2014 Fiat 500L Video Review

Here’s something you’ve never been able to do in a 500 before; stretch your legs and enjoy the panoramic views – from the backseat!  But this is exactly the kind of variant Fiat needs to open up its appeal.  This is the all-new 500L.

Fiat dealers are growing restless.  As it turns out, the 500 minicompact plays about as well here in America as soccer.  But before we write off Fiat as a European flavor best left overseas it’s time to give the brand another look with the introduction of the 2014 Fiat 500L.

Until you see it in person and step inside, you won’t believe how big and roomy it really is.  This is far greater than say, going from a MINI Cooper to a Countryman.  The 500L provides about 25% more passenger room and 300% more luggage volume than a 500.  It can seat 5 while transporting a good deal of home goods from the store.

Though there are 4 available trim levels – Pop, Easy, Trekking and Lounge – all use the Abarth engine; a 1.4-liter turbo with Fiat’s MultiAir intake valve technology, more precisely controlling the amount of fresh air into the cylinders for improved performance and efficiency.  It’s a hoot in the Abarth but here in the 500L, its 160 horsepower is taxed with an extra 742 pounds.  To offset that some, torque output rises from 170 foot pounds to 184.  It’s certainly not the smoothest or quietest small engine you’ll drive, but it still packs a punch and will happily return 24mpg city/33mpg highway – my mixed driving number for the week ended up at a noteworthy 29mpg.  87 octane is permitted though 91 is recommended. Those numbers were achieved through this 6-speed Euro Twin Clutch Transmission – standard on this 500L Lounge.  It’s a gearbox that takes some getting used to, especially for those who expect these automated manual units to function just as smoothly as their torque converter cousins, because this one has its moments of pause, for instance when shifting from reverse to drive.  It does have Autostick but no paddle shifters.

The 500L has a unique minivan, quasi bus-like seating position from behind the wheel nd with seemingly no end to the greenhouse, visibility is all-around excellent.  But no matter where I position myself the top of the steering wheel covers up the speedometer – that is unless you’re going over 100mph.

Though I’ve got the optional 17” aluminum wheels fitted with high-end Conti rubber, the 500L drives a little top heavy and thus loses a large portion of the brand’s small car motoring fun.

But there is something about this wagon that really sucked me in.  It’s most certainly different and I appreciate that.  The huge front to back sunroof with its power retractable screen gives this car an unparalleled airiness.  The rear cargo shelf and folding and tilting rear seats provide plenty of options and the Beats audio system integrated into the excellent UConnect system is a winner.  It’s quirky and full of personality.  I just wish the European brands would realize Americans love large center consoles – not this virtually useless space that can’t even hold a wallet and phone.  The seats are also quite uncomfortable – no more so than in the middle rear where the cushioning appears to stem from rock.

The top trim 500L Lounge starts at $25,195 while this loaded model, including the white roof, stickers for $28,245.  Car buying is often quite irrational – and though the 500L is far from perfect I really quite like its uncommon approach to growing up.