Fiat 500L (12 on) - Review

The Fiat 500L name is remarkably simplistic since the L stands for ‘Large' and that’s what this car is - a large Fiat 500. While it may be an extension of the 500 model range it’s more a replacement for the Fiat Multipla. For the record, the 500L is 59cm longer, 15cm wider and 17cm taller than the standard model and it's likely to go up against the likes of the Ford B-Max and Vauxhall Meriva. The idea is to offer MPV-like passenger space but in the guise of a small car. Thanks to the popularity of the 500 hatchback, Fiat is hoping that slapping the same number on a bigger model will be enough to tempt buyers to this compact people carrier. While that ploy may work for the likes of MINI it could prove a lot more difficult for Fiat, especially as the 500L's similarities with the standard 500 are small at best. Instead it feels like a mix, and awkward one at times, of the 500, Panda and larger Doblo models.

Engine line-up

The 500L is available with three engines found across the Fiat range already. The single diesel engine comes in the form of the 1.3-litre MultiJet II. While this is a good match for the 500L, in this car petrol is likely to be king. Fortunately there’s the choice of the 1.4-litre petrol engine or the economical and low-emitting 0.9-litre TwinAir engine. All three are affordable to run and are good at helping to keep running costs down, including insurance premiums too.

Practical and flexible

Priority number one for the Fiat 500L is practicality and it has this in abundance. There are 22 stowage compartments dotted around the cabin, while space for rear passengers is very good. Even better is the three-level boot space to allow items to be separated neatly. It may lack the charm and good look that attracted so many buyers to the 500 hatchback but it more than makes up for this in flexibility and practicality. If you’re after a car that offers space, and clever and useful functionality, the 500L has to be high on the list. Is the little people-carrier worthy of the 500 name? Read the full Fiat 500L review to find out.