The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Fiat’s big 500 gets a few new tweaks
Fiat has revamped its 500L people carrier.
For those of you who’ve forgotten, it’s essentially a larger version of the 500 city car with up to seven seats.
There remains three different variants to choose from, named Urban, Cross and Wagon.
Urban is the standard car, with seating for five. This is a more rugged model with a raised ride height and some offroad styling.
Wagon is the seven-seat version, with a couple of chairs suitable for children in the rear.
While most people are united in thinking the 500 is a very stylish little supermini, opinion is sharply divided over the bigger L version, which is more bulbous and doesn’t have the cutesy looks.
People who don’t like the cut of the 500L’s jib are unlikely to change their minds over this new version, available in September.
A few styling tweaks have been made – there’s a revised front bumper, chrome lower grille and chrome strip along the side – but the overall shape remains the same.
A lot more has gone on under the skin and inside the car. Fiat claims fully 40% of the parts used are new, with the inclusion of automatic emergency braking and the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto among the most notable additions. The interior is entirely new and looks much more modern. Two petrol engines will be available – a 95hp 1.4litre unit and a more powerful 120hp variant – while two diesel powertrains (a 95hp 1.3-litre unit and a 120hp 1.6-litre engine) will also be offered.
Equipment for the Cross includes different bumpers and skid plates, 17in wheels, ground clearance raised by 25mm and a 7in touchscreen media system.
Standard kit in Urban and Wagon versions includes air-con, cruise control, a 7in touchscreen system, a USB port, LED daytime running lights and 16in alloy wheels. Opt for Lounge trim and you add glass roof, parking sensors and a bigger touchscreen.