Fiat has the MINI Convertible in its sights with aggressively low prices for its stylish 500 C Convertible.

Fiat is aiming to make a major impact in the convertible market this year after announcing aggressively low prices for the new soft-top version of its 500.

The 500 C will go on sale in the UK in the summer with prices starting as low as £11,300 on the road.

Fiat says the new soft-top is positioned comfortably below its benchmark rivals and reckons it represents ‘notable value’.

Even the highly-specified Lounge version, with a larger engine, costs £14,100 – including automatic climate control, rear parking sensors and alloy wheels as standard.

That’s nearly £2,000 cheaper than the new MINI Convertible which has just gone on sale in the UK.

Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK, said: “The sophisticated new 500 C is a faithful yet thoroughly modern take on the rich heritage of our sought-after 500, which highlights its strong, attractive personality.”

In recognition of British drivers’ enjoyment of convertibles, the UK will be the first country in Europe to receive the new 500 C – the car arrives here even before it goes on sale in Italy.

Pop and Lounge versions of the new 500 C will be available at launch. All cars will feature an electrically-operated hood, air conditioning, remote central locking, radio/CD/MP3 player, seven airbags and electric door mirrors are standard on all cars.

Lounge models also get climate control, ESP stability control, foglights and rear parking sensors.

Blue&Me, Fiat’s hands-free entertainment, information and communications system, along with eco:Drive, the computer technology which monitors a driver’s style and gives tips on how to save fuel and reduce emissions, is also standard on Lounge versions.

There’s a choice of 11 body colours, including the newly-created Tech House Grey and RaggaMuffin Red. Three roof choices are available: red, ivory or black.

Pop interiors can be specified in either ivory or black finish with red or grey cloth seat colours. Lounge specification offers an ivory or black interior with black or brown cloth seats. Frau Leather is also available as an option.

The new Fiat 500 C is powered by the same frugal, ultra-low emissions and Euro 5 range of engines as are already available in the 500, including 69 bhp 1.2-litre and 100 bhp 1.4-litre petrol units, and the 75 bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel.

Power is delivered through manual or Dualogic (automatic) transmissions while Fiat’s fuel-saving Start&Stop system, which stops the engine automatically whenever traffic conditions bring the car to a complete halt, and restarts it when the driver wants to move off again, will also become available.

Fiat 500 C price list:

• 1.2 Pop - £11,300
• 1.4 Pop – £12,500
• 1.3 Mjet Pop – £12,700
• 1.2 Lounge – £12,700
• 1.4 Lounge – £13,900
• 1.3 Mjet Lounge - £14,100