Fiat fans in the United States have grown a bit impatient in recent years as the Italian brand continues to hawk just one model: the Fiat 500. That vehicle is available in various permutations, but when you get down to that it is still a 500 whether it is sold as a coupe, a cabriolet or as an Abarth.
Come 2015, we'll see upwards of six new Fiat models introduced to the North American market, but before then we'll see yet another version of the 500 hit highways and byways by this summer. The 2014 Fiat 500L is that model, a five-door extended version of the popular Italian mini. Here is what we know about this model.
Fiat 500L
Form meets function with the Fiat 500L. This model sits on a stretched wheelbase version of the standard model and offers room for up to five occupants. Besides the longer wheelbase, the two added side doors makes this model easy to enter and leave, making it possible for rear riding occupants to actually have the legroom required to make their trip more than just bearable.
Fiat has a middle seat arrangement for the 500L, something to consider if you need a car that can carry five people in a pinch. Otherwise, that position's seat can be folded down, to give two rear seating passengers access to cup holders and an arm rest.
Performance Specifications
Fiat is leaving nothing to chance with the 500L, equipping this model with its turbocharged 1.4-liter four cylinder engine and pairing it with a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fiat's MultiAir technology ensures that every engine performs optimally, delivering quick acceleration and top speed on demand.
The Fiat 500L engine makes 160 horsepower and 184 foot-pounds of torque. Either transmission choice allows for spirited driving, something that this car delivers on its tiny frame.
Interior Highlights
The "L" in the 500L stands for "length" or extended length, but it could just as easily stand for luxury especially when this model is fully equipped. You get seven standard airbags, Bluetooth connectivity and a tilt and telescopic steering column. You also can opt for a navigation system, an upgraded audio package, SiriusXM satellite radio and a sunroof.
Fiat also makes available leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and a larger UConnect touchscreen. More than a half dozen exterior colors including a contrasting white or black roof with coordinated side mirror caps gives this vehicle a unique look.
Urban Utility Vehicle
Early marketing of the Fiat 500L reveals a car that has a roomy interior, ample storage capacity and unique design features including LED treatments that surround the head lamps. We don't know the full measurements of this vehicle yet, but if you're cross-shopping the MINI Countryman, you've found a good place to start.
The Fiat 500L is being plugged as an urban utility vehicle. This front-wheel-drive model should be acceptable for most, but a lack of all-wheel-drive availability will temper its utility vehicle credentials. Still, with its roomy interior and expanded storage capacity, the Fiat 500L does for the brand something that no other Fiat has done thus far: given us room to carry four passengers and their stuff in style.
Matt Keegan is a freelance automotive writer. He is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including BMW rims and aftermarket auto parts.
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