A new and very distinctive variant of the Fiat 500 will go on sale in Ireland in early 2013, writes Brian Byrne from Turin, offering the functionality of a small MPV with the feel of an SUV.
The 500L is designed to accommodate five full-sized adults and their luggage in a length just marginally longer than a Punto supermini.
The most unique option is a true automotive first, and very Italian, a fully-integrated Lavazza espresso machine.
The 4.15m car has a 400-litre boot and 22 individual storage compartments. Versatility is offered by sliding rear seats with ‘Fold & Tumble' facility and a fold-flat front passenger seat allowing the carriage of items up to 2.4m long. There's a 3-level boot floor.
Fiat's latest multimedia system debuts the name UConnect in the brand, with features that include Fiat's latest eco:Drive Live software which tracks how efficiently you're driving in real time. The system will be upgradable with smart-phone style Apps, keeping occupants up-to-date with, for example, live Facebook, Twitter, traffic, news and weather feeds.
The 85hp 1.3 MultiJet 2 turbo-diesel and the 105hp 0.9 TwinAir Turbo are the likely powerplants for the Irish market with CO2 emissions of 110g/km and 112g/km respectively.
Final engine options, trim levels, specifications and pricing will be confirmed closer to the car's launch.
