Fiat makes the 500 cooler and more capable with the 500L

Five years down the line, the Fiat 500 gets its first major makeover. The 500L combines the iconic nature of the 500 style with the functionality of Fiat's design. Expanded on the concept of 'space efficiency', the new model defies the conventional distinctions owing to its MPV passenger space, the feel of a small SUV on the road and levels of efficiency typical of a compact car. By following this novel recipe, the Fiat 500L combines characteristics peculiar to different classes to offer a concept of distinctive and versatile first car that is an alternative to the traditional saloons of the B and C segments.

The Fiat 500L is 4 metres and 15 centimetres long.  But its real competitive advantage is that with only 7 cm more than a Fiat Punto, the Fiat 500L easily accommodates five passengers 2 meters tall with their five suitcases without ever compromising passenger room.  Suffice it to say that the Fiat 500L boasts the best passenger volume index in the segment: with front and rear volumes combined, passengers have a space of 3.17 cubic metres available. The Fiat 500L is then Large also in terms of functionality, as the 1,500 possible configurations of the interior space demonstrate. For example, the customer can easily transport any material up to 2.4 metres long by folding the front passenger seat and only one rear seat forward. Even if you have to use the passenger seat equipped with "table" adjustment, you can fold it forward to get a complete support surface.

The Fiat 500L comes with three efficient engines distinguished by their lower polluting emissions and CO2 levels, corresponding to real economic benefit in everyday use for the customer: two petrol (105 HP 0.9 TwinAir and 95 HP 1.4 litres) engines and one turbodiesel (85 HP 1.3 MultiJet 2) engine. The new development of the multi-award-winning Fiat two-cylinder engine, the TwinAir is at the top of the segment in terms of fuel consumption and emissions thanks to its low displacement and inclusion of a high-efficiency turbocharger.

Looking at the specs, the 500L looks just right for India, however the sky-high CBU prices give these cars only aspirational values rather than the affordability that they deserve. But if manufactured here with the Punto, the 500L could be one of the most sought after hatches in India.