While the 500 name means many buyers will choose it because they see it as a premium car, Fiat 500L MPW running costs are usefully low due to the efficient range of petrol and diesel engines.

At the time of launch, the thrift champion of the range is the 85bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox. The figures are good but not extraordinary, with a claimed fuel consumption average of 63.6mpg.

Fiat advertises itself as one of the greenest car brands and as such its worst offender at launch being the petrol-powered TwinAir with 54.7mpg. Although the larger 1.6-litre MultiJet diesel is more economical at a claimed 60.3mpg, it produces more CO2 at 117g/km.

With just 110g/km emitted, the road tax band B occupying 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel is the Fiat 500L MPW emissions champion, although the dirtiest 1.6-litre MultiJet is hardly expensive with a band C rated 117g/km.

Fiat plans to bring over a higher output 120hp version of the 1.6-litre diesel early in 2014 and it will be joined by a 1.4-litre T-Jet petrol but emissions figures for those have yet to be confirmed.

Fiat doesn’t have an illustrious history of longevity but Fiat 500L MPW reliability shouldn’t pose any significant issues as the engines and gearboxes have already proved themselves in the standard-sized 500L, as well as the smaller Panda and 500.

Build quality improvements have been made in recent years and, combined with higher grade plastics used for large parts of the interior, you’re unlikely to find things coming off in your hands. Even areas where harder materials are employed, they feel rugged rather than fragile.

Initial signs bode well for a car that’s likely to be on the receiving end of a hard life from ferrying kids around and Fiat’s three year warranty should be long enough to deal with any initial grumbles.