- Fiat 500L US-Version, 2014
Expanding on the style, efficiency and driving enjoyment that has made the Fiat 500 an icon for more than 55 years, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L expands the Cinquecento's appeal by offering more than 42 percent more interior space with spacious seating for five, engaging driving dynamics, a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with a best-in-class 160 horsepower and two six-speed transmission offerings all wrapped in contemporary Italian design.
Since the modern Fiat 500's global launch in 2007, more than 1 million of these efficient and city-friendly vehicles have been sold in 110 countries worldwide. And now with the all-new Fiat 500L, the Cinquecento has grown up to accommodate even more of life's greatest experiences and emotions all together: children, friends, journeys, music and community.
The Fiat 500L delivers a new approach to the way a car expresses styling individuality, the way it communicates with the outside world and opens its doors to a new on-board experience. The letter 'L' sums up the six dimensions of the Fiat 500L: "Leveraging," the FIAT brand's approach to its iconic Cinquecento design DNA; "Large," meant as functionality and space via its new "small-wide" vehicle architecture; "Loft," a trendsetting environment where one can live life to the fullest behind segment-exclusive panoramic views and the segment's largest dual-pane sunroof (20.7 sq.ft. (1.92 m2) dual-pane glass system); "Lifestyle," four unique models including the all-new Fiat 500L Trekking that perfectly blends rugged styling and versatility for a Cinquecento that complements customers with a highly active lifestyle; and "Light," when 'lightness' means human- and eco-friendly technology.
Paired with its tight European handling and quick steering, the sixth dimension, "Liters" defines the fuel-efficient MultiAir Turbo engine in the all-new Fiat 500L, providing the highest output-per-liter and best-in-class standard horsepower (160 hp) and torque (184 lb.-ft.) in the segment. For even more driver precision and control, the Fiat 500L features a six-speed manual transmission, or segment-exclusive six-speed dual dry clutch transmission (DDCT).
All-new Fiat 500L Trekking: the adventurous side of the 500L
The premiere of the 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking expands the appeal and practicality of the Fiat 500L with distinct, rugged looks; an athletic two-tone interior environment; unique front and rear fascia designs, flared wheel arches and larger 17-inch wheels to support its adventurous personality.
Making the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking distinct is the addition of aggressively styled front and rear fascias with Nero (black) accents for a bolder look. Unique Nero wheel arch and body-side sill moldings give the Fiat 500L Trekking a more adventurous look, while larger 17 x 7-inch aluminum wheels hint at the urban-utility vehicle's handling capabilities.
A unique two-tone Nero/Marrone (black/brown) interior environment continues the Fiat 500L Trekking's rugged-athletic theme. At the center of it all, an all-new Uconnect 5.0 system features a 5-inch intelligently and intuitively designed touchscreen interface, handsfree calling and Bluetooth-streaming audio, as well as voice-command control of the radio and a media hub for seamless integration of portable devices. For even more capability, the Fiat 500L Trekking can be had with the premium Uconnect 6.5 system with its larger 6.5-inch touchscreen radio, with dealer-activated navigation with intuitive map graphics and a premium media hub with SD card reader.
The all-new 2014 Fiat 500L and all-new Fiat 500L Trekking models are produced at FIAT Automobiles' manufacturing plant in Kragujevac, Serbia, and will arrive to FIAT Studios in North America in mid-2013.
Design
With its simplistic, purposeful and distinct Italian design, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L embodies the brand's "Simply More" philosophy by reformulating its history of small-car ingenuity to meet the needs of growing families and those with active lifestyles through modern Cinquecento (500) style in unprecedented forms.
Paying homage to FIAT brand's history of innovative multifunctional vehicles
From Dante Giacosa's original Fiat 500 design in the 1950s to the "Simply More" principle FIAT Design has undertaken today, the design of the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L ties different moments and experiences of FIAT brand's innovations with iconic style for an even more spacious and versatile Cinquecento offering.
Under the guidance of Roberto Giolito, Fiat 500L designers looked back at the brand's traceable commitment to developing and evolving automobiles. The designers focused on the "vocation for invention" mantra that has been linked to FIAT design through the ages and defines the success of Italian design throughout the world.
