Italian-Designed Urban Utility 

If you like the whimsical Italian styling of the Fiat 500 but need something a bit more accommodating, then the 2016 Fiat 500L is just what you’re looking for.

The 500L offers many of its smaller sibling’s charms, yet sports two more doors, enhanced seating (it comfortable seats five), and impressive cargo capacity despite its conveniently compact size. Simply put, it’s the Fiat that you love but with more capability.

Performance

The Fiat 500L is a peppy compact wagon that’s powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine. It makes 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

For all but Lounge trim models (more on trims later), a six-speed manual transmission is standard. A six-speed automated-manual transmission is optional on the Pop trim, while the other 500L trims are eligible for a traditional six-speed automatic that’s standard on the 500L Lounge.

For enhanced fuel economy, all Fiat 500L models are front-wheel drive. Drivers needing all-wheel drive should consider the Fiat 500X compact crossover.

Adding to the 500L’s versatility is its excellent fuel economy. When equipped with the manual transmission, the EPA-estimated fuel economy is 28 mpg combined (25 city/33 highway).* Buyers who prefer the convenience of the six-speed automatic need not worry as the returns remain equally strong, returning an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway).* Official EPA figures for the automated manual are unavailable at this time.

Features

The 2016 Fiat 500L is a four-door compact wagon that comes in five different trims: Pop, Easy, Trekking, Urbana, and Lounge. Pricing starts at $19,495.**

Like its name suggests, the Pop trim comes with a ton of equipment that will appeal to the masses. You get 16-inch wheels, heated mirrors, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and 60/40-split rear seats, which slide fore and aft, making it easier to stow cargo. The Pop trim also comes with some great tech features, including a five-inch Uconnect® touchscreen interface, voice controls, and a six-speaker sound system—complete with a CD player and USB port.

It’s, well, easy to see the appeal of the Easy trim, which adds a number of goods such as 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift know, front armrest storage, and upgraded seat fabric. Easy models also benefit from an upgraded sound system with amplified speakers.

Next up is the Trekking and Urbana Trekking. The former adds features like 17-inch wheels, premium cloth upholstery, and unique body panels, while the latter adds matte black alloy wheels, a BeatsAudio™ system, and much more.

Sitting triumphantly atop the Fiat 500L line is the Lounge trim. It reverts to 16-inch alloy wheels but adds chrome exterior trim and mirrors, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a 115-volt auxiliary power outlet, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a rear-seat armrest, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The 500L can be further outfitted with a number of optional bundles that are unique to certain trim levels.

Design

If the 2016 Fiat 500L were a candy bar, it would be labelled “king size.” Larger than the standard 500, the 500L adds more than two feet of length that allows for two moor doors and yields as much interior volume as some small crossovers.

Inside, drivers benefit from a high-mounted front seats that give front-row occupants a commanding view of the road. It’s equally pleasant in the back, where the 500L provides impressive rear legroom.

The 2016 Fiat 500L’s dashboard design is another high note. It has a contemporary design that is both fun and functional. And drivers will be pleased with the overall build quality, especially small details like the padded upper dash and modern-looking dual-gauge instrument cluster.

Safety

The 2016 Fiat 500L places a strong emphasis on fun and functionality, but it never overlooks the importance of safety. All models come standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, hill-hold assist, 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. The optional Uconnect® Access feature that comes with the 6.5-inch touchscreen includes remote vehicle access (via a smartphone app), emergency assistance and stolen vehicle location.

Verdict

Fun, functional, and full of value, the 2016 Fiat 500L is the ideal car for buyers that are smitten with the standard 500, but need more room for passenger, gear, and whatever else life throws your way.

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit Cutter Automotive Galleries at 805 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

**MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification.

Image Credit: Fiat