| Week at the Wheel | Fiat 500C |

Inside & Out:

These criteria are what the Fiat 500 is all about; image and style dominate the remit and the shamelessly retro execution has been wowing buyers since its introduction. The 500C model builds on this even further - if that's possible - thanks to the rag-top that folds back in the style of the original car's. In practice, the pram-like frame is the final nail in the coffin of rear visibility (whether the roof is up or down), but that's not going to put buyers off. It's probably one of the coolest cars on the road today and certainly one of the small cars to be seen in around town.

As we've witnessed in the other 500 models we've tried the interior is a great success, aided further in this case by the light allowed to flood the cabin from above. The soft top does impact the refinement a little, with a noticeable increase in wind noise with the roof up, but the installation is a quality one. Previous shortcomings relating to visibility and space, particularly in the rear, are carried over and the driving position is rather flawed - harking back to the ergonomics of some older Italian cars. The range of adjustment of both seat and wheel is limited to the extent that it's not always possible to get comfortable. The broad central console also hems the left leg in somewhat - in fact I found myself driving with my leg wedged against this almost constantly.

Engine & Transmission:

Our previous encounter with the lesser 500 model involved a small diesel engine that we concluded may be better supplanted with a revvy little petrol unit. Alas, this proves not to be the case, as the car we test here was fitted with said small petrol unit and it underwhelmed us with its relative lack of torque and manners. Oddly it's a noisy little so and so, something accentuated by the fact that it needs to be worked hard in order to make progress, and whereas the five-speed gearbox is still a slick shifter, the engine isn't such a willing exponent of the potential fun on offer. In a complete U-Turn then, we find ourselves extolling the virtues of the diesel again, given the lack of appearance of the expected benefits of the petrol version - a shame really.

Ride & Handling:

There's no doubt that the 500 would benefit from some further chassis fettling. The ride quality is poor and the lack of fun on offer is a real oversight for a car like this. It's not unpleasant or off putting but it's an ill advised blend of unyielding suspension and lifeless steering - undoubtedly the weakest link in the package. However, one really has to consider whom the 500 is aimed at; very few of their number would object to the chassis or note much in the way of dynamic shortcomings.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Quality costs, but even that generic rule is trumped by the reassuring luxury of style. The 500C is a premium version of a premium product and stands nose-to-nose with the MINI in the style stakes, if not a little ahead of its fellow retro competitor. Undoubtedly expensive as it is - relative to other hatches - the inherent value of the appealing nature of the package defies many traditional value quotients, blown away by the image on offer. Want to buy yourself instant kudos on four wheels? You're looking at it. Given the appeal of the 500C, residuals are likely to be fairly solid for the foreseeable future and the actual running costs are buoyed by decent fuel economy, cheap tax and insurance and reasonable servicing costs.

Overall:

For those who thought the basic Fiat 500 was cool, the 500C is likely to lead to the need for sedation. Regardless of its numerous flaws in terms of practicality, comfort and refinement, this is probably the definitively cool small car to own at the moment.