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Abarth 500C: convertible with turbo and what to know when buying
Abarth 500C — the sporty version of the Fiat 500C with a folding fabric roof and a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine. We look at its versions, engines, and what to check when buying a used small convertible.
500C in brief
Abarth 500C — a small convertible that differs from the standard Abarth 500 with its folding fabric roof. The roof opens fully, but the side roof rails remain, so it's not a true convertible.
The car is popular as a fun, stylish, and easily accessible hot hatch. Due to its small size, it's particularly well-suited to the city.
Versions and names
The first generation appeared around 2009, and later the series was named Abarth 595C. The body and overall technology remained the same, but power and equipment differed.
The base version had less power, while the more powerful esseesse and later 595 versions offered additional power, enhanced equipment, and a sportier look.
Engine and gearbox
The Abarth 500C is powered by a 1.4-litre T-Jet turbocharged engine. Power depends on the version: roughly from 135 to 180 hp. Drive is to the front wheels.
The gearbox is a manual 5-speed or a robotised unit. The robotised box can be finicky, so it needs to be thoroughly tested.
What to check when buying a used 500C
Check the roof: whether it's intact, the mechanism operates smoothly, and there are no damages. Also, check the boot, turbocharger, and service history.
Check the body and wheels for signs of sporty use. Opt for examples with a full service history and no accidents.
Versions
Names and power outputs changed over the years, so we list the general versions.
Pagrindinė 500C
2009 →Base version with around 135 HP.
- 1.4 l T-Jet turbocharged engine
- Fabric folding roof
- Sporty Abarth trim
Galingesnės versijos
2010s →The "esseesse" and later "595C" versions with more power.
- More power
- Often — sporty seats and wheels
- Additional Abarth details
Comparison
| Pagrindinė | Galingesnės | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For everyday city use | For sportier driving |
| Engine | Around 135 HP | Up to around 180 HP |
| Roof | Fabric, opens up | Fabric, opens up |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | Budget-friendly | Mid-range |
The base version is fine for daily driving, while more powerful ones are for those seeking extra dynamism.
Pros
- Fun and easy to drive
- Open-top roof
- Compact city car
- Turbocharged engine with character
Cons
- Tight handling
- Small boot space
- The automated gearbox can be finicky
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the Abarth 500C have?
It depends on the version — roughly between 135 and 180 hp.
Is the roof reliable?
Usually, yes, but you need to check the seals and mechanism.
Is there a 500C with a manual gearbox?
Yes, a 5-speed manual gearbox is available.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
