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From Serbia With Love: 2014 Fiat 500L

September 23, 2013 by admin 7 Comments

Fiat’s return to the US market in 2011 came by way of its smallest model, the 2012 Fiat 500 hatchback. This mini car line also includes a convertible and a performance Abarth edition, giving Fiat the most model choices in its segment. The segment is a small one and includes the Smart Fortwo, Scions IQ and the Chevrolet Spark.

Beginning this year the 2014 Fiat 500L debuts, a model that is wider and longer than the 500, and built on a separate platform. The Fiat 500L Pop was a recent weekly driver for Auto Trends, a five-passenger front-wheel drive subcompact vehicle.

2014 Fiat 500L

2014 Fiat 500L

The L portion of the 500s name means large and considering the diminutive size of the 500 series, that name describes this vehicle well. What it does not tell you is that the 500L rides on a different platform than the 500, utilizing Fiats compact wide architecture to underpin what is categorized as a subcompact model. Its proportions are telling, coming in at 27 inches longer and six inches wider than the 500. It is a tall vehicle too, closer in look to a tall wagon or an SUV and offering 120 cubic feet of interior volume. Compare that number to the 85 cubic feet found in the Fiat 500.

All Fiat 500Ls are powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine. This engine makes 160 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 184 foot-pounds of torque ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 rpm. A six-speed manual is the only transmission offering with the base 500L Pop. The next two grades, Easy and Trekking, offer the manual or an optional twin-clutch six-speed automatic. The top-of-the-line Lounge reverses that offering. Yes, the model names are odd, but they are also keeping what Fiat offers with the 500.

Fiat 500L Exterior and Interior

At first glance, the resemblance to the Fiat 500 is apparent in the 500L. But, those similarities are most noticeable with its face. Beyond that you’re looking at a wagon-like vehicle, one with extended proportions all around.

Inside, the Fiat 500L benefits from an updated dashboard, a revised instrument panel and a new steering wheel. Its a fairly well appointed model even in base form with steering wheel mounted controls including cruise control standard. The front bucket seats and 60/40 rear split seat are cloth covered, offering sufficient support up front, but not enough thigh support in the rear. The rear seat has three seat belt positions, but it is better suited for two people. Rear leg room is excellent and the head room throughout the cabin means there is ample space for tall drivers.

2014 Fiat 500L

Impressively, Fiat found a way to sate the interior with storage areas including numerous cubbies, netted pockets, storage compartments and in-door storage. That abundance of storage was underscored by both open and covered storage compartments above the glove box, serving up more places to stash your stuff.

All 500L models come equipped with air conditioning, the Lounge edition upgrades this to dual-zone climate control. You also get keyless entry, a tilt and telescopic steering column, UConnect touchscreen radio, power windows and door locks, power heated side mirrors, cloth bucket seats, USB ports, and cruise control. Model upgrades bring in heated seats, higher end audio systems, a 115-volt outlet, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a dual-pane power sunroof, navigation fog lamps, a rear armrest with upholders, and larger wheels. The two-color exterior paint scheme featured in the first photo is available with the Trekking edition.

There were two demerits that should be noted: 1) the in-door pockets are large enough to hold water bottles, but not shaped to keep them in place, and 2) the sun visors do not extend far enough out to block the sun beaming through the side windows. The first demerit represents a minor issue as there are center area cup holders available. The second demerit could prove to be a hazard at certain times of the day.

Sporty Fiat 500L Offers Much Flair and Room

View manufacturer details and pricing

On the Road

As my good fortune would have it, I had a week to partake in much clutch pushing and stick shifting with the Fiat 500L Pop. Manual transmissions continue to fade away, with many model lines equipped only with automatics. My wife probably represents the thinking of a vast number of drivers when she admitted that they were too much work. I enjoy them, but in heavy traffic they tend to get old. Imagine getting a muscle spasm at the wrong time!

Still, the Fiats six-speed manual combined with a turbocharged four cylinder engine provided plenty of pep and became an exercise in finding the correct gear for the right driving conditions. I wont hash out my entire findings other than to say that leaving the transmission in fourth gear at speeds up to 50 mph and in fifth gear up to 65 mph makes passing easy. I discovered that if I shifted to sixth gear too early, the RPMs dropped sharply and the car lagged. That also meant I was downshifting to find the right gear at various times while on the highway when traffic was building.

Its peppiness aside, the Fiat 500L handles well too. The low-rolling resistance tires, however, took much getting used to as its grip seemed to slip when shifting on some road surfaces. In my area, the clay soil tends to seep out onto road surfaces when it rains. Once dry, it leaves behind silty patches that can contribute to spin out. You can upgrade to the optional Goodyear Eagle tires.

