Fiat 500C Makes International Public Debut at Geneva

London, United Kingdom, March 01, 2009 --(PR.com)-- A worldwide preview of the new Fiat 500C will be taking place at the Geneva Motor Show in early March, before its launch throughout Europe in the spring. This original cabriolet pays homage to the open-top 1957 model, whilst offering leading-edge solutions for mechanical installations, powerplants and interior comfort. All this in authentic Fiat tradition, giving access to higher segment engineering and state-of-the-art technology.

Featuring an innovative soft top – an unrestricted window to the sky – the new 500C is exactly the same size as the basic model (3.55 m x 1.65 m x 1.49 m), and utilises the same three powerplants: 1.3 litre 75 hp MultiJet Turbodiesel coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission, and the two 1.2 litre 69 hp and 1.4 litre 100 hp petrol engines, available with either manual or robotised Dualogic transmission. Providing different features, all three engine types are responsive and flexible, offering strong performance based on sophisticated technology. Standard features include in-built reliability, robust construction, high quality build and environmental friendliness.

Moreover, as proof of Fiat Automobiles’ commitment to ecology and sustainable mobility, the new 500C incorporates the company’s recently announced Start&Stop system, an innovative device which initiates engine shutdown and subsequent re-ignition. To this end, at every complete stop, when shifting to neutral and releasing the clutch, the engine is switched off, and then restarted simply by selecting a gear.

Created by the Fiat Styling Centre and manufactured at the Tichy plant in Poland, the Fiat 500C incorporates all the strong points of the basic model, namely top-of-segment safety features, proper accommodation for four adults, and generous luggage space combined with easy loading potential, even with the soft top fully open, thanks to a clever parallelogram hinge system.

A highly original exercise in design, the soft top of the Fiat 500C stands out for its refined electrically operated linkage and engineering solutions of great quality and finish, such as the glass rear window and the built-in centrally positioned high mounted stop light. Available in three colours (ivory, red and black), this original soft top will be matched with several body colours, two of which have been conceived specifically for the new car in a brilliant Pearl Red and a special Warm Grey.

Thanks to the adoption of the innovative sliding soft top combined with a design concept which retains the vehicle’s all-round protection, the Fiat 500C offers a delightful motoring experience at any time of the year. All told, its many special features make this new car one of the best equipped cabriolet models currently available in the city-car segment.

The 500C is further proof of Fiat's undisputed leadership in this vehicle class, where continuous innovation ensures that its position as the industry's standard is maintained. In fact the car sets new standards in terms of comfort and safety, engineering and appointments whilst maintaining a unique and inimitable Italian style. A new cabriolet has been created which provides excitement and sustained driving pleasure, combining captivating lines with the performance of flexible, environment-friendly, low consumption engines.

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