Europe’s hottest model, seen topless at all the top beach resorts in Europe last northern summer, has been spotted at Australian beaches for the first time, with deliveries of the new Fiat 500C, the soft top version of Fiat’s award-winning bambino, now on the road - and alongside the beach – in Australia.

“The Fiat 500C has to be the car to be seen in this summer,” says Andrei Zaitzev, General Manager of Fiat in Australia. “But the 500C is not only going to be as chic as her hard top sister, she will also be a lot more exclusive with just a strictly limited number available for the Australian market. This is why we released prices and specifications last year, so owners could plan their purchase and be first at the beach to take the top off their Fiat 500!”

The new Fiat 500C is equipped with a 1.4 litre 74 kW engine with a choice of a manual or DuaLogic gearbox, with prices starting at a recommended retail price of A$28,990 for the manual version and A$30,990 for the self shifting DuaLogic version, excluding statutory and on road costs.

“The Fiat 500C is much more than a stylish body,” explains Mr Zaitzev. “It has the same quality of design and technology that has made the Fiat 500 both an award winner as well as a sales success that defied the global financial crisis. It shares the same technology as the 500 and that means it is as economical as it is cute, it has a five star EuroNCAP safety rating and it is comprehensively well equipped.”

“To this the 500C adds a clever and innovative roof that has a glass rear window and which folds away at the press of a button. The clever design means that when closed it is as quiet and comfortable as the hard top. The boot space is comparable to the hard top and it is easily accessible through a cleverly hinged boot lid and, if the hood is down, pressing the boot opening button – either on the key or the lid itself – automatically signals to the roof to partially close so it does not impinge on the use of the boot. Indeed, it is arguable that the overall design is more suitable for the Australian climate than most convertibles as the sides of the car keep cool air inside the car, while providing the unique open top driving experience,” says Mr Zaitzev. “Like the 500, the 500C is as clever as it is beautiful and fun to drive!”