Fiat->ke30 is further expanding the 500 lineup->ke1708 on the U.S. market with a new 500L version - more than one year after the car's official debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show->ke228.

With the new 500L, customers will enjoy the same performance figures offered by a 2013 500, but thanks to a total length increased by 27.7 inches, the 500L offers 42-percent more interior room.

The model adds two more doors and, thanks to its increased height and width, it will offer the best-in-class interior volume of 120.1 cubic-feet. Everything else remains pretty much identical to any other 500 model, but an extra segment-exclusive glass A- to D-pillars will provide nearly 360-degree panoramic views.

Fiat adds in the all-new Uconnect 5.0 and 6.5 touchscreen systems.

The 500L will be offered in four trim levels: Pop, Easy, Trekking and Lounge and will be priced from $19,100.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Fiat 500L.

2014 Fiat 500L

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Fiat 500L
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 160
  • Torque: 184
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new 500L features the same design language seen on any other Cinquecento model, but it offers a "cab forward" approach that helps improve the driver’s visibility. Fiat is also installed segment-exclusive glass A- to D-pillars to provide an interior environment nearly encapsulated by 360-degree views.

Also, as standard feature each model will be offered with a large dual-pane glass sunroof system, while a contrasting Nero (black) or Bianco (white) painted roof is available as an option.

Fiat 500L Pop

-Premium Koni frequency selective damping (FSD) front struts

-Rear shock absorbers

-Bi-halogen headlamps with daytime running lamps

-16-inch chrome-accented wheel covers

-All-season tires

-Stainless steel exhaust tip

-Black exterior mirrors with driver and passenger side spotter mirrors

Fiat 500L Easy

-16-inch aluminum wheels

-Deep-tint rear glass

-Body-color exterior mirror caps

Fiat 500L Trekking

-Two-piece front and rear fascias with Grigio Chiaro (graphite) inserts

-Fog lamps

-Satin-finished "whiskers"

-Door handles

-Unique lower front and rear fascia accents

-Grigio Chiaro wheel arch and body-side sill moldings

-Grigio Chiaro recessed license plate area

-Lower left and right side reflector surrounds

-Larger 17 x 7-inch aluminum wheels with wider 225/45R17 all-season tires

Fiat 500L Lounge

-16-inch aluminum wheels

-Fog lamps

-Chrome body-side moldings and mirror caps

-Dual sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Dimensions

Length

163.0 inches

Width

70.1 inches

Height

65.4 inches


Interior

Thanks to the increased size and the two extra doors, the new 500L offers about 42-percent more interior space than the 500 hatchback. Just like on any other model, Fiat offers numerous personalization options and premium materials on the 500L.

As a first for a Fiat model, the new 500L can be ordered with either Uconnect 5.0 or 6.5 systems. The 5.0 version is offers a 5-inch touchscreen that enables hands-free calling via Bluetooth-equipped phones, as well as voice-command control of the AM/FM radio. This audio system also has optional SiriusXM Radio, a USB media port and a navigation system.

On the 6.5 version the touchscreen is increased to 6.5-inch and it gets additional SiriusXM satellite radio, mobile phones and navigation with intuitive map graphics.

Fiat 500L Pop

-*Heat

-*Air conditioning

-*Power lock and windows with one-touch up/down

-*Cruise control

-*Body-color instrument panel

-*Six speakers

-*Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with trip computer

-*Miles-to-empty

-*Average fuel economy and tire-pressure monitoring (TPM) display -*Steering wheel controls

-*Six-way adjustable cloth seats with driver and front-passenger height adjust

-*60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks with segment-exclusive fore-aft adjustment

-*Recline and tumble/slide feature

-*Tilt and telescoping steering column

-*12-volt console and auxiliary power outlets

-*Multi-position cargo area trunk panel

-*Cap-less fuel-filler door

-*Floor mats

-*Interior observation mirror

-*Dual sun visors with vanity mirrors

Fiat 500L Easy

-Front seat center console with armrest

-Leather-wrapped square-in-circle designed steering wheel

-Premium leather-wrapped shift knob with chrome accent

-Vinyl-wrapped instrument panel available in three colors

-Unique cloth seat fabric

-Six-speaker FIAT premium audio system with 520-watt amplifier

Fiat 500L Trekking

-Painted instrument panel bezel

-Unique two-tone Nero/Marrone (black/brown) interior environment

-Leather-wrapped steering wheel

-Door and door-panel armrest bolsters

-Low-back bucket premium cloth seats

-Floor mats

Fiat 500L Lounge

-*Premium vinyl-wrapped instrument panel available in two colors -*Premium heated leather front seats with power four-way adjust

-*Two-way power driver’s side lumbar

-*60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks with segment-exclusive fore-aft adjustment

-*Recline and tumble feature

-*Integrated armrest with cup holders

-*Automatic dual-zone climate control

-*Auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass

Drivetrain

Just like with any other model in the 500 lineup, the new 500L version will be offered with a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

The engine hooks up to a six-speed manual or Euro Twin Clutch transmission and delivers an EPA estimated 33 mpg on the highway.

Prices

Model

Price

2014 Fiat 500L Pop

$19,100

2014 Fiat 500L Easy

$20,195

2014 Fiat 500L Trekking

$21,195

2014 Fiat 500L Lounge

$24,195


Fiat also offers a Premier Package that adds more than $1,700 of added value at no extra cost.

Competition

2013 Mini Countryman

The Countryman is also one of the latest models added to the Mini lineup. It is basically a Cooper with an increased wheelbase and a higher ride.

The Countryman has the advantage of offering two levels of power. The standard and S versions make use of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 122 horsepower and 184 horsepower, respectively.

On the U.S. market, the Countryman is priced from $22,000.

Conclusion

The new 500L is the perfect 500 for big families. Still, if you ask us, the Countryman has the advantage of offering a better look. However, the 500L might turn out to be a real surprise and be as successful as the coupe version.