by Cheryl Eldridge and wire reports
I was caught by surprise with last week’s tester. I have seen the 2014 Fiat but never dreamed of having the privilege of writing on it. My one week drive with the 2014 500L was such a breath of fresh air!. I literally fell in love this newly modeled four door automobile and to top it off, it was coated in Giallo (Yellow).
The Yellow color definitely had heads turning and people admiring the car for days. My kids even enjoyed the 500 L and said that it was classy. A number of people thought that it was a MiniCooper and I assured them that there was nothing mini about the 500 L.
Believe it or not, the Fiat 500L is known as the wagon in the family. Outside it looks small, but inside there is enough legroom and space for a family of five. To accommodate all that extra size, the new 500L has a standard 160-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It provides ample power for quick trips around town, but not surprisingly, acceleration gets a bit more leisurely when you load up the whole family for a weekend road trip. Then again, most small-wagon and crossover buyers aren’t expecting brisk performance.
The 2014 Fiat 500L is a four-door compact wagon sold in four trim levels: Pop, Easy, Trekking and Lounge.
The base-level Pop comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels; keyless entry; power windows and locks; air-conditioning; cruise control; six-way manually adjustable cloth front seats; a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls; a six-speaker CD stereo with a 5-inch touchscreen display, USB/iPod integration, an auxiliary input and voice control for audio functions; Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity; and 60/40 split-folding rear seats that recline and adjust fore and aft.
The Easy trim level adds 16-inch alloy wheels, body-colored exterior mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a front seat center console and armrest, upgraded seat fabric and a premium 520-watt audio system with six speakers. For 2014, Fiat is offering the optional Premier package, which includes a rearview camera, rear parking sensors and a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen interface with a navigation system, free of charge on all 500L Easy, Trekking or Lounge models.
Other option packages available starting with the Easy trim include a Popular Equipment group, which bundles dual-zone automatic climate control, a six-way power driver seat, rear armrest, auto-dimming rearview mirror and 115-volt power outlet; and the Beats audio group, which provides an upgraded amplifier and subwoofer for the audio system, plus satellite radio. A sunroof, heated seats, a compact spare tire and a black- or white-painted roof are à la carte options.
Move to the Trekking trim, which was my tester, gets 17-inch wheels, foglights, unique front and rear body panels and trim, two-tone interior trim and premium cloth upholstery. The 500L Trekking trim offers the same options as the Easy. I really enjoyed the rearview camera and rear parking sensors which made it a combo while driving and playing it safe at the same time.
At the top of the 2014 Fiat 500L line you’ll find the Lounge model, which reverts to 16-inch wheels but adds chrome exterior trim and mirrors; heated leather front seats with six-way power adjustments for the driver; dual-zone automatic climate control and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Beats audio upgrade, sunroof, spare tire and white or black roof remain optional on the Lounge, and you can also order 17-inch wheels.
Every 2014 Fiat 500L is front-wheel drive and powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 160 hp and 180 pound-feet of torque. For all but the top-trim Lounge model, a six-speed manual transmission is standard. A six-speed automated manual transmission takes the place of a conventional automatic transmission. It’s optional for the 500L Easy and Trekking and standard on the 500L Lounge.
With the manual transmission, the 1.4-liter Multiair engine delivers EPA-rated fuel economy numbers of 25 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg combined. The automanual version serves up 24/33/27 ratings, which is average for a small wagon/crossover. Fiat says a 500L with the automanual transmission will accelerate to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, a competitive if not invigorating performance for the class.
All 2014 Fiat 500L models come standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system,front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver-side knee airbag and active head restraints for front-seat occupants.
A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are also available as part of the no-cost Premier package offered on the 2014 500L Easy, Trekking and Lounge models.
Large doors, an upright roof line and high-mounted front seats make it easy to slide right into the 2014 Fiat 500L. The front seats are wide and comfortable, but not especially supportive if you like to drive quickly around corners. Once you’re seated, you’ll be struck by the expansive field of vision that comes from the wagon’s large glass area. This imparts a unique sense of security, as the 500L driver enjoys practically unimpeded views in any direction.
The dashboard design of the 500L is contemporary, fresh and airy, complementing the overall impression of a light-filled interior. The dual-gauge instrument cluster looks modern, and the dials deliver needed information clearly, although some of the ancillary information in the center cluster display comes with small fonts and a slightly muddy presentation. The padded upper dash is particularly nice in this class, as is the generously sized infotainment interface.
The 500L’s ample interior room is obvious in the backseat, where the car’s width provides a comfortable perch for two adults or three children. There’s a wealth of legroom, too, particularly if the sliding 60/40 seats are in their rearmost position.
If you drop the rear seatbacks, you can also stuff quite a bit of cargo in the back of this small wagon. There is enough room for luggage and groceries and its luggage compartment volume of 21.3 cubic feet surpasses that of the Countryman and the Juke.
The Fiat 500 L’s gas mileage was a plus 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway and all for a frugal $23,395 loaded.
Until next week, drive safe, buckle up, and don’t text and drive. Have a great weekend.
