Entry Price: $19,195
Price as Tested: $28,095
This week, we drive the 2015 Fiat 500L with the “L” designation standing for long wheelbase. Delivered in Fiat’s top dressed “Lounge” motif, our 500 had just about every amenity available and we immediately liked the larger, station wagon design based solely on size and mass.
With an entry of just $19,395 for the 500L “Pop” model, consumers can move upward with an “Easy” model at $20,395 and then climb further to the “Trekking” at $21,595. Thankfully, awards aren’t given for car model names, as Pop, Easy, Trekking and Lounge aren’t regarded by this pen as well thought out model names.
But what’s in a name, right?
As for the car, and considering the smaller two-door only Fiat 500 starts at $16,445, the near $3K jump in price for the long wheelbase four door may take some by surprise. However, just as we experienced when we last drove the smaller Fiat 500, you’ll receive lots of “oohs and ahhs” from onlookers who, regardless of performance abilities.
Perhaps one reason for the popularity from baby boomers is Fiat’s sports car racing history that dates all the way back to 1957. Yet when the affection comes from today’s “not so car crazy” millennial, this generation just flat out loves Fiat 500’s regardless of dress.
On the road, Fiat’s “fun to drive” quotient is solid. Be it traveling the highway, rounding a country road curve or parking in tight city situations, Fiat 500 gets the job done.
As for the specifics, our Lounge came with just one option called a “Lounge Collection 4” package for $2,700. Included are 17-inch Continental H-rated tires on machined aluminum wheels, GPS navigation and Uconnect stereo/Bluetooth with voice. A white roof is also part of this option, although I feel for what you receive for dollar paid it is very expensive. Pocket the difference and put it elsewhere as all Lounges come with 16-inch tires on nice alloys.
Under the hood sits a 1.4-liter four-cylinder putting out 160 horses and 184 lb. ft. of torque. The engine powers this small wagon with authority, and when connected to the standard heavy-duty multi-clutch automatic six-speed, expect zero to 60-mph in less than nine seconds. (We recommend utilizing the manual shift mode for better RPM control). You’ll also be surprised to find 500L’s ability to break the front tires loose at full throttle from a standing stop. Yes, there is enough torque here to please everyone. If you enjoy shifting, a six-speed is standard on the less expensive 500L models.
Considering the fuel mileage is decent at 24 city and 33 highway, Fiat 500L fills the need for those looking for economical transportation with a touch of Italian art and fun added in.
Numerous standard features make the Lounge model perhaps the best choice, as all the powers, fog lamps, heated seats with lumbar, chrome trim inside and out, dual zone climate, Sirius XM six speaker sound system with one year subscription, leather touches and much more adorn the window sticker. I also like the A-pillar small side windows, which enhance side-to-side visibility.
Underneath, a “normal duty” suspension features four-wheel ABS disc brakes and provides decent handling. The ride is comfortable yet still on the sporty side, improving the “fun to drive” rating over and above the lesser priced 500Ls.
On the safety side, a rear back up camera is standard, but it is an extra cost option on the three lesser-priced models. Park Sense rear park assist is also standard, as is Hill Start Assist (unnecessary on automatics), electronic stability control, all the airbags and more. You dealer will gladly explain everything in detail, along with a special $3,000 cash discount or zero percent financing currently available.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 102.8 inches, 3,254 lb. curb weight, 13.2 gallon fuel tank, 4.7 inch ground clearance and up to 60 cu. ft. of cargo space with rear seat down.
Thanks to the heavier 500L four-door, I expect Fiat sales to increase substantially. Specifically, the 12.2 inch longer wheelbase and near 1,000 pound more curb weight versus sibling two door Fiat 500 is more settling for many drivers (including me). And regardless of what official crash ratings reveal in controlled tests, when a 5,000 lb. SUV slams into a 2,400-pound sub compact, the end result is not difficult to determine.
Fiat Store sales people can expect more floor traffic from a segment of consumers that previously wouldn’t have considered a Fiat 500, or any other sub-compact.
For Fiat, this is all good.
Likes: Bigger, safer design; overall exterior looks; fun to drive.
Dislikes: Engine noisy; backup camera only available on Lounge; transmission finicky when in full auto mode.
(Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist).
