Livin’ Large: 2014 Fiat 500L Starts at $19,900

Fiat continues its quest to become the Italian alternative to Mini by expanding its model line with the 2014 500L, priced from $19,900. The Cinquecento's new big brother, which goes on sale in June, is the five-door, five-passenger version that will join the hatchback and convertible models (and their sporty Turbo and Abarth variants as well as the 500E electric vehicle) in the lineup. The 500L is 27.5 inches longer and 5.8 inches wider than the 500, has more than 40 percent extra interior volume, and brings to mind a Mini Cooper Countryman—albeit one with an Italian flair. The 160-hp, 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged engine from the Fiat 500 Abarth is standard across the line. The 500L will be offered in four trim levels: Pop ($19,900) is the price leader, with a six-speed manual and 16-inch steel wheels. The latest version of Uconnect, Uconnect 5.0, is standard on the 500L Pop version, and can support multiple devices such as tablets and media players. Other amenities include air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, tilt/telescoping wheel, trip computer, 60/40-split rear seats, and 12-volt console power outlets. Easy ($20,995) adds 16-inch aluminum wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, vinyl-trimmed dash, upgraded cloth seats, and a six-speaker, 520-watt premium audio system. Trekking ($21,995) has a faux off-road look with graphite fascia trim and fender flares. In addition to the Easy features noted above, Trekking offers unique 17-inch aluminum wheels and two-tone black/brown interior accents. Lounge ($24,995) is the upscale version; it expands upon the Easy features with a standard six-speed dual-clutch automatic, chrome body accents, leather trim, and heated power front seats. As a launch incentive during the first year of production, all Easy, Trekking, and Lounge models will come with the Premier package at no extra charge. A $1700 option, the Premier package adds Uconnect with a 6.5-inch touch screen and voice-operated navigation, smartphone, and audio functionality; park assist; and an integrated backup camera. It will probably cause shoppers to drop the Pop—at least for the initial year of availability. Long-Term Wrap-Up: 2012 Fiat 500 Sport Instrumented Test: 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo Instrumented Test: 2012 Kia Soul Eco 1.6 The subcompact segment is already crawling with competitors, with a wide choice of offerings ranging from the very basic to sporty. Price-wise, the 500L is positioned above the Kia Soul and the Scion xB, virtually on par with the Nissan Juke, and carefully nestled below the Mini Cooper Countryman and Cooper S Countryman versions. While the 500L may suffer from the lack of an all-wheel-drive option, Fiat is most likely hoping that the Italian cool factor and the value equation will be what attracts buyers to its studios (Fiat speak for "showrooms") this summer. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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