Fiat has launched its new 500L Trekking in Ireland at a starting price of €24,000, writes Trish Whelan.
With the look, feel and additional all-weather practicality of a roomy SUV, the front-wheel drive 500L Trekking uses Fiat's Traction+ system, which involves the ESC hardware monitoring the vehicle's dynamics in slippery conditions and direct engine torque to whichever wheel has the most grip.
The system is activated by a dashboard switch and operates at speeds of up to 30km/h, and does not impact the vehicle's efficiency or running costs when not in use.
In addition to Traction+, the FIAT 500L Trekking is equipped with Mud & Snow tyres and has 13mm of additional ground clearance.
Visually there are chunky front and rear bumpers with skid plates and additional mouldings; wheel-arch and rocker-panel mouldings; rear privacy glass and 17-inch alloy.
The 500L Trekking is also the first FIAT model to feature City Brake Control as standard, an active safety system which automatically applies the brakes in order to avoid or mitigate a collision.
Three engines are available, the 105hp 0.9 TwinAir petrol; the 85hp 1.3 MultiJet (also available with the Dualogic automated manual transmission) and the 105hp 1.6-litre MultiJet. CO2 bands are A4-B1.
A five year warranty is standard on the 500L Trekking.