Developed on FIAT's new "small-wide" architecture, the all-new Fiat 500L includes some of the most radical and profoundly innovative design elaborations through a traceable sequence of previous models. The Fiat 500L pays homage to past FIAT models and styling features, including archetypical design features that inspired the historic 1956 Fiat 600 Multipla's clever city-friendly versatility. In addition, styling roots from previous models were included in the Fiat 500L project and hark back to the 1957 Fiat 500, 1972 Fiat 127, 1980 Fiat Panda, 1983 Fiat Uno, 1998 Fiat Multipla and the modern Fiat 500 in 2007.
Larger: iconic Cinquecento cues, now with five doors
With its recognizable Cinquecento exterior design features, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L provides even more space, utility and comfort, while offering a natural and coherent product extension in FIAT Studios.
With recognizable Fiat 500 physiognomy — its signature "whiskers and logo" face — plus an additional 6.1 inches (15.5 cm) in width, the all-new Fiat 500L has even more presence while exuding the FIAT family resemblance in stylistic harmony. Larger bi-halogen projector headlamps and lower park lamps tie in the iconic look, while the vehicle's front fascia, body-color fascia insert and cooling duct continue the FIAT brand's facial feature resemblance. Providing fresh air for the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine's intercooler, the Fiat 500L's front fascia grille features a honeycomb lower grille texture with available road-brightening fog lamps.
Because Fiat 500 models have always focused on maximizing the scenic views each journey provides, the all-new Fiat 500L goes one step further to deliver panoramic views from within. Illustrating purposeful Italian design, the Fiat 500L features segment-exclusive glass A- and D-pillars for an interior environment nearly encapsulated by 360 degree views. For a sporty appearance, the belt- and window-molding surrounds are trimmed in Nero (black). In addition to a monotone look, the new five-passenger Cinquecento offers even more style, with its "floating" roof painted in Nero or Bianco (white). The Fiat 500L also offers the segment's largest sunroof, providing first and second-row passengers with cityscape views through a 20.7 sq.ft. (1.92 m2) dual-pane glass system.
The 2014 Fiat 500L's silhouette is 26.9 inches (68.3 cm) longer yet features the familiar forward-sloping A-line and adds a cab-forward approach for improved visibility and an even more dynamic look. Similar to the historic and modern Cinquecento, the Fiat 500L's body-side lateral section features clean surfaces, flared wheel arches and chromed door handles. For added style and protection, body-side door moldings are painted in body color and are available with chrome accents. Filling the wheel wells are seven unique wheel designs ranging from 16 inches to a sporty 17 inches with the 500 logo on the center caps. For familiar Cinquecento character, the chromed-accented headlamps with "500" logo and taillamps are visible from the side profile, thanks to the way the Fiat 500L's rounded sides link up to the front and rear.
Maintaining its city-friendly proportions, the all-new Fiat 500L's rear fascia and bumper are well-integrated into the design of the five-door for shorter overhangs and a tidy look. Providing easier cargo loading, the Fiat 500L's liftgate design features one of the segment's lowest cargo-lift heights (26.2 inches (66.5 cm) from ground). For simplistic design character, the lower-liftgate area is recessed to accommodate a license plate, while the adjacent fascia integrates left and right side reflectors. Finishing off the rear are square-in-circular taillamps and a prominent FIAT liftgate badge with "500L" logo beneath.
Loft: style, comfort and panoramic views
Like a loft that provides a contemporary, wide, open and luminous dimension, the interior of the all-new Fiat 500L offers 42 percent more interior space than the 500 hatchback for added capability, plus even more style and comfort for up to five passengers and their belongings.
Like the Fiat 500, the Fiat 500L embraces a particular stylistic and constructive interpretation that strives for simplified enjoyment. Careful analysis of the interior space affords the all-new five-passenger model with an airy and roomy passenger compartment designed to be comfortable and enjoyable for any destination.
With segment-exclusive glass A- and D-pillars for nearly 360 degree views, the Fiat 500L provides the most outward visibility in its class. To maximize passenger visibility, the Fiat 500L features elevated second-row seats and an available dual-glass panel sunroof.
