Most any Italian car fan in North America had to be excited about the return of Fiat to these shores, and here at The Garage we could hardly contain our excitement. The Fiat 500 adds Italian style and flair in our subcompact car market that’s been missing for some time. However, the car’s tiny footprint meant limited interior and cargo space. With the Fiat 500L, those concerns are addressed while still maintaining the spirit off the 500. This is a formula that has worked for decades with Fiat, and with the added versatility of an extra two doors and added space, Fiat should certainly be in a position to broaden their appeal here in North America.
The 2014 Fiat 500L will go on sale in the US in June, 2013, with a starting price of $19,100USD. All 500L’s share the same drivetrain, a 1.4L four cylinder turbo rated at 160hp. Buyers can choose from a six-speed manual or six-speed dual clutch transmission. All 500Ls are front-wheel drive only; all-wheel drive is not an option at this time. The 500L is offered in four trim levels, detailed below. Prices do not include $800 destination charges.
Fiat 500L Pop: $19,100
The entry level 500L Pop offers standard equipment we’ve come to expect from most cars, namely air conditioning, power windows and locks, and cruise control. Add to that list a six speaker stereo, trip computer, Bluetooth, and a 5″ touchscreen with UConnect.
Fiat 500L Easy: $20,195
Adds 16″ alloy wheels, deep-tint rear glass, leather steering wheel and shift knob, body color mirror caps, center console with armrest and premium audio. With a buyer-friendly price and equipment most buyers desire, I expect the 500L Easy to account for the majority of sales.
Fiat 500L Trekking: $21,195
The 500L Trekking (pictured below) doesn’t provide any additional creature comforts over the 500L Easy, as the changes here are mostly cosmetic. Featuring 17″ alloys, foglights, two-piece front and rear fascias and a lot of grey trim, the 500L Trekking ‘s mission seems to hope to appeal to outdoorsy, active lifestyle types, even if it doesn’t offer any additional utility from any other 500L.
Fiat 500L Lounge: $24,195
The 500L Lounge (pictured at top) picks up where the Easy left off, adding upscale touches like chrome trim, leather seats, heated power front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, and an auto dimming rear view mirror. Step up to the Lounge though, and the six-speed manual is not available.
But wait, there’s more. In an interesting marketing/sales twist, Fiat is offering all 500Ls in Easy, Trekking and Lounge trims with the $1,700 Premier Package at no charge for the first year of production. Included are a larger 6.5″ touchscreen, ParkSense rear parking assist, back-up camera, and navigation. Stay tuned to The Garage for a review of the 500L as soon as one becomes available to us!
Leave a Reply