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(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x246/1Atomic/image-56.jpg) (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/1Atomic/media/image-56.jpg.html)

(Allpar) Fiat appears to have changed its model lineup for the American version of the upcoming 500L, which is available for ordering by dealers who don't care what they'll be charged (pricing is reportedly still unknown). Instead of Pop Star and Easy, Fiat will be using the same trim level names as American Fiat 500s.

The 500L is not actually based on the Fiat 500, but on a different Fiat platform; it is 42% larger inside than the diminutive 500, and is set to compete directly with Mini Countryman.

The 500L, made in Serbia, has more standard horsepower and torque than the Countryman or Kia Soul.

The base Pop is surprisingly well equipped; running on 16-inch alloy wheels, it has standard air conditioning, rear washer/wiper and defroster, power windows and locks, heated power mirrors, alarm, height-adjustable front seats, rear 60/40 folding seats with tilt, tumble, and slide, body-color dashboard panels, tilt/telescope steering column, floor mats, touch-screen stereo (not the highly rated Chrysler system but a Microsoft-based design), vehicle information center, six-speaker stereo, cruise, seven airbags, and hill start assist.

The previously announced Easy model was to have included a "soft-touch dashboard" and rear parking sensors. Buyers wanting the rear parking system might be able to find it as an option on other models, but it will be standard on the top-end Lounge.

Sport, which appears to replace Easy, adds 17" aluminum wheels fog lamps, body-color mirrors, center console, leather-wrapped shifter and wheel, AC outlet, rear-seat armrest, vinyl wrapped instrument panel, illuminated-mirror sun visors, heated front seats, satellite radio, dual-zone automatic temperature control, garage door opener, auto-dim mirror, and power driver seat. With Sport, the DDCT (automatic) becomes an option.

Trekking is essentially an appearance package working off Sport, according to information we saw; though reader RVC pointed out that the presentation in Geneva listed the availability of the "traction+" electronic locking differential up to 30 km/h (18 mph), to get traction on snow or mud when starting or parking.

Lounge adds (to Sport) leather seats, rear park assist and camera, vinyl wrapped instrument panel, chrome bodyside molding and exterior mirrors.

(Thanks to our usual friend for this advance.)

(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x246/1Atomic/image-58.jpg) (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/1Atomic/media/image-58.jpg.html)(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x246/1Atomic/image-63.jpg) (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/1Atomic/media/image-63.jpg.html)

Different models shown directly above: One depicting panoramic roof option and leather, the second demonstrating its spacious rear accommodations and rather attractive standard cloths seats.

This car looks fucking terrible.

(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x246/1Atomic/image-57.jpg) (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/1Atomic/media/image-57.jpg.html)

(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x246/1Atomic/image-59.jpg) (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/1Atomic/media/image-59.jpg.html)(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x246/1Atomic/image-60.jpg) (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/1Atomic/media/image-60.jpg.html)(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x246/1Atomic/image-61.jpg) (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/1Atomic/media/image-61.jpg.html)(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x246/1Atomic/image-62.jpg) (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/1Atomic/media/image-62.jpg.html)

It looks like a Fiat Panda with a different nose.

Quote from: 2o6 on April 19, 2013, 08:52:43 AM
This car looks fucking terrible.

Not a huge fan at first from merely just seeing looking at pics but after seeing a colorful group of then clustered at a couple of auto shows now and trying them out for size, there's a quirky kinda neat look and wonderful high-end European feel to them.

The highly surprising upscale quality, attention to detail, fit and finish and amazing spaciousness won me over. There were enough 500L models on display to find a couple I became quite fond of. Cannot say what type of value they will bring to the U.S. market without knowing price, gas mileage, etc.

Still, not my type of car, yet more than impressed after inspecting them up close both inside and out.

Not for everyone, but isn't that the case with all vehicles. Need to keep an open mind for my automotive consulting customers. Not all cars I recommend are based on my likes or dislikes of styling if its right for them, reputable and to their liking.

I like it in white... especially from seeing one in this color at the two shows:

(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x246/1Atomic/image-64.jpg) (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/1Atomic/media/image-64.jpg.html)

(Fiat file photo above)

So, am I right in thinking this is just a Panda made up to look like a 500?  The two look very similar.

Panda:

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/03-2013-fiat-panda-4x4-paris-opt.jpg)


500L:

(http://www.autoguide.com/gallery/gallery.php/d/527797-2/Fiat-500L-12.JPG)

Except the Panda is wayyy smaller in every direction....and is on a different platform

The Panda is the size of a Chevy Spark.

Quote from: 2o6 on April 19, 2013, 10:52:58 AM
Except the Panda is wayyy smaller in every direction....and is on a different platform

Ahh, interesting!  Thanks for the info.  :ohyeah:

The "standard" 500 is on the Panda platform.  The 500L is supposedly on the Grand Punto (and Alfa MiTo) platform.  Larger class of car.

I think it looks pretty good in person.

Hideous.  Will not buy

Quote from: MX793 on April 19, 2013, 10:56:46 AM
The "standard" 500 is on the Panda platform.  The 500L is supposedly on the Grand Punto (and Alfa MiTo) platform.  Larger class of car.

