The success of the famous "baby" Fiat 500 in Russia, which sold a decent circulation around the world, the Italian company decided to transfer to a higher class. The compact MPV 500L debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012, where L stands for Large. It seems that the Italians managed to find a compromise between practical and stylish car, creating a car suitable for full family use.
Despite the common model name with the hatchback, the Fiat 500L is based not on the "standard 500" platform, but on the "cart" of the larger Punto model. The length of the compact van is 4140 mm, width - 1780 mm, height - 1660 mm, wheelbase - 2612 mm. At the same time, the car is built in such a way that, with compact external dimensions, the interior space is used most efficiently. But more on that later.
Fiat's corporate identity has found its application in the design of the 500L model. The appearance of the car is made due to smooth and harmonious lines, which is why there are no hints of aggression in the appearance of a compact van. In the company itself, this concept is called a soft and calm design.
In general, the "500L" looks very stylish and elegant, and in addition to this it is also unusual - in the stream of other cars it will instantly catch your eye. The main design "trick" can be called the styling under the "five hundredth", especially in the front. This is done due to the round optics of the head light and the characteristic "smile". The continuity with the 500 m in front is simply fantastic: only when you get closer you realize that this is a completely different car.
From the side, this model is perceived as a real compact van - a short hood, an almost flat roof, a large glass area. Of course, there is no trace of dynamics here, but no one requires such a parameter from such cars. The main thing is that the "Italian" looks stylish and unusual, and the wheels of the original design finally complete the overall picture.
The rear of the Fiat 500L is no longer so much unified with the hatchback, but it has some common features. It looks somewhat ugly because of a small window, too compact lights and a small bumper, although the tailgate has impressive dimensions. In general, the compact MPV has a stylish, unusual and complete image that many will like.
Best of all, the Fiat 500L is customizable. Moreover, it has a two-tone body color, so also the options can be the most daring. There are 3 colors for the roof, 11 for the body, 4 for the rims, and 4 in total, which makes 333 possible versions! In such a variety, everyone can choose the most pleasant color for themselves!
Inside, the compact MPV is pleasantly surprising. Firstly, due to the fact that there is a lot of space. And secondly, a large glazing area and a high panoramic roof, together with a good layout, add volume.
And the stylish, at first glance, like a square steering wheel with cut corners only adds the entourage. The dashboard has a rather interesting design, and in terms of information content it does not occupy.
Microclimate control is carried out by means of convenient "twists" on the center console, below is a cigarette lighter and a pair of cup holders.
But the main pride of the 500L is the Uconnect multimedia system with a five-inch touchscreen display that can be connected to a mobile phone or other external device. The voice recognition function makes it possible to call and listen to incoming SMS without being distracted from the road. The system allows for social networking and also has a high sound quality that rivals premium brands. In addition, one of the useful features of Uconnect is the environmental monitoring, which constantly analyzes the driving style and provides advice that can be followed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 16 percent.
To match the appearance, the interior trim can either repeat the color of the body, or be completely different. In total, there are about 1500 options for individualizing the interior space. In addition to the basic equipment, the Fiat 500L offers thousands of accessories ranging from clothes hangers to a coffee maker, transforming the interior into something of a boutique.
With its compact outer dimensions, the car is spacious inside due to a good layout. There is a lot of space on the front seats, they themselves are comfortable, lateral support is developed, the adjustment ranges are wide, and the driver's seat is also adjustable in height. Passengers in the second row will be pleased with the spaciousness, plenty of pockets and compartments, and ample headroom. And the seats not only have a clever profile, but are also wrapped in washable upholstery.
The volume of the luggage compartment of this Fiat is 400 liters, according to this indicator, the "Italian" is the leader in its class! The shape of the compartment is correct, the back of the rear sofa folds in a 60:40 ratio and forms a completely flat floor. This allows you to transport items up to 2.4 meters long.
Specifications. The Fiat 500L offers three highly efficient engines that are environmentally friendly. One of the following motors can be located under the hood of an Italian compact van:
- The first is the 0.9-liter Turbo TwinAir twin-turbo, producing 105 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. On the combined cycle, the vehicle consumes an average of 4.8 liters of fuel. With this engine, it can accelerate to 180 km / h, and accelerate to the first hundred in just 12.3 seconds.
- The second is a petrol four-cylinder engine with a working volume of 1.4 liters and a capacity of 95 "horses", developing 127 Nm of thrust. In terms of dynamic characteristics, this unit is inferior to Turbo TwinAir 0.5 seconds in acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h, and its "maximum speed" is 10 km / h lower. At the same time, fuel consumption reaches 6.2 liters per 100 km of run.
- The third is the 1.3-liter MultiJet 2 turbodiesel, equipped with a highly efficient fuel system that delivers fuel efficiently and accurately. Its distinctive feature is almost silent operation, which is not typical for diesel units. The engine output is 85 horsepower and 200 Nm of peak torque. These characteristics provide acceleration to the first hundred in 15 seconds and a top speed of 165 km / h. For every 100 km of run diesel 500L, on average, "eats" 4.2 liters of diesel fuel.
In tandem to the engines, a 5- or 6-speed "mechanics" and a 6-band "automatic" are offered, and the torque is transmitted only to the front wheels.
The steering is endowed with two modes of operation. The first is designed exclusively for the city, when you start it, the steering wheel becomes light, which is very convenient when maneuvering in tight spaces and parking. If you deactivate it, then the "steering wheel" is filled with a pleasant weight, which allows you to accurately feel the position of the wheels.
Options and prices. Fiat 500L is not for sale on the Russian market - but in vain! In our country, the car could become popular. In Europe, the compact MPV starts at € 15,500 for the basic Pop Star configuration, which includes six airbags, cruise control, climate control, ESP, Uconnect multimedia system with 5-inch display and leather steering wheel. and gearshift lever. The top performance "Lounge" costs about 19,000 euros, and it flaunts a panoramic roof, climate control, rain and light sensors, additional moldings, wheel rims with a diameter of 16 inches and much more.
