Sleepless nights, changing nappies and no social life are all part of raising kids and not exactly glamorous. With the 500L, Fiat is aiming to change all of that and make family life fashionable. We drove the 500L in Milan, Italy, famous for all things trendy to experience the charms of the new arrival in the cool 500 family.
Exterior
External dimensions are still compact but much greater than the small, three-door 500 hatchback which raises the question about the name: should it not have been the Fiat 700? The reason lies with the styling and the portrayed image of the vehicle. It is clear that Fiat has learned a trick from Mini as, concept and styling-wise, many cues hint at the Countryman and Paceman derivatives. Fiat has managed to up the interior space vs. external dimension ratio while keeping the funky styling for which the marque is known intact.
Interior
The interior is available in two trim levels; namely Pop (low spec) and Lounge (high spec) which caters for the trendy individualist as well as a more mature market. The end result is a cabin that feels modern but is still highly functional. The boxy design of the vehicle results in a roomy cabin with plenty of headroom. A boot space of 400 dm3 should be able to cater for most family needs.
Driving it
The raised driving position is more MPV than crossover and affords the driver an excellent vantage point of the road ahead. The large gear lever (and its long throw action) is immediately noticeable. Powertrain-wise it is clear that Fiat targeted efficiency rather than performance and the 1,4-litre petrol unit needs to be revved if nippy progress is required. The 1,6-litre turbodiesel option, however, is better suited to the application and provides plenty of low-down torque (maximum torque of 320 N.m is available at 1 750 r/min) and easy motive force without being overly sporty.
The same can be said of the suspension that soaks up most road imperfections but allows a fair amount of body roll in the bends. This is perfectly acceptable for a comfortable family vehicle without any sporting aspirations, apart from the styling of course.
Another area where the Fiat 500L shone was in noise vibration harshness (NVH). Road and wind noise is kept to a minimum and it is possible to have a normal conversation at motorway speeds with passengers in the second row. The result is a cabin that insulates its occupants from the bustle of city life and brings a spot of serenity to any commute routine.
Summary
Downtown Milan is showing the scars of an economic recession but green sprouts of recovery are noticeable in the form of trendy bars and hotels opening in unlikely locations, not unlike what is happening to Woodstock, Cape Town. Fiat is trying the same with the 500L; to bring new life to a mundane vehicle segment and reinforce the trendiness of the brand. Judging by the success of the 500, Fiat stands a good chance of making a positive impact upon family life in South Africa when the vehicle arrives in September.
Fast facts
Model: Fiat 500L 1.6 MultiJet diesel
Engine: inline, four
Fuel supply: turbocharged
Capacity: 1 598 cm3
Power: 77 kW
Torque: 320 N.m
0-100 km/h: 11,3 secs
Fuel consumption: 4,5 L/100 km
Top speed: 181 km/h
CO2 emissions: 117 g/km
Price: Indicative pricing for the 500L range will start at R230 000.
