The phase of the Fiat 500 imported from Mexico began in August 2011, after the start of the import of the Fiat factory in Poland, in early 2010, of which we speak. But only at the last Auto Show is that Fiat presented the Cabrio version, arousing my curiosity. If the small car already had skills that made him desirable , the novelty of being able to drive it in the open should only make it even more attractive – left , although you have to pay a relatively high price for this , U.S. $ 60,200 , which may reach R $ 65,426 was gifted kit Safety ( inflatable bags curtain and for the driver’s knees , £ 1,414) and the kit Cabrio ( connectivity Blue & Me and Bluetooth , digital air conditioning , parking sensor rear , audio Bose Premium leather seats and Photo chromic rearview , U.S. $ 3,812 ) .
The idea is typically European and Cabrio 500C 1957 had this same scheme, which collects all the ceiling.
The Cabrio has the same mechanical features and finishing the 1.4 Lounge Air , on which stand the gasoline engine 1.4 16v MultiAir 105 bhp at 6,250 rpm and 13.6 kgf · m at 3,850 rpm , and modern automatic epicyclical Exchange Aisin six- speed gearbox with sequential exchanges with torque converter lockup in all selector and mode of operation ( Eco , Sport , Winter ) . The sixth 0,672:1 is long enough to provide a V/1000 38.5 km / h, ensuring 3,100 rpm at 120 km / h. There are neutral control, avoiding load on the engine with the vehicle in gear and stopped, but providing inching (creeping) to release the brake.
The engine is nice, smooth and above all very elastic. I would drive it with a manual transmission to better exploit this characteristic. The torque curve is very flat, showing remarkable linearity in the increase of power. You hope it does not turn flex and has the high compression rate, since the current of 10, 8:1 is well suited for our common E25 petrol / octane leaded 95 RON.
Despite the price, which was even more fun was. Although not a convertible within the meaning of the word, since the body is laterally complete, with central and rear speakers, the effect is virtually the same. There’s even a dance of the convertible, although minimal panel. The fact of not being fully convertible helps one point, ample reinforcement of the structure is not necessary. Both the weight difference compared to Air Lounge is only 17 kg (1.136 x 1153 kg), allocated more of the thick canvas roof and drive than actually structural reinforcement engine.
The canvas roof is electrically operated scheduled stop in three positions – on the front seats of all the banks and collapsed completely – which can be done at speeds up to 80 km / h.
The rear windscreen is glazed and has electric defroster. Because of the ceiling, there is no door charge but a small trunk lid, this one with the same capacity of 185 liters of the other versions.
Cover the trunk instead of the cargo door
If the ceiling is all downloaded, as shown in the picture’s opening post, by opening the lid of the trunk ceiling automatically returns to position 2, otherwise impede the full opening of the lid. Still looking at the photo, it is clear that the vision is impaired by internal mirror on the ceiling, although it can see all the traffic to the rear and distant (rather than Arnold found in the new Clio).
Line is maintained with the entire roof closed
As mentioned in previous reviews, the 500 is perfect in town for its size but faces winding roads and motorways as grownups. Its short wheelbase of 2,300 mm is very helpful, without harming the curves for high (remembering that the Porsche 911 has spent many years with wheelbase of 2,350 mm, the former were of 2,270 mm). For those who do not have space in the back seat sedan, it is pretty much a 2 +2 (only two straps ago), is the predominant type ideal for car use in the city. Two couples may well go out at night, for children, perfect. With the roof that can be retracted fully, even better. For those who got sick of the clutch pedal, ideal.
Cheerful and modern interior, steering wheel has height adjustment
There are details that appeal quite the Cabrio. The brakes are four-wheel disc, has stability control and traction releasable, there is the function to keep the car stopped on a slope, electric power steering has two degrees of assistance, there is height adjustment of the beam’s electric headlights and the car comes standard with cruise control, trip computer and fog lights (sadly no back light for this purpose). The computer always indicated around 1 L for 9.5 km in the city and a stretch of highway, between 110 and 120 km / h, 1 L/14, 1 km.
Production at Chrysler’s plant in Toluca , Mexico , although aimed more at the American market, not careless to apply in 500 coming to Brazil lights scheme used here , with direction indicator amber and asymmetrical headlights , as well as barring impracticable mirror plane left . Aspect of the U.S. was only the flags on each side of the fender arch.
Front side flags “USA” was kept and there are repeaters of direction indicators in the fenders.
As I said earlier, the 500 Convertible is relatively expensive because, all things considered, there is the feeling of paying more than you should – considering our market, of course.
500 C is a good example of how fun and practicality it can go hand in hand.