The 500L is on an adapted wide version of the Punto/Corsa platform, I believe.

This looks like a 500 that caught some kind of unfortunate glandular disease. I wouldn't ever buy a Countryman either but they at least got the proportions right on that thing.

Looks like a mini minivan.  Terrible.  But, the Mini Countryman looks like shit too, so it fits.

Atomic posted pics.

Holy shit.

Quote from: Raza  on April 21, 2013, 06:33:43 AM
Looks like a mini minivan.  Terrible.  But, the Mini Countryman looks like shit too, so it fits.

1.  Not sure why they'd want to try to compete with the Countryman.  I don't think they sell very well as I've yet to see one.
2.  The Countryman at least offers AWD, so it can legitimately claim it's a Mini SUV.  This doesn't.  This is just a tall hatchback (or Mini MPV) with a caricature of the 500's face stretched over the front of it.

Quote from: WookieOnRitalin on April 21, 2013, 05:00:34 PM
Atomic posted pics.

Holy shit.

Holy shit, indeed.

I've resigned myself to the idea that ugly is the new normal.  I don't expect things to get better anytime soon, either.  :(

At least small cars can sort of pull off the whole ugly look.  Big cars, on the other hand....  :facepalm:

(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x246/1Atomic/image-120.jpg) (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/1Atomic/media/image-120.jpg.html)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013 CATEGORIES: FIAT, FIAT 500, FIAT 500L, FIAT SCOOPS, SCOOPS |

By Dan Mihalascu

(Allpar) Fiat is planning to turn around its entire range by projecting the Panda and the 500's image on its upcoming models, just like it recently did with the 500L small minivan. The Italian carmaker is preparing to launch the 500X small crossover and the 500XL, which is a 200-mm (7.9-in) longer, 7-seat version of the 500L.

If you were wondering what it looks like, a picture of the upcoming 500XL compact people carrier surfaced on an online forum. From this single image, we can see the added length in the wider, third lateral window, where the third row of seats is placed.

The 500L is not a looker itself and the added length of the 500XL further distorts the already fragile harmony of proportions of the shorter model. At least it will be a more practical car, given its two extra seats and the larger trunk (+100 liters).

It is expected that the longer model will be available with the same engines as the 500L – two gasoline units (a 95-hp 1.4-liter four-cylinder and a 105-hp 0.9-liter TwinAir two-cylinder) and two diesels (an 85-hp 1.3-liter MultiJet unit and a 105-hp 1.6-liter MultiJet II engine).

Production of the 500XL will start at the end of May in Kragujevac, with the first European deliveries expected at the end of July.

Given that the 500X name will designate a crossover, baptizing the long 500L as the 500XL could be a little confusing, with some sources saying the car could be named the 500L + to eliminate any confusion.

Photo Credits: Cochespias

(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x246/1Atomic/image-120.jpg)http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x246/1Atomic/image-120.jpg (http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x246/1Atomic/image-120.jpg)


No, no, DEAR GOD NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!  :facepalm:





I'd rather have this....


(http://www.cartype.com/pics/6919/full/fiat_600_multipla_1_55-60.jpg)

I really hope FIAT is not going to be like Mini.. thousands of different variants on 1 model.. ugh..

So you guys are getting a new YUGO  :thumbsup:

The bulk of Fiat brand's sales has been made up in recent years by just two models, the Panda and its posh sibling, the 500 – both based on the same architecture.

To emulate the success of these models in the upper segments, Fiat is said to be planning to model its entire range around the two city cars, according to a Car magazine report. The first result of this strategy is the 500L minivan, which borrows styling cues from the iconic 500, but plays in the league of B-segment MPVs.

It looks like we're going to see more 500-badged Fiats in the future, with the 500X compact crossover being next in line. Think of it as an Italian Mini Countryman. The 500X will replace the aging Sedici crossover (based on the outgoing Suzuki SX4) and will have typical SUV characteristics like the increased ride height and plastic body cladding to give it an off-road look.

The next member of the 500 family to emerge will be the 500XL, which will replace the Punto. Sized between a supermini and a family hatchback, the 500XL will share the platform with the 500L and 500X and will be sold in all global Fiat markets.

The Panda-side of the Fiat family will expand with the Panda XXL in 2015, which will replace the Bravo compact hatchback. However, it will ditch the Bravo's conventional proportions, instead adopting a Panda look with a high roofline and SUV-like proportions. It will be a similar stuff to what Nissan did with the Almera-replacing Qashqai.

Finally, according to the report, Fiat plans to launch a..."giant Panda" crossover that will replace the Dodge Journey-based Fiat Freemont and will give the brand fresh material to compete with the likes of Ford Kuga, Honda CR-V and even 7-seater MPVs like the VW Sharan.

SOURCE: CarScoop

From Allpar: Posted (at AllPar) on April 26th, 2013 • by David Zatz

Presumably to avoid confusion with the 500X crossover and jokes about clothing sizes, the Fiat 500XL appears to have been renamed to 500L+. The name fits what is basically an extended-length version of the Punto-based Fiat 500L, which is made in Serbia for Europe and North America. Powertrain options for the 500L and 500L+ are expected to be identical.

