Expanding on the style, efficiency and driving enjoyment that has made the Fiat 500 an icon for more than 55 years, the all-new 2015 Fiat 500L expands the Cinquecento’s appeal by offering 42% extra interior space with comfortable seating for five, engaging driving dynamics, a 165 hp 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine and fuel-saving, six-speed transmission, all wrapped in contemporary Italian design. Compared to the original Fiat 500, the 500L has an ideal compromise where it is a much larger vehicle, but still small enough to be classed a supermini. Essentially, the 500L captures what makes the regular 500 so popular, while adding space for five people and all of their stuff.
Since the modern Fiat 500’s global launch in 2007, more than 1 million of these efficient and city-friendly vehicles have been sold in more than 110 countries worldwide. And now with the all-new Fiat 500L, the Cinquecento has grown up to accommodate even more of life’s greatest experiences and emotions all together: children, friends, journeys, music and community. The 500L is based on the popular Fiat 500 supermini, meaning it gets the same retro influenced design, trendy interior and engines as its smaller brother. However, the 500L’s larger proportions mean it is more practical, thanks to a roomy boot, and five comfortable seats. Buyers can also go for a larger 500L MPW, which comes with a seven-seat option. The Fiat 500L’s increased ride height and almost 360-degree visibility make it very easy to drive around town, and what’s more, the rear bench seat folds completely flat and slides easily. The boot also has a three-level floor and the front passenger seat has the option of folding completely flat, meaning the 500L can take large loads.
The Fiat 500L is available in four trim levels. There’s the entry-level Pop Star, mid-range Easy and Lounge models. Buyers can choose from a choice of economical engines, two petrol (1.4 or 0.9-liter), or two diesels; a 1.3 Multijet which can be paired with Fiat’s semi-automatic Dualogic gearbox, or a 1.6-liter Multijet. All of these options are perfect for a breeze through the city, a family day out, or an adventure with friends on a lazy weekend break.
The last model is a rugged looking, front wheel drive flagship called Trekking, fitted with a 1.4 MultiAir Turbo engine that boasts the highest specific power. Designed with the active and thrill-seeking driver in mind, the 500L Trekking expands the appeal and practicality of the Fiat 500L with distinct, rugged looks; an athletic two-tone interior environment; unique front and rear fascia designs; flared wheel arches and larger 17-inch wheels to support its adventurous personality. If all of this wasn’t enough, then there is a Beats Edition of the 500L Trekking, which gets black body add-ons and a thumping sound system influenced by artist Dr. Dre and his Beats Audio brand. While not strictly an off road vehicle in the classic sense of the term, the Trekking is certainly ideal for use on more uneven or slightly rougher terrain.
That’s some information about the car, and the available options. But what about the ‘L’ in the model? What does it stand for exactly? We have you covered on that one. It actually stands for many things, according to Fiat, and sums up the many dimensions of the model:
LEVERAGING: taking the Fiat brand’s DNA, the all-new Fiat 500L expands the appeal of the iconic 500 while adding two more doors and comfortable accommodations for five passengers.
LARGE: a Fiat 500 designed on the new “small-wide” vehicle architecture with “cab forward” design for 27 inches more length, plus 6 inches more in height and width, all to deliver an EPA Large Car size interior with comfort, added versatility and 42% extra interior space. The 500L offers best-in-class interior volume, best-in-class front head and shoulder room and best-in-class rear cargo space (with the back seats up).
LOFT: a trendsetting interior environment featuring segment-exclusive glass from A- to D-pillars that provides nearly 360-degree panoramic views, while iconic Cinquecento (500) cues exude contemporary Italian design outside.
LIFESTYLE: the all-new Fiat 500L Trekking model highlights the perfect blend of rugged styling and versatility, offering customers a Cinquecento that complements their active lifestyle.
LIGHT: human-friendly innovations like fuel-saving and emissions-reducing MultiAir valve technology, eco:Drive and Fiat’s first application of the all-new Uconnect 5.0 and 6.5 touchscreen systems, all to provide a “lightness” to improve the quality of life.
LITERS: the 500L’s innovative 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine provides 165 hp, 184 lb.-ft. of torque and up to an EPA estimated 27 mpg (8.71 L/100 km) highway.
Paired with its tight European handling and quick steering, the sixth dimension, “Liters,” defines the fuel-efficient MultiAir Turbo engine in the all-new Fiat 500L, providing class-leading standard horsepower per liter (117 hp/liter) – for even more driver precision and control, the Fiat 500L also features a six-speed Euro Twin Clutch transmission.
To see the new Fiat 500L in person visit Al Mulla & Behbehani Motor Company, at the intersection of 4th Ring Road and Mohammed Bin Qassim Street, Al Rai, Kuwait. Or for more information phone 188 5500, 9770 4212, 9401 6675 or email: abailey@mbmcq8.com. You can also follow Fiat on Facebook: FiatMiddleEast.
TECH AND SPECS:
Manufacturer: Fiat
Also called: 500L Trekking, 500L Living, 500L MPW
Assembly Kragujevac, Serbia (Fiat Srbija)
Designer: Roberto Giolito
Body and Chassis:
Class: Mini MPV
Body style: 5-door hatchback
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Powertrain:
Engine: 0.9 L TwinAir Turbo I2 (petrol)
0.9 L TwinAir Turbo I2 (petrol/CNG)
1.4 L Fire I4 (petrol)
1.3 L MultiJet II I4 (diesel)
1.6 L Multijet I4 (diesel)
Transmission:
5-speed manual and 5-speed semi-automatic (Duologic)
6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 2,612 mm
Length: 4,140 mm
4,350 mm (Living)
Width: 1,780 mm
Height: 1,660 mm
Kerb Weight: 1245kg – 1365kg
