2014 Fiat 500L
The view out through the front window of Fiat’s 500L is the very essence of this funky family hauler. It wraps around in a kind of super widescreen way, interrupted only by slim secondary “A” pillars for roof strength, and there is nothing else like it I’ve driven here in the US. The vibe is distinctly foreign—European specifically—and heightens the sense that you are piloting (or riding in) something far removed from the mainstream.
The Fiat feels overtly Continental to drive as well, with nice, accurate steering, excellent body control and even a dollop of fun in the mix. In this regard it soundly beats the (soon to be replaced) Kia Soul, one of the vehicles that comes to mind as a competitor. Yet the 500L’s ride motions are family-friendly, smothering much of the evidence of street maintenance neglect, which moves it ahead of another possible rival, the Mini Countryman, whose suspension tuning seems designed specifically to loosen poor dental work. The Fiat is also quieter than these others.
500Ls are powered by a funky little 1.4-liter turbo whose 160 horses are deployed through a slick twin-clutch gearbox. There’s a pause before the ponies make themselves known, then off the little Fiat scoots, with an endearing exhaust note accompanying proceedings. Should you choose to shift it yourself, you’ll be rewarded with sports car-like shifts and a fun soundtrack. The Fiat is peppy enough for American duty, yet still returns excellent real world fuel economy; my mixed average shows to be 26.6mpg, which is far ahead of the Kia (tested here), if not the Mini.
Interior quality seems class competitive, and the textures and design are very cool. Front seats are upright and firm, but under-leg cushion length is too short. The back seat is a paragon of roominess, and the cargo area is copious. The test model’s giant glass sunroof did great things for cabin ambiance, and the infotainment system seems very up-to-date, but wouldn’t work with an iPod classic.
Most will probably choose the Fiat based on more obvious attributes, such as its funky/cute design, which is indeed quite polarizing. I found lots of people who dug it, and many who didn’t. But that’s the essence of vehicles like this, with passion from some trumping wide acceptance in market. Personally I love that it differentiates itself from the herd, and if this Fiat is not as adorable as its two door 500 sibling, at least it still stands out in a crowd.
EPA ratings: 24/33; 27mpg combined
Price as tested: $25,545
Here is what Fiat has to say about the 500L.
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