Like a well-designed loft, the focal point of the Fiat 500L is its instrument panel, which continues the Cinquecento's perfect blend of modern simplicity, iconic Italian styling and numerous personalization options. Expanding on the Fiat 500, the Fiat 500L's upper instrument panel is designed to convey a sense of refinement, elegance and fun with the availability of color-matched exterior accents and premium vinyl-wrapped or painted accents. A thick-rimmed three-spoke FIAT steering wheel is available in leather and two-tone color options and features the square-in-circular design cue. Behind, two large analog gauges provide vehicle and engine speed, while two secondary gauges provide fuel and engine temperature information.
The instrument cluster also includes an Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) to provide the driver with trip, vehicle and Uconnect system information. At the center, the Fiat 500L is available with the all-new Uconnect 5.0 or 6.5 radio system, providing passengers with information and connectivity options on a 5-inch or larger 6.5-inch touchscreen. On the passenger side, a recessed instrument panel cubby and covered glove box provide quick storage access. Designed to be ergonomic, the Fiat 500L's climate control and transmission shifter are easy to reach from the available center armrest. The lower instrument panel and center console highlight the Fiat 500L's space utilization with large- and small-sized storage spaces to keep mobile devices at a convenient reach.
Continuing the family resemblance, the 2014 Fiat 500L is available with seven fabric and two leather interior choices, paired with 64 internal/external design combinations across its models range. The Fiat 500L model lineup is inspired by four distinct spirits: young, dynamic and cool for the Fiat 500L Pop model; comfortable, practical and bright for the Fiat 500L Easy model; rugged and athletic for the Fiat 500L Trekking model; and elegant, sophisticated and contemporary for the Fiat 500L Lounge model.
Ensuring passengers are surrounded by premium materials that deliver a sensorial experience, Centro Stile's Color & Material Group specifically carried out studies to define which materials and colors the Fiat 500L product range would include. The group's research redefined technologies and production processes to further increase the quality level and value of the physical, tactile and visual properties of the materials, details and finishes to be applied.
All-new Fiat 500L Trekking: blending rugged style with utility
Designed for customers with a highly active lifestyle, the Fiat 500L Trekking model offers the perfect blend of rugged styling and versatility to match their needs. For a more aggressive look, a restyled front fascia features a bolder Nero-accented design graphic with large lower opening, fog lamps and adjacent "nostril" type air openings at the corners. Above, the cooling duct has been enlarged for a more aggressive appearance, while the familiar "whiskers" and unique lower front fascia accent are finished in satin silver. Connecting the front and rear fascias are Nero wheel-arch and body-side sill moldings that provide this Fiat 500L with a more distinct look. The rear fascia continues the bold Nero design graphic plus the addition of a satin silver lower fascia accent for added style. Emphasizing the width of this Cinquecento, the horizontal recessed license plate area and rear fascia's lower left and right side reflectors are finished in Nero.
Inside, the Fiat 500L Trekking features a unique two-tone Nero/Marrone (black/brown) interior environment that is carried through on its leather-wrapped steering wheel, door and door-panel armrest bolsters, seat fabric and floor mats.
Design Approach
Following its worldwide debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show this March, the design experience that gave birth to the all-new Fiat 500L has been documented in "500L, a Fiat Design Approach" - an exclusive publication that shares the story behind the 500L project.
From Dante Giacosa in the mid twentieth century, to the new course undertaken by FIAT Design under the guidance of Roberto Giolito today, "500L, a Fiat Design Approach" traces the brand's commitment to developing unique automobiles, while continuing the success of Italian design throughout the world.
With original designer's sketches, this FIAT original publication illustrates the Fiat 500L's concept development through some of the brand's most radical and profoundly innovative design elaborations. The book traces the all-new "multi-purpose" vehicle's styling inspiration through a sequence of previous models, including the historic 1956 Fiat 600 Multipla, 1957 Fiat 500, the 1972 Fiat 127, the 1980 Fiat Panda, the 1983 Fiat Uno and the 1998 Fiat Multipla.
