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Ditching the codename of “Ellezero” Fiat has given their new crossover the anti-climactic “500L” nameplate. And while Europe will get a three-row version with 7 seats, Americans will get the five seater only.
Fiat thinks that North Americans won’t buy a 7-seater as small as the 500L – and they’re probably right. At a 23 inches longer, the 500L is about the size of a Mini Countryman. Power will likely come from the 1.4l MultiAir engine in North America, with Europe getting a TwinAir variant as well as a diesel. Based on the size of this car, the third row will be great for buckling your child’s stuffed animals in – humans need not apply.
15 Comments on “Fiat 500L Confirmed As New Crossover’s Nameplate...”
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I wonder if anything can be done to tweak the car’s awful, ungainly styling before it goes on sale…
Is it me, or is this just a photoshop of a MINI Countryman roof on a 500?
This is an early chop inserted into a real photo, from Italian mag Quattroruote.
There are spy shots of styling mockups that I have chosen not to run for legal reasons (you can Google them, they exist) and this is what the car really looks like.
Bummer, we do not get the Fiat Panda AWD.
If the added 2.3 inches are all put into improving the rear legroom, that would make the “big 500” palatable for people who often carry more than 2 passengers. The 7 seat version would require even more length in order to accommodate human occupants in its 3rd row.
I first saw that rear window glass treatment in Toyota’s Corolla wagons of the late 80s. It’s always looked odd to me and I’m not certain what its purpose is apart from a possible attempt to visually taper a squared off rear section.
In any case, FIAT USA’s dealers can’t get this one soon enough: they really need something to contrast to the 500 and say, “for a few thousand more. . . .”
It’s not 2.3 inches, but 23.
Autonews.com made a mistake and wrote 60mm instead 60cm. So Derek only converted that into inches.
Ahhh, MUCH better! Okay, I can see that working out.
That would make it the size of a Country,an, which makes much more sense
I think I already have one of these that was stretched big enough to work and has a Nissan (or renault) engine. It’s called a cube and I don’t think I’ll be interested in this.
ElleZero reminds me of our Commander-In-Chief of General Motors and Commendatore of Fiat Money.
I mean Fiat Motors.
China imitating Europe imitating China?
http://images-2.drive.com.au/2010/04/24/1378778/Lifan_320_02-600×400.jpg
What…Fiatsler wasn’t happy enough with one mini-clone sales dud?
Crossover? What makes this car a “crossover”? Is there anything even remotely SUVish about it? AWD, ground clearance, wheel/tires?
Looks like a goddamn “car” to me.
Somehow, doubling the cute 500 results in only half the cuteness.
And if it’s powered by the anemic 1.4L engine, forget it.