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2014 Fiat 500L [w/video]

Matt Davis — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Crossover, First Drives, Diesel, Fiat

Practicality From The Italian Ministry of Cute

As seen in the correct Italian/European light, Fiat is rightly dubbed a small car kingdom. This is not the marque's whole story, though, and it's certainly not a way Fiat appreciates being pigeonholed. But even the brand itself sort of has to admit that, in the end, without clever and right-priced smaller cars in its lineup, it might not even exist today.

Between the early 1980s and the dawn of the 21st century, however, the Fiat brand seemingly did everything it could to wreck itself and its core compact-car reputation by producing a series of certifiably unamazing cars that mostly looked drab and behaved below average. Just go have a gander at the Ritmo, the Duna, the 1992-98 Cinquecento, 2004-07 Seicento/600, and the most recent European mega-flop (though actually a pretty good car), the Stilo, discontinued in 2008. Thankfully, almost right out of the gates since the mid-aughts, however, that has no longer been the case.

Jammed in this self-inflicted Catch-22 of small-car dependence, Fiat finally started capitalizing on the millstone hanging around its neck and turned it into a positive with the introduction of the new 500 back in 2007. The 500 and its wildly popular Abarth interpretations have allowed Fiat to at last create good premium-subcompact profits because these cars have become personalized trend and fashion statements worldwide.

Now I've driven this cheeky 2014 Fiat 500L mini-MPV, which should arrive in the US by the end of June. It's the next chapter in the Fiat brand's rise from the ashes and re-entry in America. The latter has been perhaps a much slower rise than desired due to the Great Recession and a European car market that continues to collapse in on itself in pretty scary fashion, but there is now light at the end of the Fiat tunnel. After a whole week of normal day-to-day with child and friends and stuff and many miles traveled, I was genuinely convinced by the 500L after not really knowing at all what to expect.

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2014 Fiat 500L [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is the Fiat 500L the new, smaller swagger wagon?

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Fiat

Toyota tried to make family hauler commercials cool with its "Swagger Wagon" spot for the Sienna minivan back in 2010, but now Fiat looks to have created the unrated version of Toyota's idea with a web ad for its new Fiat 500L called "The Motherhood." Trying to cater to the 500L's target demographic, no punches are pulled as this blonde British mom attempts to describe all the joys of family raising.

We're not going to spoil anything for you here, but if you're hoping for useful information about the larger 500L, then this commercial isn't for you. If you're looking for an entertaining way to kill a few minutes, then check the (now viral) video out by scrolling below. With more double entendres than you'll know what do with, though, we have to warn you that this video's language might be a little unsafe for conservative workplaces.

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Is the Fiat 500L the new, smaller swagger wagon? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Fiat 500L Trekking takes the hatchback into the big leagues

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 20:10:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Hatchback, Fiat

Didn't think it was possible to pull and pry at the diminutive Fiat 500 with enough gumption to make the Italian hatchback qualify as a large car (according to the EPA, at least)? Witness the Fiat 500L Trekking, seen above. It's a full 26-inches longer than the regular 500, and it's grown six-inches taller and wider.

All that stretching means there is 42 percent more interior room in the 500L than the standard car, which means it's a good thing the only engine available is Fiat's 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo four-cylinder engine, as seen in the Abarth, with 160-horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A manual gearbox is standard, and a dual-clutch automatic is optional, each with six gears.

The Trekking model features unique front and rear fascias and 17-inch alloy wheels to set it apart from the base 500L, and the black wheel arch and body-side sill moldings make it look more aggressive. Want to know more? Check out the high-res gallery above and scroll down below for the press release.

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2014 Fiat 500L Trekking takes the hatchback into the big leagues originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Fiat 500L adds size, refinement and toys to 500 lineup

George Kennedy — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Hatchback, Fiat

Fiat is taking the lead from Mini and expanding its lineup of mini-me runabouts. The Italian automaker has done the 500 every which way, including convertible and performance models and now even electrified versions. Following this expansion comes the first actual growth in size; the 2014 Fiat 500L.

First shown at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March, the 500L features 42 percent more interior space through lengthening the 500 platform by 26 inches. With that added size comes added power, specifically the 1.4-liter MutliAir inline four cylinder engine. Also found in the Fiat 500 Abarth and Dodge Dart, the turbocharged four-pot makes 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed-manual transmission or a dual-clutch gearbox.

From what we can see, the 500L has a more refined and advanced interior than its smaller Italian stablemates. Most notable is the availability of the Uconnect 5.0 (and available 6.5) system, featuring audio and navigation controls, among other functions.

The four-door Fiat 500L is set to arrive at dealer showrooms mid-2013, and will be produced in Fiat's Kragujevac, Siberia plant... so you know the heat will work! To learn more about the 500L and its utilitarian predecessors such as the Fiat Panda and Multipla, check out the press release below.

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2014 Fiat 500L adds size, refinement and toys to 500 lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Fiat 500L rounds out the model range

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:07:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Hatchback, Fiat

Fiat has pulled back the curtain on the North American 500L ahead of the five-door's debut at the 2012 LA Auto Show. Engineers have drawn and quartered the base 500 to create a machine that's a full 26-inches longer and six-inches taller and wider. The result is a crossover with 42-percent more interior room than its tiny three-door counterpart. Power comes from a version of the same turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo four-cylinder engine that powers the 500 Abarth and Dodge Dart. The 160-horsepower mill is paired to the buyer's choice of either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmission, and offers 184 pound-feet of torque.

The 2014 Fiat 500L will come in standard and Trekking configurations, with Trekking models like the one above offering differentiated front and rear fascias as well as a two-tone interior, bulging fender arches and standard 17-inch alloy wheels. Designers also graced the trim with black exterior accents for a more aggressive look.

Inside, the 500L will offer Chrysler's Uconnect 5.0 infotainment interface as standard equipment, though Trekking models can be had with the 6.5 system and its larger touchscreen audio. Expect to see both trims show up in Fiat dealers toward the middle of next year. Until then, check out the full press release below.

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2014 Fiat 500L rounds out the model range originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: More Fiat 500L images, details divulged

Zach Bowman — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Crossover, Fiat

After first revealing its new baby at the Geneva Motor Show in March, Fiat has finally served up more information and images on its upcoming 500L. Spanning 13.6 feet from tip to tail, the Italian automaker says there's room for five full-grown adults inside along with room for their luggage, thanks in part to a rear bench that can slide fore and aft as need be. All told, there's a bit more than 14.1 cubic feet of cargo area out back, which bests the Mini Countryman by nearly two cubic feet. With the second row seats stowed and the front passenger seat folded forward, the 500L can also transport material just shy of eight-feet long.

In Europe, buyers will be able to chose between two gasoline engine options: a turbocharged 0.9-liter two-cylinder good for 105 horsepower or a 95-horsepower 1.4-liter four-cylinder. An 85-horsepower 1.3-liter turbodiesel will also be available. Later, Fiat plans to introduce a version of the two-cylinder designed to run on methane.

The Fiat 500L will be produced in Serbia and will be available with options including UConnect with a five-inch screen, a glass roof that covers five square feet and 11 different body colors. No word yet on a U.S. on-sale date, but we do expect the plus-sized Cinquecento to make it to our market, awkward looks and all. Check out the full press release below.

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: More Fiat 500L images, details divulged

Pics Aplenty: More Fiat 500L images, details divulged originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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