Fiat reveals revamped 500L
The Fiat 500L has been facelifted for 2017 with 40% new components.
The revised front bumper with signature trapezoidal trim and the chromed "studded" three-dimensional lower grille mesh are joined by a light cluster that now featrues LED daytime running lights - which pick up the graphics of the two "zeros" in 500.
At the same time, the chromed strips, which direct the eye to the wheel arches, ‘convey toughness’ says Fiat. The chromed inserts at the rear underline the 500 family feeling and horizontal trims reinforce the car's presence on the road. The fog and reversing lights are now in the underside of the bumper, increasing their effectiveness.
The new Fiat 500L is available in ten pastel or metallic colours and with three types of roof: body-coloured, glossy black or white or matt black, giving customers a choice of no less than 36 colour combinations. The colours available are the new Denim Blue, Sicilian Orange and Donatello Bronze, Bossa Nova White, Hip Hop Yellow, Darkwave Black, Minimal Grey, Heavy Metal Grey, Beatbox Green and Pasodoble Red.
The petrol engine line-up includes a 1.4-litre 16V, delivering 95hp, and the 1.4-litre 16V T-Jet, delivering 120hp. The offering is completed by two diesel engines: the 95hp 1,300cc 16V MultiJet, also available with Dualogic transmission, and the 120hp 1,600cc 16V MultiJet. All engines comply with the Euro 6 standards and combine optimal performance with ‘impressive’ fuel economy.
The interior is completely new, starting with an updated dashboard to give a more high-tech and iconic look. The passenger compartment has received distinctive ‘500’ touches, such as the bright "500" signature on the dashboard. The area behind the restyled multifunctional steering wheel, now with added chrome accents, has an updated design with two circular instrument gauges on either side of a 3.5-inch colour graphic display. This combination of new steering wheel and dashboard improves the visibility of the instrument cluster, which is further enhanced by white backlighting. The driver also benefits from an innovative TFT colour digital display, with a full set of useful information.
Wraparound glazing has been added to improve its now ‘class-leading’ visibility and ease of parking - with a glazed A-pillar. Also available, as a fixed panel or electrically opening, is a 1.5m2 optional panoramic glass roof meaning that occupants can enjoy a light, bright passenger compartment.
The new Fiat 500L is available with three distinctive personalities: Urban, Cross and Wagon. The Cross option has a one-of-a-kind crossover look with new bumpers and skid plate, new two-colour diamond-finish 17-inch alloy wheels and a bold grille to give it a ‘sporty appearance’ with ground clearance raised by 25mm.
Urban version, available in Pop Star and Lounge trim levels, are for the metropolitan city dwellers and come with ABS, ESP, 6 airbags, air conditioning, cruise control, multifunction Techno-leather steering wheel, electrically adjustable & heated door mirrors, 3.5-inch colour TFT display, LED daytime running lights and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Wagon, available in a seven seat configuration, combines spaciousness and versatility with the Fiat 500 style. Available in Pop Star or Lounge trim, the new Fiat 500L Wagon is the most compact seven-seater on the market at 4.38m long.
New, larger storage compartments and the introduction of new comfort features, such as the central armrest have been added while the gear lever has also been redesigned and placed higher up for greater driving comfort. Boot volume, with the rear seat in the forward position, is 455 litres for the Urban and Cross models. The boot on the Wagon offers up to 493 litres when the two additional seats are folded. With the rear seats folded and tumbled, capacity rises to 1480 litres for Urban and Cross and 1509 for the Wagon.
Exclusive packs are available across the new Fiat 500L range to enhance the driving experience, comfort and safety. Every version can customise its style, connectivity, comfort and safety features by adding either the City, Comfort, Safety, Style and Style Plus packs.
The new Fiat 500L will be priced from £16,195 OTR for a Fiat 500L Urban 1.4 95hp Pop Star, with first deliveries taking place from September.