Fiat’s dealers are already running into the same conundrum that MINI encountered a few years ago: no matter how popular your quirky, stylish premium compact is, there comes a time when customers are looking for something other than a diminutive hatchback. In an effort to address this concern before things got dire, Fiat looked back into its own history, found the Multipla proto-minivan of the 1960s, and the 500L was born.
The 500L’s an interesting and probably necessary departure for Fiat, as it expands its lineup. Literally–this new model is almost twenty-eight inches longer and six inches wider than the 500. Where the 500 is a cheekily-styled high-efficiency commuter with some sporting pretensions, the 500L is more of a modern family vehicle. Designed to serve a wide range of expectations including the need to express Fiat’s signature style, the 500L straddles the line between awkward and cute, and manages to be a pretty effective and useful vehicle at the same time.
It’s still in keeping with the classic Fiat-inspired theme as well–it’s very similar to the equally cute classic Multipla. It’s got a tallish and stubby body with short overhangs front and rear that, by rights, should be ugly as sin. Yet it’s not. Fiat’s signature rounded headlamps and a more pronounced nose give the 500L a more serious look than the smaller 500. The greenhouse is upright and distinguished by available contrasting-color roof panels, and the nearly vertical tail is rendered less severe by round taillamps. The package is touched with chrome in just the right places, features the same “whiskers” grille theme as the 500, and Fiat knows a thing or two about color palettes as well. A full-length glass panoramic sunroof is also available.
The interior is further evidence that Fiat does high-fashion well. On two-tone models, the accent color is generously splashed around, and the backlit dash glows handsomely. Body-colored trim is available to decorate the dash and doors. The tall roof makes the car feel bigger on the inside than the outside, somehow, and the upright seating is comfortable for five, even on relatively inexpensive chairs. Funky design elements like the paddle-shaped parking brake handle and two-tone steering wheel make it more unique. The 500L is available with Chrysler’s UConnect infotainment system, a backup camera, and a Beats by Dr. Dre audio system that includes a trunk-mounted subwoofer.
Looking beyond the fashion statement, the 500L works very well as a suburban do-all. The 500L has more in common with other stylish do-alls like the Kia Soul, MINI Countryman and Nissan Cube than it might care to admit. The suspension consists of MacPherson struts up front, and a torsion beam at the rear. The shocks front and rear feature frequency-selective damping, which helps to smooth out rough roads without a “floaty” ride. The chassis is short and wide, so it’s better planted than its tall silhouette would suggest it might be. Like the 500, it’s a friendly driver and very maneuverable, with a stable feel in spite of its awkward proportions. Energy-saving electronic power steering and four-wheel disc brakes round out the mechanicals.
You wouldn’t expect this stubby little thing to be comfortable tumbling down the freeway at 80, but it really is. The 1.4 liter turbocharged MultiAir four-cylinder engine provides just enough urge; at 160 horsepower, it’s not a crushingly powerful vehicle, but spends most of its time in that “just-right” range. The 500L feels like a capable and confident runabout, as it should. And the fuel economy’s great, of course; the 500L can get up to 33mpg on the freeway. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available.
In a world of somewhat faceless family cars, the Fiat 500L offers a cute and refreshing take on the idea of a suburban do-all vehicle. Its versatile five-passenger design, spacious interior and frugal engine are coupled with a sense of style that you can’t help but smile at. 500L pricing starts at $19,100. It’s available in Pop, Easy, SUV-influenced Trekking and Lounge models, and the top of the MSRP spread is the $24,195 Lounge.
