parallel park, and squeeze into small parking spaces.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Fiat 500c is generally a delightful experience for those who appreciate its unique character. The ride is typically city-friendly, absorbing smaller bumps well, though larger potholes can be felt. The steering is light and responsive, making it agile in urban environments. The cabin, while stylish, can feel a bit cramped for taller passengers, especially in the rear seats, which are best suited for children or short trips. The engine's performance is adequate for everyday driving but will feel leisurely on highways or when needing to overtake quickly.
Maintenance: Like many European vehicles, Fiat maintenance can sometimes be more expensive than comparable Japanese or American cars. Regular oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks are standard. It's advisable to find a reputable mechanic specializing in Fiat or European cars to ensure proper care. Parts availability is generally good, but specialized components might take longer to source.
Insurance: Insurance costs can vary widely based on your location, driving record, age, and the specific trim level chosen. The Abarth model, with its more potent engine and performance enhancements, may command higher insurance premiums than the Pop or Lounge trims. It's always recommended to get quotes from multiple insurance providers.
Potential Considerations
- Cabin Space: The interior is undeniably stylish but can be a tight squeeze for passengers, particularly in the rear. Adults will likely find it uncomfortable for anything more than a short journey.
- Engine Power: The standard 101-horsepower engine, while adequate for city commuting, lacks grunt for spirited highway driving or strong acceleration. The Abarth model addresses this, but it comes at a higher cost.
- Road Noise: The soft-top, while charming, can lead to increased road and wind noise at higher speeds compared to a traditional hardtop or a conventional coupe.
- Cargo Space: The trunk is quite small, limiting its practicality for anything beyond groceries or a couple of small bags. The folding rear seats do offer some versatility, but the overall cargo capacity is minimal.
- Infotainment System: While functional, the infotainment system in the 2017 model might feel a bit dated compared to newer vehicles, with smaller screen sizes and potentially less intuitive interfaces.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Fiat 500c is a charming and stylish subcompact convertible that excels in urban environments. Its iconic Italian design, nimble handling, and the thrill of open-top driving make it a head-turner. While its practicality is limited by its small interior and cargo space, and the standard engine can feel underpowered for some, the 500c offers a unique and enjoyable ownership experience for those who prioritize personality and a distinctive aesthetic. It's a car that's more about making a statement and enjoying the journey, especially with the roof down, than about sheer practicality or blistering performance.