Latest arrival is a collaboration between Fiat and posh jeans maker Diesel. There was previously a Diesel 500 hatch launched back in 2008, but now it’s the turn of the convertible.
The 500C by Diesel is pretty much the usual special edition fare. Buyers will be able to choose from one of three exclusive colours (Midnight Indigo Blue, Crossover Black or Diesel Green), while unique 16” alloys, a burnished metal finish for various bits of trim and - naturally - numerous Diesel badges complete the exterior look.
The interior doesn’t escape either, and the seats are covered in a denim fabric with yellow stitching. Like the 500C Lounge on which it’s based, the 500C by Diesel also gets automatic climate control and rear parking sensors as standard. That latter feature should come in handy as, judging from the picture, rearwards visibility with the hood retracted appears to be approximately nil.
Engine choice comprises the 1.3 litre MultiJet diesel or 1.2 litre and 1.4 litre petrols which, given the car’s name, should lead to some hilarious miss-fuelling accidents by the unwary. The revolutionary TwinAir two-cylinder petrol unit unfortunately isn’t available.
In the UK, the Fiat 500C by Diesel models cost exactly £1,000 more than their Lounge equivalents. That means prices start from £14,865 for the 1.2 litre version, while the 1.4 litre petrol is £16,265. Most expensive is the diesel Diesel at £17,265, which is getting rather too close to the £17,500 Abarth 500C.
