Adding an L to the Cinquecento has created the 500L as another uniquely-designed Fiat vehicle

Cinquecento is how the Italians say Five hundred.  Saying it in Italian makes it sound even more attractive, and the cute little re-incarnation of the Fiat 500 baby has won fans all over the world.

When the 500 was launched 5 years ago, it was soon followed by the semi-convertible sliding soft-top model.  What would be a simple name?  Just add a C… to form 500C.
 
Riding on the success of the 500 name, and no doubt looking at how MINI has grown its MINI into Countryman as a cross-over with so many many buyers, Fiat thought it wise to add its own cross-over/MPV/SUV type car.  As it is a Larger version hoping to extend the success of the 500, they decided “Let’s call it 500L”.  Aha!

Typically Fiat, it is somewhat off the usual way of thinking.  Remember, Fiat thinks up unique products like Panda (which is something of a mix between a hatch and a tiny SUV) and the now-discontinued Multipla (which had intentionally way-out styling, yet was very practical with its wide space that could sit 3 across in front).

The Fiat 500L also doesn’t fit into any traditional vehicle box:  Fiat says the 500 has grown up to accommodate new needs, expanded on the concept of “space efficiency”, aiming/claiming make MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) space with a small SUV feel and compact car efficiency and drivability into a team.  On the road the 500L indeed feels like a combo box of various vehicle types.

Accommodation in the Fiat 500 size L makes life much easier, as 5 adults of 2 metres tall fit in easily, thanks to its lofty headroom.  22 clever storage solutions throughout the cabin make it easy to stuff stuff out-the-way.  The “Cargo Magic Space” is another feature which came in handy – it allows the boot floor shelf to be adjusted into 3 levels (bottom, middle or high, like an oven rack) which means I could sort the heavy groceries into the bottom half from the lighter shopping at the top.  The designer must have had espresso.

Its unusual personality means it is designed to be appreciated over years – certainly not a bland car one would get bored of quickly.  The seats and even the dashboard panels are trimmed in a suede-like upholstery – the seat backs have what looks like large signatures engraved into the fabric, which is a real conversation-starter.  Hmm, just wondering if those signatures will leave skin imprints after a long journey.

When it was launched for SA consumption just after the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show, the pricing for the Easy and Lounge (yes, the quirky Fiat trim names) was R 232 990 for the 1.4 Easy, R 247 990 for the 1.4 Lounge, and R 287 990 for the 1.6 Multijet turbo diesel Lounge.  Pricing in July 2014 has risen to R 242 490, R 257 990 and R 299 490 respectively.  Only a 6-speed manual is available locally, for either engine.  An automatic diesel would be ideal. 

Sure, the 500L is designed to be lightweight, but the 1.4-litre’s 70kW and 127Nm is barely enough, and with 5 people on board + some of the 22 storage spaces filled, it would be sluggish.  The Multijet diesel is definitely the best option thanks to its meatier 320Nm of torque (nearly triple the 1.4’s number).  That is, provided the R 40 000 price premium over the 1.4 petrol doesn’t put you off.

For Easy money the 500L features the convenience electrics like aircon, mirrors, 12V current outlet, cruise control, remote locking, and a 5-inch touch-screen UConnect interface system (plus steering wheel switches to control audio, hands-free phone and voice control).  Unfortunately to save a few cents Fiat installs only the front windows as electric – not very clever when Mommy is driving while the kids are in the back (where the manual window winders are).

Sit in the Lounge where you’ll enjoy a panoramic roof to bask under (or close the electric sliding sunblind) with temperature controlled by climate automatic airconditioner, with features added including an automatically-dimming inner mirror, rain-sensing wipers, alloy wheels and front fog lamps.

All Fiat 500L has safety assisted by daytime running lights, 6 airbags, ABS, Vehicle Dynamic Control (stability control) and Electronic Rollover Mitigation.  It achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.  Fiat also included their usual Dual-Drive power steering, where the City mode means superlight steering turns.  The Driving Steering Torque will automatically make steering corrections to aid stability, and control oversteer.

Adding an L to the Cinquecento has created the 500L as another uniquely-designed Fiat vehicle, packing serious versatility into a fun container.

 

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