Shortly after the brand’s re-launch in Canada with the 500, Fiat brought over a bigger, more practical family member, the 500L. With more space, more cargo room, and also a lot more charisma than your ordinary compact, the 500L arrived ready for family duty. While comparisons to Mini’s Countryman come to mind, the 500L is more of a rival for the Kia Soul and the now-defunct Scion xB.
For 2016, the 500L carries over, effectively unchanged other than the availability of a red roof on the Trekking Urbana trim level. Fiat has split the 500L into two themes – the standard wagon, and the Trekking trims which offer plastic fender garnishes, different wheels, and a faux skid plate bumper for a crossover-like appearance. All-wheel drive is not on the options list.
The 500L offers one engine with a choice of three different transmissions, all of which drive the front wheels. The engine, a 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo, featured in the Dodge Dart and the 500 Abarth, produces 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard on all models. The base Pop trim uses a six-speed dual clutch automatic; all others feature a traditional six-speed automatic developed by Aisin.
The 500L majors on a spacious, airy cabin with excellent forward visibility thanks to its expansive windshield and elevated driving position. Clever use of materials including perforated leather upholstery, mottled leather-effect trim, and gloss-finish plastics create an upscale feel. All models come with a touchscreen interface; a 5.0-inch unit is standard, which can be upgraded to a 6.5-inch unit with navigation.
Rear legroom is good thanks to a sliding 60/40 split rear bench, though the rear seats do not fold flat. Its trunk positively dwarfs the Mini Countryman, not to mention the Kia Soul and Fiat’s own 500X crossover.
Pricing for the 500L Pop starts at $21,995 and top out at $27,995 for the 500L Lounge.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
