2010 Abarth Fiat 500C

The 2010 Abarth Fiat 500C Priced at £17,500 OTR, the Abarth 500C represents good value when compared with its main rivals. As well as the Abarth Competizione MTA gearbox with steering wheel paddle shift, and the electric hood with glass rear window and third brake light incorporated into the spoiler, the car receives, as standard, a host of other equipment.

This includes seven airbags, xenon headlights, TTC (torque transfer control), parking sensors, Blue&Me hands-free telecommunications system, leather steering wheel and 16-inch alloy wheels. A full range of options includes automatic climate control, leather sports interior, bi-colour paint, red brake callipers and coloured Abarth side stripes and mirrors.

Proof that the 500C is a true Abarth comes in the form of its 140bhp 1.4 16v Turbo T-Jet 140 engine, which provides the convertible with a top speed of 127mph and a 0-62mph time of 8.1 seconds. But the frugal unit returns 43mpg fuel economy on the combined cycle.