Fiat 500C unveiled ahead of Geneva Motorshow

The Fiat 500C has leaked out ahead of its Geneva Motor Show debut, and as suspected, the open-top retromobile is equipped with a sliding canvas roof that continues the traditional set by the original 500.

Unlike it's closest competitor – the MINI Cooper Convertible – the 500C retains its roofline and arching C-pillar, which should keep its structural rigidity intact while keeping blind spots at bay. However, with the canvas roof retracted, it looks like rearward visibility is seriously compromised. The power-operated cloth-top will reported come in three colors – ivory, red and black – and a new spoiler, incorporated into the retractable roof, keeps the third brake light visible whether to the top is up or down. Both the 1.2- and 1.4-liter engines will carry over, along with the 1.3-liter Multijet equipped with Start-Stop technology. Expect sales to begin later this year in Europe, with U.S. distribution likely in 2010.