Design of 500L shows Fiat thinking out of box again

At least that was the sales punt. Now, not content with the large 500 (which works quite well as a family car), Fiat is targeting those with an “active lifestyle” with a wannabe-SUV version of the 500L called the Trekking.

But unless your version of Everest is the top floor parking at Rosebank Mall, don’t think of getting too far into the wild in this car.

That’s because it’s underpinnings are the same as in the 500L: 1.4-turbo petrol engine (delivering 88KW) and front-wheel-drive – with a little bit of extra ground clearance and some black plastic Camel Man Expedition cladding on the sides and wheel arches.

For R316 000, it does come with what are called gravel and snow tyres and a clever traction control system that will delay you getting stuck – however, stuck you will be if you think of trying any form of off-roading.

Having said all that, though, this is a nice mom’s taxi, there’s plenty of legroom in the back and a large boot; it’s easy to drive (thanks to electric power steering which has an even lighter, “city” setting); and well-equipped (from six airbags and a Euro five-star crash rating to Bluetooth and a USB port).

In the city, Fiat’s claims of fuel economy of 9.3 litres to 100km are not far off the 9.7 litres or so we achieved, while on the open road you should get about 6l/100km without too much hassle.

Best of all, from a family purchase point of view, is that you don’t have to worry about Fiat reliability these days: they’re as good as their European competitors – and, of course, you wouldn’t be a hijack target out on the road.

You won’t lose your car in the car park either – there won’t be anything else like it.