By Mauricio Lezcano carsNtravel.com
Expanding on the style, efficiency and driving enjoyment that has made the Fiat 500 an icon for more than 55 years, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L expands the Cinquecento’s appeal by offering extra interior space with comfortable seating for five, engaging driving dynamics, a 160-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine and two fuel-saving, six-speed transmission offerings, all wrapped in contemporary Italian design.
With recognizable Fiat 500 physiognomy, its signature whiskers and logo face , plus an additional 6.1 inches in width, the all-new Fiat 500L has even more presence while exuding the FIAT family resemblance in stylistic harmony. Larger bi-halogen projector headlamps and lower park lamps tie in the iconic look, while the vehicle’s front fascia, body-color fascia insert and cooling duct continue the FIAT brand’s facial feature resemblance. Providing fresh air for the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine’s intercooler, the Fiat 500L’s front fascia grille features a honeycomb lower grille texture with available road-brightening fog lamps.
Maintaining its city-friendly proportions, the rear fascia and bumper are well-integrated into the design of the five-door for shorter overhangs and a tidy look. Providing easier cargo loading, the Fiat 500L’s liftgate design features one of the segment’s lowest cargo-lift heights (26.2 inches from ground). For simplistic design character, the lower liftgate area is recessed to accommodate a license plate, while the adjacent fascia integrates left and right side reflectors. Finishing off the rear are square-in-circular tail lamps and a prominent FIAT liftgate badge with the 500L logo beneath.
Like a loft that provides a contemporary, wide, open and luminous dimension, the interior of the all new Fiat 500L offers in class interior volume, thanks to 42 percent more interior space than the 500 hatchback for added capability, plus even more style and comfort for up to five passengers and their belongings.
The focal point of the Fiat 500L is its instrument panel, which continues the Cinquecento’s perfect blend of modern simplicity, iconic Italian styling and numerous personalization options. The upper instrument panel is designed to convey a sense of refinement, elegance and fun with the availability of color-matched exterior accents and premium vinyl-wrapped or painted accents. A thick-rimmed three-spoke FIAT steering wheel is available in leather and two-tone color options and features the square-in-circular design cue. Behind, two large analog gauges provide vehicle and engine speed, while two secondary gauges provide fuel and engine temperature information.
The instrument cluster also includes an Electronic Vehicle Information Center to provide the driver with trip, vehicle and Uconnect system information. At the center, the Fiat 500L is available with the all-new Uconnect 5.0 or 6.5 radio system, providing passengers with information and connectivity options on a 5-inch or larger 6.5-inch touchscreen. On the passenger side, a recessed instrument panel cubby and covered glove box provide quick storage access. Designed to be ergonomic, the climate controls and transmission shifter are easy to reach from the available center armrest.
First seen on the track proven Fiat 500 Abarth, now the fuel-efficient 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine finds its way into the Fiat 500L as the single engine offering, delivering 160 horsepower, 184 lb.-ft. torque and up to an EPA estimated 33 miles per gallon on the highway with either the six-speed manual or Euro Twin Clutch transmission.
Like its track-proven and endurance-tested Fiat 500 Abarth stablemate, the all-new Fiat 500L’s turbocharger spins up to 23,000 rpm to convert exhaust heat and pressure into rotation that drives a compressor. The compressor draws cool air and pumps it into the intake manifold at increased pressure. The result is more air in the cylinders, hence more torque and power. Boost pressure is dynamically managed to provide a broad torque curve over a wide variety of ambient conditions, with a peak pressure of 21 psi at 4,000 rpm.
The all-new Fiat 500L can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or six-speed Euro Twin Clutch transmission paired with its 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine. Sharing a common design, including a 6.68 ratio spread, the transmissions feature final-drive ratios of 4.12 for the manual and 4.118 for the Euro Twin Clutch for quick acceleration and faster top speed while maintaining fuel economy. And with its first-gear overall launch ratio of 18.4:1 and precision-controlled shift points, the Fiat 500L delivers precise gear changes consistent with the brand’s fun to drive cachet.
The innovative Euro Twin Clutch is standard on the Fiat 500L Lounge model. With the Euro Twin Clutch six-speed transmission, the Fiat 500L delivers an EPA estimated 24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined rating. Similarly, the Fiat 500L with the enthusiast-desired six-speed manual transmission delivers an EPA estimated 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined rating.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $24,195.00, the one I drove included the Lounge Premier Package, Power Sunroof, Nero Roof, Beats Audio 6 Premium Speakers Plus Subwoofer and 17 inch Painted Aluminum Wheels, and it came in at $27,445.00 including destination charge. mlezcano@carsntravel.com
