New Fiat 500L
£14,375 – £22,410
Over View:
While the steering lacks feel it’s well insulated, although at 30-50mph the suspension is noticeably noisier than at other speeds.
In the Cross version the suspension, which is an inch higher than in the other two versions, is softer and copes impressively with rutted dirty tracks.
Inside the 500L the seating and boot space set-up is unchanged, which is no bad thing.
The boot capacity of the five-seat versions is particularly impressive at 400 litres and for the Wagon in five-seat mode this is a huge 558 litres, although with all seven seats in place the boot is just 168 litres.
The rear seating is poor for headroom, though, and only suitable for children.
What has been fully updated in the latest 500L is the dashboard and the infotainment system.
The dials in front of the driver are now clearer than before while in the central area there’s a seven-inch touchscreen that includes Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity as well as, on higher-trim levels, sat nav and reversing camera.
Because of the rush to SUVs the choice of mini-MPVs is now limited and this should work in the Fiat’s favour.
Its main rivals are the Ford B-Max, which is better to drive but loses on boot space, and Citroen’s C3 Picasso, which has it beaten on boot space and styling but not the latest connectivity.
Neither are available in seven seat form or have off-road ability.
Many buyers in this sector may now look at SUVs but those that still want the ultimate space will gravitate towards an MPV. The 500L, while not perfect, still possesses enough charm and practicality at an attractive price to win sales.
LOGBOOK LOWDOWN
Prices: £16,195-£21,195
Engines: Petrol – 1.4, 1.4-litre turbo;
Turbo-diesel – 1.3, 1.6-litre
Power: 0 to 60mph in 10.2 seconds, 118mph top speed (1.4 turbo)
Fuel economy: 72.4mpg (1.3TD)
CO2 emissions: 104-157g/km
Rivals: Ford B-Max, Citroen C3 Picasso Rating: 6/10
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