In addition, "500L, a Fiat Design Approach," highlights the route undertaken with the new Fiat 500 project and how it represented an important phase for the FIAT Brand paving the way for the all-new Fiat 500L - a natural and coherent product extension for the brand.
Quality
The Fiat 500L was conceived and developed in Italy, yet spent quality time proving itself on this side of the Atlantic to prepare for its North American debut.
The global quality team constantly compares quality testing results from Italy and the United States.
For example, suspension performance and durability gets a lot of attention because the car needs to perform well in diverse geographic conditions. In Europe, the suspension components get a work out from all the lateral loads experienced on the twisty mountain roads common in many parts of Italy. For North American customers, the FIAT team has to safeguard against the long-term effects of rougher roads and numerous potholes.
In total, the Fiat 500L test fleet is accumulating approximately 7.5 million miles so the FIAT team can find and fix any issues that arise. This includes testing done in laboratories in Turin, Italy and Auburn Hills, Mich., at FIAT and Chrysler Group proving grounds, as well as reliability testing on public roads in many different climates in Europe and the United States.
The 3/36 Reliability Testing, appropriately named as each test car accumulates 36,000 miles (equivalent to three years of use) in about three months, is conducted day and night by teams of drivers. To reflect typical daily driver scenarios, the test drivers do not originate from the engineering ranks and are intentionally chosen from diverse backgrounds to represent customers of different ages, sizes and ethnicities. The test drivers scrutinize all the customer functional aspects of each vehicle as well as overall driving evaluations. This includes radio and navigation system checks, seat belt buckling, heating and ventilation operation and opening and closing storage compartments and windows.
The Fiat 500L development team meets every day and reviews any issues that surface during testing.
The Fiat 500L is assembled at the FIAT Automobiles Serbia plant in Kragujevac, Serbia. The plant began building cars earlier this year following three years of intense work and a $1.3 billion investment to essentially rebuild an automobile plant and install state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and tools. Preparations also included more than one million hours of staff training to instill World Class Manufacturing principles, which involve all employees in the manufacturing process for continuous process and quality improvements.
Quality was a key consideration for the planning of each work station and operator, which includes more than 1,900 quality controls on the assembly line. Similar to investments at other Fiat and Chrysler Group plants launching all-new products, the Serbian plant houses a high-tech Metrology Center. The Metrology Center allows engineers and technicians to find the sources of build variation - even when the components appear perfect to the naked eye - and resolve any fit and finish issues before customer vehicles are built.
Engineering
Utilizing Fiat Automobile's new "small-wide" chassis architecture, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L is designed to deliver world-class ride, handling, comfort and safety thanks to its high level of torsional rigidity and extensive use of high-strength steel.
Fiat Automobiles' new "small-wide" architecture
With extensive use of advanced steels, composites and advanced computer-impact simulations, the all-new Fiat 500L's "small-wide" architecture delivers world-class torsional stiffness for optimum control of body geometry. For its passengers, the new architecture enables the Fiat 500L to feel tighter and stiffer, with an added sense of confidence and control during higher speed maneuvers.
With the Fiat 500L vehicle development program led by Fiat Automobiles for all of its international markets, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L is designed to be competitive in all aspects of crashworthiness in the B-segment. Designed and engineered for government regulations and third-party ratings around the world, the five-passenger Cinquecento is capable of achieving results at the top of its class.
Segment-leading interior quietness
For the new 2014 Fiat 500L to achieve an articulation index of 72 percent, a level at the top of its class, engineers maximized the vehicle's structural design, and tuned the interior environment for sound quality and sound level by isolating powertrain, wind and road noise.
The idea of "lightness" on the all-new Fiat 500L is also weighed in the quantity of silence. This five-passenger Cinquecento features a noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) package designed specifically for the expectations of North American consumers and includes laminated acoustic windshield glass, body-cavity silencing foam, under-flush rolled-framed doors with triple seals and acoustic wheel-well liners to absorb road noise and quiet the cabin. Combined, these design improvements place the all-new Fiat 500L's interior sound quality among the best in the B-segment.