Fiat 500's lid lifted at Geneva

This spring will mark the launch of the Fiat 500C cabriolet, but before that we'll get to see it in the metal at the Geneva Show in March. According to Fiat, the diminutive open top pays homage to the 1957 original, but brings a modern twist by offering an impressive and unique electric sliding roof.

Set to go head-to-head with the MINI Convertible, Fiat hasn't confirmed prices for the 500C yet, but has given it the same premium feel as its British rival. However, the newcomer is arguably not a full convertible because, as you can see, the 500C retains its roof pillars - making the sliding top more a big sunroof than a true convertible unit. It does mean, however, that the 500C retains much of the structural rigidity usually lost when a car becomes roofless - and with the roof folded down, the rear brake light remains in situ.

The design also means that less luggage and passenger space is taken up by the mechanism, so the 500C remains a true four-seater - albeit one for small rear passengers only. The roof comes in three colours - ivory, red and black - and the body gets two unique colours - brilliant red and a new shade of grey. The 500C also gets the same engine line-up as the hatch, namely 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol units and a 1.3-litre turbodiesel. In addition, the newly introduced Start&Stop system is thrown in too, making this one of the cleanest and greenest open top cars around.

Mark Nichol