THE Geneva Motor Show saw a raft of unveilings – as it does every year – and although there was much interest in the exotic end of the market, smaller cars were well represented.
Among them was the Fiat 500L, which it claims will seat five in comfort, but it won’t be available here until late this year.
The L is for ‘large’ so it is a mini-MPV, more spacious version of the 500, but it will still be powered by the same range of engines including the two cylinder 900cc TwinAir turbo with 85bhp, the 1.4 with 100, and the 1.3 Multijet diesel with 95.
It looks stylish inside – in the same vein as the 500 itself – but oddly, it seems about the same size as the new Panda and also the same as many another supermini.
Word has it that it shares much of its interior with the Panda rather than the 500 and that it’s actually based on the Punto.
If it’s stylish enough, it will find a ready market I’m sure.
Interior
It will be available in five or seven seat versions apparently, which makes it much bigger than the tiny 500.
And there are already rumours of an SUV version with raised ride height but no four wheel drive. Can’t wait to see it in the metal.
FAST FACTS
Fiat 500 L 1.4
Price: £15,000
Mechanical: 99bhp, 1,368cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 110mph
0-62mph: 12 seconds
Combined mpg: 45
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 130g/km
BIK rating: 17%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
Main rival: Vauxhall Meriva