Just saw this commercial for the 500L on TV earlier tonight.

FIAT Italian Invasion Commercial - FIAT 500L (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mIriL8h6JY#ws)

I also discovered this slightly different version.

FIAT Commercial 2014 - The Italians Are Coming [HD] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PTSAaCwh5M#ws)

These Fiats strike me as the automotive version of a Puggle for some reason... cute because they're a little ugly, and it somehow works...

(http://img1.findthebest.com/sites/default/files/465/media/images/Puggle.jpg)

This car is fucking ugly.

The 500L/XL are like Olive Garden to the Panda's actual Italian food. It's a real shame, because the actual Panda (which I'm pretty sure this is based on- def aesthetically) is a really great car that I think would do well in urban areas, whereas the L/XL offer nothing over a Fit/Fiesta or even a Golf

Then again I'm sure the cost of federalization is high and the Panda would cannibalize the 500's sales. Whatever. I want my damn Panda Diesel.

Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 24, 2013, 05:40:07 PM
The 500L/XL are like Olive Garden to the Panda's actual Italian food. It's a real shame, because the actual Panda (which I'm pretty sure this is based on- def aesthetically) is a really great car that I think would do well in urban areas, whereas the L/XL offer nothing over a Fit/Fiesta or even a Golf

Then again I'm sure the cost of federalization is high and the Panda would cannibalize the 500's sales. Whatever. I want my damn Panda Diesel.

The Panda will supposedly make it here, too.  Just don't hold your breath for the diesel.  Although I agree a Panda diesel would be cooler than a penguin's testicles!

Do not want.

It's a shameless copy of the MINI Crossman, and not a very good one, either.

Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 24, 2013, 05:40:07 PM
The 500L/XL are like Olive Garden to the Panda's actual Italian food. It's a real shame, because the actual Panda (which I'm pretty sure this is based on- def aesthetically) is a really great car that I think would do well in urban areas, whereas the L/XL offer nothing over a Fit/Fiesta or even a Golf

Then again I'm sure the cost of federalization is high and the Panda would cannibalize the 500's sales. Whatever. I want my damn Panda Diesel.

the thing is, there's something about the olive garden's never ending salad and breadsticks that is so right.  most everything else there sucks but that salad dressing...  i usually have about 2 bowls of salad just myself when I eat there. 

Is the 500L a failure?? It appears that the sales have been low and eating into 500 sales..

I just realized that in concept, size, and execution, this car almost directly replaces the PT Cruiser.

Quote from: 2o6 on December 04, 2013, 06:03:45 PM
I just realized that in concept, size, and execution, this car almost directly replaces the PT Cruiser.

I was thinking the same thing.  Hopefully, Fiat/Chrysler can create a buzz with this car and give all those PT Cruiser owners something new to trade into.

Quote from: Yawn on December 04, 2013, 08:54:55 AM
Is the 500L a failure?? It appears that the sales have been low and eating into 500 sales..

What makes you think that?

Sales of the 500L in Europe, where it has been available for 18 months, are strong, and still growing. And sales of the regular 500 are more or less the same this year as last year and the year before.

And in America, as far as I know, the 500L has only been available for a few weeks, so your hypothesis would seem at best to be premature. 

Quote from: Colin on December 05, 2013, 05:33:25 AM
What makes you think that?

Sales of the 500L in Europe, where it has been available for 18 months, are strong, and still growing. And sales of the regular 500 are more or less the same this year as last year and the year before.


And in America, as far as I know, the 500L has only been available for a few weeks, so your hypothesis would seem at best to be premature. 

The 500L has been on sale in US since June 2013. The extra model has not increased Fiat's overall sales in US.  The 500 sales have dropped ever month when compared to previous year.

You can refer to Chryslers web site for the numbers.

http://www.chryslergroupllc.com/investor/pressreleases/sales/Pages/default.aspx (http://www.chryslergroupllc.com/investor/pressreleases/sales/Pages/default.aspx)

I hope it does better but since I live in LA/OC area of southern california and the only 500L I have seen is a rental car is a bit concerning.

I hate this thread and every picture in it. 

Quote from: Catman on December 05, 2013, 10:42:20 AM
I hate this thread and every picture in it. 

:lol:

I've seen one of these things in person. The size of the 500L emblem is an embarassment in and of itself.

But seriously it is the absolute ugliest thing on the road here. Even more than the new Cherokee.

Yeah, they're pretty hideous.  I don't see the appeal.  Oddly enough, when looking for Elements, I found a lot of them at Fiat dealerships.  I ended up buying mine from a Fiat dealership up in Columbus. Turns out the previous owner of my car likes ugly, quirky vehicles and traded in his Element for a 500L.

Talking to the salesman, the number one traded in vehicle for his dealership was Jeep Wranglers.  There's just a small niche market of people who buy quirky vehicles.  Fiat has unwillingly fallen into that group.