It's the car that might make the whole Fiat/Chrysler deal make sense. Maybe. Contributor Matt Davis says the 2010 Fiat 500C is a faithful recreation of the original, right down to the folding top that maintains the coupe's roof structure. It's not fast or particularly sporty, but it'll sell on image alone says Davis.
There's really only one real stumbling block to U.S. sales at this point: finding a way to make a profit on it. Yeah, that little detail always seems to get in the way when it comes to the U.S. and don't think for a minute that Sergio Marchionne is going to send it over as a loss leader to put Fiat back on the American map. We'll know in a couple years time.
First Drive: 2010 Fiat 500C Convertible
estreka says:
10:17 AM, 06/26/09
The question is, will such a car sell in the current economic climate? It doesn't have the panaché of a Mini, but then again, neither did the Smart.
altimadude00 says:
10:35 AM, 06/26/09
Wow, can the driver actually use the rear view mirror to see behind the car?!
firstwagon says:
10:49 AM, 06/26/09
estreka
It's a good question. I really like it but I don't it would sell too well right now either.
I do think our economy will be very different by the time it arrives here though. I think it will much stronger and gas prices much higher.
For Fiat/Chryslers sake, I hope I'm right.
mikedrud says:
10:55 AM, 06/26/09
I think it could sell. Look at the success Scion is having with their smaller vehicles. The key will be the price point.
compliance says:
11:32 AM, 06/26/09
Did you really drive it? It reads like regurgitated ad copy. Where are the impressions?
cruiserhead1 says:
06:19 PM, 06/26/09
A correction in that article- Topolino is not Italian for "Mickey Mouse". It's just Italian for a mouse.
The 500 is tiny. In concept a great idea for the USA but in reality, it is sized between a Mini and Smart... meaning it is smaller than a Mini Cooper!
It is really a stylish euro urban car but I don't think it will fit America's grand highways and byways nor our 18 wheelers on a daily commute.
Also, FIAT does not have a stellar reliability reputation. Chrysler has a fad-cult hit on their hands...for a couple years but don't know if the 500 can sustain anything for them.
The 500 is, still, very cool. I love the Topolino style canvas roof. All it needs is a hinged windshield and it's the perfect Topolino!
I think Chrysler will do far better sales bringing the MiTo here.
hondacura4 says:
06:50 PM, 06/26/09
Cute car! Looks like a VW New Beetle and a Mini Cooper had "relations" and this was the end result.
brian55 says:
10:28 AM, 06/28/09
This thing weighs in @ 3100 lbs, you've got to be kidding! Must be a typo????
jederino says:
09:41 AM, 06/29/09
It's cute, but only the Abarth 500 trim would appeal to me, with its quicker reflexes and sporting aspirations.
This 500c will be coveted by many single ladies, and who wouldn't want to see them driving it? It's a great look.