TURIN: Fiat presents the first official images of the 500L, the newest addition to the 500 range which follows in the tyre marks of the Abarth and Cabrio versions to cater to the differing tastes of its customers.
The new Fiat was created as an alternative to the traditional B and C segment cars. It defies the conventional distinctions between the various segments, combining the typical characteristics of different categories.
The 500L – the L stands for ‘Large’ – boasts MPV passenger space combined with the feel of a small SUV on the road and the restrained dimensions and efficiency of a B segment car.
It features a 5-seater single-volume structure which is 414cm long, 178cm wide and 166cm high, a further development of the concept of ‘cab forward’ introduced by Fiat with the 600 Multipla, a precursor to the compact people carrier.
Produced at the Fiat factory in Kragujevac, Serbia, it will initially be offered with two petrol engines (TwinAir and 1.4-litre) and a turbodiesel engine (1.3 MultiJet II).
The Fiat 500L, which will have its world preview at the Geneva Motor Show, is confirmed for launch in Europe in the last quarter of 2012.