2013 Fiat 500L 1.6L MultiJet II 6MT FWD (120 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Fiat introduced the 500L Living as the largest member of the 500 model family but built on a different platform and made to accommodate more people inside than its small-sized brother.

When Fiat re-launched the 500 lineup in 2007, the car instantly became a best-seller around the world. The Italian automaker was happy and carefully started to expand the range with new products that shared the same design language with the cute little car. But customers asked for a vehicle that could really accommodate five people inside in comfort. The regular 500 just couldn’t do that since it was too small. As a result, Fiat introduced the 500L Living in 2013, an MPV based on the same platform as the Fiat Toro or the Jeep Renegade.

With a front fascia resembling its smaller brother’s lines but rounded, swept-back headlights and wider lower lamps underneath them, the 500L Living looked more like an oversized 500. A chromed slat that supported the Fiat badge crossed the front panel, and underneath it, the automaker installed a narrow upper air intake. In the lower bumper, the car sported an additional, broader grille that helped to cool the engine.

From its profile, the long roof vehicle with a tall stance and three side windows was not the prettiest car in Fiat’s lineup. On the other hand, it was a promise of a bright, luminous interior. The automaker adorned the slightly ascending waistline and the B- and C-posts with piano-black elements. Furthermore, the darkened D-posts formed together with the rear window, the illusion of a wrap-around glass area. The door panels featured rubber and chromed trims on their lower sides to protect the vehicle from minor bumps. Finally, at the back, the 500L Living sported rounded taillights surrounded by chromed trims that flanked the wide tailgate.

Inside, customers could find a luminous cabin. In addition, Fiat offered the option for a glass roof that further enhanced that spacious sensation. At the front, the high-mounted seats benefited from multiple adjustments and offered enough legroom for their occupants. Between them, Fiat installed a narrow center console that housed the gear stick and a pair of cupholders. Fronting the driver was an instrument cluster clearly arranged with wide dials for the speedometer and tachometer, the fuel and coolant temperature gauges, and a display for the car’s onboard computer. Atop the center stack, customers could get a touchscreen for the infotainment system. In the back, the 500L Living featured a sliding, split-folding (60/40) bench seat. The automaker made the vehicle in such a way that with the rear bench folded, a flat pack from Ikea could easily fit.

Finally, under the hood, Fiat installed a wide choice of engines ranging between 85 PS (84 hp) and 120 PS (118 hp) paired with five- or six-speed manuals that sent the power to the front wheels.