Used 2014 FIAT 500L

For those who love the diminutive Fiat 500’s looks and charm, but just can’t make its tiny interior space work, the all-new 500L is the Italian automaker’s fine answer. Like its provisional competitor, the Mini Cooper Countryman, the 500L has the whimsical, retro styling of its subcompact sibling, but a lot more room. Though still small by most standards, the 5-passenger 500L boasts interior space in spades, with a versatile rear seat that’s comfortable for adults. The 500L is not as dynamic or fun to drive as the Countryman, Nissan Juke or Kia Soul, but it feels more comfortable and quiet when cruising at highway speeds. With a starting price under $20,000, the Fiat 500L also brings value with its Euro charm.

The Fiat 500L uses the same turbocharged engine as the 500 Abarth, but the 500L does not share that smaller car’s feisty traits. The 500L is a bigger, heavier vehicle, and that’s quickly evident when you drive it. In the low-rev range, the 500L takes its time getting up to speed, and acceleration in general is nothing to boast about. Neither are the handling dynamics. The 500L doesn’t beg to be thrown around corners like a Mini. Where the 500L does excel is in ride comfort. While other small cars can succumb to jitteriness at freeway speeds, the 500L feels solid and at ease. Unlike the Mini’s stiffer suspension that can be jarring over rough roads, the 500L’s softer setup tames imperfections with aplomb. The 500L’s 6-speed manual transmission is a smooth, clean-shifting gearbox, and its optional Euro Twin Clutch automatic shifts in a non-intrusive manner.

Here is where the biggest difference lies between the Fiat 500L and its 500 sibling. Technically, the latter has four seats, but the two rear ones are very tight. The 500L, though, has a 3-person rear bench that can comfortably fit two adults. Rear legroom is impressive at 36.7 inches, nearly three inches more than a Mini Cooper Countryman. What’s more, the 500L’s rear seats recline, slide, flip and tumble forward for cargo/passenger versatility. Headroom in all seats is sky-high. Outward visibility is good thanks to design elements such as a front pillar split by glass and wraparound rear windows. Dash controls are easy to discern and use.

Next to the 2-door 500, the 500L looks downright bloated. An extra pair of doors, taller profile and voluptuous rear will do that. Despite the design tradeoffs inherent in this car’s pragmatics, the 500L has its own share of cuteness. Who could resist those doe-eyed headlights, "floating" roof, and propeller-like front grille piece encircling a big red "FIAT" logo? Those seeking a slightly tougher 500L should take the Trekking model, which features beefier front and rear aesthetics, and larger, 17-inch wheels.

UCONNECT SYSTEM
The 500L is the first Fiat to include Chrysler’s well-respected telematics system. Audio, hands-free communication, navigation and more are controlled via a standard touch-screen system that’s responsive and easy to use.

QUIET CABIN
Just as impressive as this 4-door hatchback’s interior volume is its lack of volume in the other sense – cabin noise. The 500L’s passenger compartment is quiet, a trait that will be especially appreciated by drivers with longer commutes.

The 500L is available in four trims: Pop, Easy, Trekking, and Lounge. At less than $20,000, the Pop comes comfortably equipped with power accessories, air conditioning, cruise control, and Uconnect telematics with a 5-inch touch screen, Bluetooth streaming audio, and a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD player with USB and auxiliary inputs. Easy models add 16-inch aluminum wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 520 watts of premium audio. Trekking models include 17-inch wheels, a 2-tone interior and premium cloth seats, while top-line Lounge models come with the 6-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission and leather seats (heated and powered up front). All 2014 models (except Pop) receive the Premiere Package free, which includes a 6.5-inch touch screen, navigation, a rearview camera, and rear-park assist.

Music lovers will appreciate the Beats Audio system that includes six premium speakers and a thumping subwoofer. Leather seating is also available, as is a dual-pane sunroof, power front seats, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and HomeLink universal garage door opener. Trekking models can be outfitted with heavier-duty cloth seats, and all 500L models except the base version can be had with a black or white roof to give it that "floating" design.

The 2014 Fiat 500L is powered by a small, efficient, turbocharged engine that drives the front wheels. Initial transmission choices are a 6-speed manual or 6-speed Euro Twin Clutch, which operates like an automatic, but offers higher fuel efficiency. A traditional 6-speed automatic transmission is set to be available at a later date. The Fiat’s turbocharged 1.4-liter engine can run on 87-octane gasoline, but premium 91-grade is recommended.

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4
160 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy, estimated: 25/33 mpg (manual), 24/33 mpg (twin-clutch automatic)