Used Fiat 500C cars

Unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the Fiat 500C bore a strong resemblance to the original 500, which first launched in 1957. Almost identical to its hatchback sibling, this convertible offered retro charm, a dynamic driving experience and the lure of top-down fun. It arrived in showrooms on 4 July – the Italian carmaker’s birthday – and proved a popular and affordable choice.

The 500C’s main rivals are the MINI Convertible and Volkswagen Beetle Cabrio, both of which have similarly vintage style looks. Its reasonable running costs and playful nature set it apart, making it an attractive choice for urbanites and first-time drivers.

The 500C’s economy and innovation have won it a range of awards over the years, including a Green Apple Gold Award in 2011, which recognises environmental best practice around the world. In 2023, the model won Best Convertible for Value at the What Car? Awards.

In 2020, the Fiat 500C entered a new era, moving to an all-electric platform. Competing against compact cars such as the Renault ZOE, Volkswagen e-up! and Peugeot e-208, it delivers an impressive range of up to 199 miles and can charge from 0 to 80% in as little as 35 minutes with an 85kW DC fast charger.

Fiat 500C updates and facelifts

Key updates for the Fiat 500C include a facelift in 2016, which saw the model gain a redesigned grille and reshaped headlights. These incorporated LED technology and daytime running lights. New chrome accents were also added, as well as new paint colour options: Celeste Blue (light blue), Rhino (dark grey), Grigio Cenre (light grey) and Giallo Moderna Perla (Modern Pearl Yellow). Beneath the surface, chassis changes were made for improved comfort and handling, while engine revisions resulted in lower emissions levels across the range.

A variety of special editions have been produced during the model’s lifetime too, including the 500C Mirror, 500C Riva and 500C 60th. These feature exclusive paint and trim options, special wheels and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with sat nav.

Practicality and style of the car

For a convertible, the Fiat 500C has a good amount of boot space. The 185 litres available are plenty for shopping bags or a couple of holdalls for a weekend away. It closely matches its rivals in terms of capacity, with the MINI Convertible offering 215 litres and the Volkswagen Beetle Cabrio offering 225 litres.

The Fiat 500C can tow up to 800kg and so can tow loads such as small trailers, helpful for packing extra items for weekend trips away.

The fabric roof is electrically adjustable and can be stopped at any point. If you’re looking for a sunroof effect, it can be opened just a few inches, while if you want the full open-air experience, it can be rolled back entirely. The sides of the car remain intact, keeping wind noise to a minimum and giving a feeling of security as you drive. It can be opened or closed at speeds of up to 37mph and takes around 25 seconds from start to finish.

Running costs

The Fiat 500C has reasonable running costs, occupying insurance groups 9–19 out of 50. This is significantly better than both the Volkswagen Beetle Cabrio (groups 15–31) and the MINI Convertible (groups 16–33).

As with many vehicles, road tax is charged differently depending on the model year you choose. Many of the 500C editions manufactured before April 2017 are exempt from VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) due to their low emissions. If you opt for a post-2017 variant, you’ll pay the standard fee of £180 per year.

How a used Fiat 500C drives

The 500C comes with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. Fiat’s 0.9-litre TwinAir is the entry-level option, providing excellent efficiency and CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km. It comes with a choice of two power outputs – 85bhp or 105bhp – which accelerate from 0-62mph in 11 and 10 seconds respectively. The 85bhp option is remarkably economical, returning up to 56.5–74.3mpg on the combined cycle. There’s also a 1.2-litre petrol unit, which produces 69bhp and returns up to 53.3–65.7mpg. This comes with DuaLogic semi-automatic transmission.

If you find yourself covering long distances on a regular basis, the 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine is a good option. This gets you from 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds, with an output of 95bhp. It’s hugely efficient, returning an impressive 67.3mpg on the combined cycle and keeping CO2 emissions at a maximum of 97g/km.

Since 2020, the Fiat 500C has only been offered with an electric drivetrain. This uses a 42kWh battery to power a 117bhp motor, which delivers a range of 186–199 miles depending on trim level. It’s nippy and responsive, accelerating from 0-62mph in just nine seconds, making it ideal for zipping around town. Charging can be completed quickly too, with a 0–80% top up using an 85kW charger taking just 35 minutes. Charge at home with a Wallbox and you can take the battery from 0–100% in just under seven hours.

Whichever powertrain you choose, you’ll enjoy a responsive drive with light steering and composure through corners. Wind noise isn’t too intrusive with the roof down either, meaning the ride is quiet and refined.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2009 - onwards

Features you can expect to find in a Fiat 500C

Interior

As a compact city car, the Fiat 500C is best suited to carrying a couple of adults. That said, there’s ample space in the back for two children, or teens and adults on a short trip, making the car suitable for young families.

The Fiat 500C’s retro looks continue into the cabin, which combines vintage styling with modern technology. The digital instrument cluster has an analogue feel, and the gear lever has a high position, making it easy to use. The materials are high quality yet durable, ensuring they’ll stand up to regular use. Storage is good too, with a tray on the dashboard that’s the perfect size for a smartphone. There are also door bins and a long cubby between the front seats for other items.

If you’re looking for a vehicle with a unique feel, the 500C is the ideal choice. Bought new, it offers a vast array of personalisation options, from upholstery colours to option packs that add technology and safety measures. As such, there are plenty of used 500C cars for sale that have different specs and feel completely individual.

From 2020 onwards, standard kit for the 500C includes a 7.0-inch central touchscreen which provides access to DAB radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Step up to the Icon or La Prima version for a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen and integrated sat nav.

Technology

The Fiat 500C is fitted with several technology features. The entry-level Passion trim includes cruise control, which helps you maintain a constant speed on the motorway. When it comes to parking or reversing, rear sensors are fitted for added convenience. Stepping up to the Icon trim adds keyless entry. This handy feature means there’s no need to find your keys to unlock the vehicle. Instead, you can just approach it with the keys about your person and it’ll unlock automatically. At the top of the range is the La Prima trim, which incorporates front parking sensors and a rear-view camera for added visibility.

Safety

The 500C doesn’t have its own safety rating, but the 500 was tested in 2021 and received four stars out of five. This included adult and child occupant protection scores of 76% and 80%. There are ISOFIX anchor points on the outer rear seats too, meaning you can carry infants and preschoolers securely.

All models from 2021 onwards include lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition and automatic emergency braking. Blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control are offered as options on Passion and Icon trims but come as standard on La Prima trim.

Trims available on the Fiat 500C

Fiat 500C Passion

The 500C’s entry-level trim, Passion, includes interior features such as air conditioning and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complete with DAB radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It includes technology such as cruise control, rear parking sensors, lane keeping assist and traffic sign recognition.

Fiat 500C Icon

The Icon trim offers 16-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers and keyless entry. Inside there’s a leather-wrapped steering wheel and the infotainment system boasts a 10.3-inch touchscreen and integrated sat nav.

Fiat 500C La Prima

The top-spec La Prima comes with LED headlights and Comfort seats. Additional safety measures include front parking sensors, a rear-view camera, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

Search our stock of used Fiat 500C cars for sale.