2014 Fiat 500L

Making An Impression

Priced from $19,100, the 2014 Fiat 500L makes a positive impression. It was also one of the most inquired about vehicles from people that I know including my neighbors who get to witness my weekly switch over of press fleet vehicles. Across the board, its looks were positively received, even admired, not withstanding my remarks that the Italian Fiat 500L is assembled in Serbia while the smaller 500 is built in Mexico. It seems that vehicle origin is just not that important to most people these days.

Growing up, we used to call Fiats Fix It Again, Tony for its frequent habit of breaking down. The new crop of Fiats are much more refined, stylish and fun to drive, offering a worthy vehicle for first time new car buyers or a solid second car for some families.

2014 Fiat 500L Pop

  • Sticker price from $19,100
  • Price as tested: $19,900
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 1.4-liter 16-valve turbocharged I-4 engine
  • 160 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
  • 184 foot-pounds of torque @ 2,500 rpm
  • 2.83 inches bore by 3.31 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 9.8-to-1
  • Six-speed manual transmission
  • Wheelbase: 102.8 inches
  • Length: 167.1 inches
  • Width: 69.8 inches
  • Height: 65.7 inches
  • Passenger volume: 75.6 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 23.1 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: N/A
  • EPA: 25 mpg city, 33 mpg hwy.
  • Premium grade gasoline recommended
  • Fuel tank: 13.2 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,203 pounds
  • Vehicle assembly: Kragujevac, Serbia

See Also — New Arrival: Fiat 124 Spider

Fiat 500L photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2014 MODELS, CHRYSLER, COMPACT CARS, FIAT 500L, MultiAir engine, Serbia, SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSION

Chrysler Announces 2014 Fiat 500L Pricing

May 30, 2013 by admin 2 Comments

2014 Fiat 500L

And then there were five. This June, a fifth Fiat 500 model goes on sale when the extended wheelbase 500L debuts. The new model seats five and joins the standard, Abarth, Cabrio and EV versions of this now well-known Italian motorcar.

2014 Fiat 500L

Priced from $19,100, the 2014 Fiat 500L will be available in Pop, Easy, Trekking and Lounge editions. It is powered by a 1.4-liter four cylinder turbocharged engine and paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an available six-speed dual-clutch six-speed. Fiat tapped its manufacturing plant in Serbia to assemble the vehicle.

2014 Fiat 500L

  • Sticker price from $19,100
  • Available in four trim levels
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 1.4-liter SOHC 16-valve I-4 engine
  • 160 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
  • 184 foot-pounds of torque @ 2,500 rpm
  • 2.83 inches bore by 3.31 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 9:8 to 1
  • Six-speed transmissions
  • Wheelbase: 102.8 inches
  • Length: 167.1 inches
  • Width: 69.8 inches
  • Height: 65.7 inches
  • Passenger Volume: 99.7 cubic feet
  • Storage Volume: 23.1 cubic feet
  • Towing Capacity: not rated
  • EPA: MPG TBA
  • Fuel Tank: 13.2 gallons
  • Curb Weight: From 3,203 pounds
  • Vehicle Assembly: Kragujevac, Serbia

Notably, this B-segment multi-purpose vehicle offers 122.8 cubic feet of interior space putting it in the “large car” category for EPA reporting purposes. That’s a noteworthy fact as other 500 models offer room for four and not much storage capacity. The Fiat 500L is as close to being a non-500 model as possible with additional Alfa-Romeo and Fiat models still to come.

Small-Wide Platform

For now, leveraging the 500 franchise is what Fiat does best — at least in North America. Extending the wheelbase and adding two doors adds 26 inches to the 500′s length and six inches each to the width and height. The Fiat 500L actually harnesses different vehicle architecture, sitting on the company’s “small-wide” platform.

Besides the expected 500 styling cues, the 500L offers unique glass roof pillars that make it possible to see around the vehicle without obstruction.

Technology Grade

Technology is a key feature of all models today and the Fiat 500L will not disappoint. Chrysler’s UConnect system comes to a Fiat model for the first time, bringing to this model hands-free calling, text-message receiving, voice-controlled audio and a special driver’s app.

The exclusive Beats by Dr. Dre audio system, smartphone compatibility and available SiriusXM satellite radio round out the package. A five-inch touchscreen display is standard; a 6.5-inch screen is available and brings in navigation.

Safety Features

The current Fiat 500 has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “top safety pick” rating. It will be interesting to see how the Fiat 500L holds up especially with the roof strength tests the IIHS has been conducting these past few years. Glass pillars, anyone?

The vehicle’s airbag system includes a driver’s knee air bag and side-curtain airbags. Other safety features include electronic stability control, hill-start assist, daytime running lights and traction control.

Other Fiat 500L models are priced as follows: Easy: $20,195, Trekking: $21,195 and Lounge: $24,195. All prices do not include an $800 destination charge.


See Also — Tiny SUV: 2017 Fiat 500X

Photo courtesy of the Chrysler Group.

Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: 1.4-liter, CHRYSLER GROUP, FIAT, FIAT 500L, MultiAir, Serbia

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