The exciting new 'compact' category Fiat Grande Punto model is already proving to be a real feast for Italy's top car designers with the Bertone design concern now set to present a 'Coupé-Cabriolet' concept at the 76th Geneva International Motor Show at the end of this month, according to a report today in leading Italian newspaper La Reppublica today.

The news comes just days after it was revealed that another leading Italian design firm, this time Fioravanti, will present also a 'Coupé-Cabriolet-Pickup' themed Fiat Grande Punto based concept car at the prestigious Swiss show on 28th February, which will make use of the company's patented single section glass folding roof, as used recently in full production on the limited-edition Ferrari Superamerica sportscar.

The 'Coupé-Cabriolet' theme, which features fully-folding and stowing, rigid roof panel sections, has exploded in popularity on the new car market in recent years, with Renault and Peugeot both in particular quick to seize on this new technology which allows the driver to experience the best of both worlds, a fixed steel roof - or at the flick of a dashboard switch - transformation within seconds of the car into a genuine convertible. Now Bertone will bring this technology to the 'compact' B-segment for the first time, showcasing a route that is being considered by Fiat Auto to develop the Grand Punto family.
 

Popular convertible options have always featured in the Punto lineage and with Fiat set to follow its historic path of offering multiple versions all based on the same platform, recently implemented with such great effect on the Panda, Fioravanti - and now Bertone - are showcasing their technology.

Bertone will bring new standards for interior space, comfort and habitability to this 'compact' category CC, after a carrying out a careful study into volume and ergonomic opportunities, reports La Repubblica. The new concept will be quite evolutionary, drawing on the Grande Punto's high, flowing waistline and distinct character to pack the rigid folding roof sections with maximum effect, without damaging its figure, or cramping space. The concept will follow a theme particularly dear to Bertone, creating a sport car which is accessible to young people and to the wider public, while remaining agile and manageable, and embedded with a distinct and strong personality. The Bertone design house has retained a lower profile in the last few years, though recently they styled the stunning Alfa GT, one of the most beautiful and underrated coupés to reach the market this decade.