Fiat 500 drops its top

Fiat has launched a convertible version of its popular 500 super-mini, which will be sold in the UK first before it gets a worldwide, including the US, launch.

Engines are identical to the 500 hatchback, with 1.2 litre and 1.4 petrol engines and a 1.3 litre turbo diesel to be offered. There will be two trim levels, Pop and Lounge, but Fiat has ruled out Sport and Abarth editions for the drop top.

The Lounge is better equipped than the basic Pop version, and has automatic climate control, electric door mirrors, foglights, 50/50 split rear seats, rear parking sensors, extra storage compartments, 15-inch alloy wheels, interior and exterior chrome, ESP, a hill-hold function, a leather steering wheel and Fiat's Blue&Me hands-free system (with Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition and a digital audio file players with a USB port), all of which are available only as options on the Pop trim level.