Fiat 500 Cabrio renderings

Fiat confirmed that a convertible version of its 500 city car will go into production in the summer of 2009. According to styling chief Roberto Giolito, the car will be simple, affordable and "aimed at bringing maximum customer enjoyment".

What does that mean? That a heavy folding hard-top will never happen. Instead Fiat will use a light-weight retractable canvas roof, which is in keeping with the 500’s retro appearance.

The car will have space for four. The compact canvas top has allowed designers to squeeze in a pair of rear seats, which will ensure the cabriolet is a match for its MINI Convertible rival.

Under the hood there will be a choice of 69bhp 1.2 and 100bhp 1.4-litre petrol engines, plus a 75bhp 1.3-litre Multi-jet diesel. A 135bhp Abarth variant has yet to be confirmed.