Posted on Tuesday 20 May 2008
Fiat has confirmed that the first variant of its new 500 ‘Cinquecento’ minicar will be a new convertible model set to be released next year. The information comes from the carmaker’s styling director, Roberto Giolito, who revealed at a recent conference in Turin, Italy, that the car will feature a fabric soft-top.
Speaking with Just-Auto, Giolito explained that the car would remain simple and affordable, and that recent advances in fabric roof design will remove some off the perceived drawbacks. “They’re now tougher and more resilient through the use of new materials,” he told reporters.
Lower cost is not the only benefit of a fabric roof. The design also weighs less and takes up less room than complicated folding hard-tops, which in the end should also improve fuel-efficient, performance and carbon-dioxide emissions.
These renderings give a good indication as to what the final version may look like and show that most of the car’s cute styling will remain. Engine options will also likely stay the same as the coupe, which means the new 70hp 1.2L and 100hp 1.4L petrol engines and the ultra-efficient 75hp 1.3L Multijet diesel will carry over.
Also planned for production is a new wagon or ‘Giardinetta’, which is expected to be released late next year.
Yes, but can a man drive one of these?
I guess if he can drive a VW Beetle convertible…