FIVE years after the launch of the new Fiat 500 and 55 years after the début of the historic 500, the Fiat 500L augmented the 500 family with its introduction in Polokwane on 22 October.
The launch marked a new chapter for the Italian icon, following the success of the 500, 500C and high performance Abarth versions.
The letter ‘L’ sums up the three dimensions enclosed in the new Fiat solution: Large, light and Loft, which is a trend-setting environment where one can live life to the fullest.
The 500L is the first car of the Fiat group to be equipped with a multimedia device based on the new generation of the Uconnect infotainment platform.
UConnect was designed with the aim of creating a multifunctional system that is able to manage all of the main media content on the car, including radio, mobile phone, media player, iPod or smartphone as well as the navigation system. In this way the driver can simply, quickly and safely access these systems hands-free, while keeping the eyes on the road.
Respect for the environment is an increasingly important factor to consider when purchasing a car. Economic accessibility has become a significant requirement that cannot to be ignored, both at the time of purchase and during everyday use.
Reduced fuel consumption and emissions are therefore essential requirements for the success of a car. For this reason, the Fiat 500L will be offered with the choice of two efficient engines distinguished by their lower polluting emissions and CO2 levels, corresponding to real economic benefit in everyday use for the customer.
The 500L comes with a petrol (70kW 1.4l) engine and a turbo-diesel (77kW 1.6l MultiJet 2) engine. Each with different qualities, all exploited to the full in combination with the standard six-speed manual transmission.
The colour range offers no less than seven body colours, including Pasadoble Red, New Age Cream, Bossa Nova White and Bashment Blue. The three metallic colour options are Opera Red, Heavy Metal Grey and Minimal Grey.
The exterior of the 500L boasts exterior mirror covers, a chrome bonnet line enhancer, 17 inch alloy wheels with double spokes in black, lockable security wheel nuts, Fiat branded tyre valve caps, roof bar, towbar and exterior badges.
Interior futures are laser-made Fiat 500L embossed carpets, rubber floor mats, moulded cargo tray, rear window sunshades, kick plate emblems, headrest coat hangers, iPod and iPhone support and key fob covers, available in nine eye-catching colours.
The 500L has a safety cell structure complete with double pillars in front is designed in line with current U.S. regulations. The new 500L’s standard equipment includes six airbags for front, window and side airbags, front headlights with DRL (Daytime Running Lights) function and fog lights with the self-adaptive cornering function. The model also comes standard with ABS, BAS (Brake Assist System) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control).
Sales of the new Fiat 500L started in October with two model lines, Easy and Lounge, and with two powertrain combinations, 1.4l petrol and 1.6l diesel.
Pricing, including VAT and CO2 tax, is as follows:
• Fiat 500L 1.4l 16V Easy – R232 990
• Fiat 500L 1.4l 16V Lounge – R247 990
• Fiat 500L 1.6l MultiJet Lounge – R287 990.
The 500L is available from 35 Fiat dealerships nationwide and comes standard with a three year or 100 000km warranty and maintenance plan.
