IT'S as cute as a puppy and guaranteed to attract attention wherever you go.

My time with the Fiat 500C was spent talking to women young and old who all loved it, while male acquaintances were also pretty unanimous in their pitying looks as I sat behind the wheel of the ‘smooth mint green' soft top.

Personally I thought it was funky and charming - especially when the full-length canvas sunroof was lowered at the push of a button, leaving the side walls in place.

This nod to motoring days of yore is wholly in keeping with the 500C's styling - but don't be fooled this is a very modern motor with all the trinkets and equipment you'd expect.

The 500C shares the same dimensions and 1950s-inspired looks as the standard car as well as offering a myriad of ways to make it your own - whether it be the black, red or ivory fabric for the roof, the huge range of extravagantly named paint choices or the various interior bits and bobs that can be specified.

The first thing you have to get used to when driving the 500C is the many looks you will receive - especially if the roof is open and your vehicle sports one of the more daring exterior colour schemes.

With the majority of the of the original bodywork left in place when the roof is absent there is little scuttle shake even when the going gets tough.

The steering gives a good feel for what is happening on the road and the 500C is a willing ally around town as its dimensions make it easy to park and manoeuvre.

The 1.2-litre petrol engine needs to be worked hard through the five-speed gearbox but is a willing beast and is reasonably frugal with fuel.

However, the carbon dioxide emissions of 113g/km pumped out by this version means it doesn't qualify for the road tax-exemption boasted by the 0.9-litre two-cylinder and 1.3-litre diesel options available.

You will pay more for these models but they do have better fuel economy.

The 0-62mph time of the 1.2-litre model is also nothing special - but then most owners will want to give their adoring public a chance to see their version of the 500C in all its glory.

The interior is identical to the standard car and features the same wide choice of trim colours and options. With the hood back the fabric sits stacked above the boot lid which only adds to the car's period charm.

The cabin is neat with a body-coloured dash and numerous other options designed to make the 500C a nice place to spend a journey.

Having clambered into the rear seats I can vouch for the fact that there is adequate leg and shoulder room  so, contrary to many small cabriolets, the Fiat 500C is a genuine four-seater.

The cabin is effectively insulated from the outside world with the hood up but there is no getting away from the fact that rear visibility could be better.

The boot is dinky but still able to cater for a couple of overnight bags while the rear seats also fold providing more load space when required.

But practicality will likely be the last thing on most purchasers' minds as the 500C is definitely one for the fashionistas of the motoring world.