The 500L was Fiat’s first attempt at a crossover vehicle following the brand’s return to North America as part of the larger Fiat Chrysler Automobiles conglomerate. It was not what you might call a success, its bug-eyed styling turning away many potential buyers before they got a chance to see the decently practical interior.
For 2018, the 500L gets a cosmetic refresh that includes new front and rear fascia and wheel designs. Inside, there’s a new digital gauge cluster display, LED ambient lighting and a new console with an updated shifter and parking brake and relocated cup holders.
A new Uconnect infotainment system with a seven-inch display is standard across the line, and that screen plays host to a backup camera that is also now included as Fiat prepares for forthcoming Canadian legislation that will require this safety feature in every new car starting next year. Also new are the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration systems.
Unchanged are the 500L’s fundamentals: This little wagon uses a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The engine’s torque makes it feel stronger than its small displacement would suggest, and a well-sorted chassis means the 500L is a nice way to clip along multi-lane freeways. What you can’t get is AWD, and in Canada we think that’s one of the things that keeps some people away since the arrival of the 500X in 2016, a proper small SUV that combines better styling with the option of four-wheel traction.
Fiat offers the 500L in three trims — Sport, Trekking and Lounge — and includes standard kit like a leather-trimmed steering wheel, air conditioning, six-speaker stereo, a multi-position cargo shelf that can hold 90 kg and 16-inch aluminum wheels.
Trekking trim brings a more rugged look to the 500L with black fenders and lower sill mouldings and 17-inch wheels and adds leather-faced seating with heat for the driver and front passenger.
Lounge also builds on the Sport model, adding its own 17-inch wheel design, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, chrome exterior trim, fog lights, rear park assist and driver and front passenger lumbar adjustment.
Fuel consumption estimates are 10.7/7.9 L/100 km (city/highway).
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
