None of that title is a misprint folks... and - yes - it will have four doors!
Details are a bit light leading up to the Geneva Auto Show’s debut of the 2013 FIAT 500L, but this is what FIAT just announced: “With its Italian design and city-friendly functionality, FIAT’s new five-passenger model expands the brand’s style and efficiency in the growing B-segment. Making its formal introduction at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6th, the new Fiat 500L — the L stands for ‘Large’ — will follow the U.S. introduction of the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth this spring and a full-electric version of the Fiat 500.
The Fiat 500L will be produced at the FIAT plant in Kragujevac, Serbia, and will arrive in the United States in 2013.” - - FIAT S.p.A\Chrysler Group LLC
I know I tend to do a lot of pimping for FIAT – but that’s because they are a blast to drive and have personality… and NOBODY else had a remotely interesting automotive news story for today. Not that it would have mattered as I think this interesting little machine will sell like gangbusters in the Rockies.
It looks like the regular FIAT 500, but the platform is new and specified for the U.S. In fact: they will be building a mini Jeep on the same platform. Yes, a Jeep even smaller than the Jeep Compass. FIAT calls it the SUSW platform which means Small U.S. WIDE… no kidding - I hope they aren't using my big ass as a guide. As it currently stands, this 500L will be about three inches longer than the regular 500 but the other dimensions look to be much larger.
Think of the 2013 FIAT 500L as a less expensive, less complicated selection to the MINI Countryman. That’s a good thing. Having a true direct competitor will force both sides to “up” their game.
The 2013 FIAT 500L is a “B-segment” car that should financially compete with the likes of Subaru, Volkswagen and even MINI. I’m guessing that the price will base a couple grand above the FIAT 500 Pop (base) model. A base price of $17,000 is my guess at where the 2013 FIAT 500L will sticker… give or take a grand.
No word on engines, transmissions, 4/all-wheel drive, colors, smells or capacities for the 2013 FIAT 500L. Since the Geneva Auto Show is about a month away, I suspect we will hear more in the next five weeks. I can tell you this: expect more space, capacity and all-out performance.
Kind of weak – I know. I can easily guess that the all-wheel drive system will be optional and be completely automatic in function. I can assume that the overall output will be up a bit considering this vehicle weighs a great deal more. So, some of the Tigershark engines used in the new Dodge Dart like the 1.4 liter, turbocharged 160 horsepower buzzer that makes an impressive 184 lbs-feet of torque might power the 2013 FIAT 500L.
Based on what I know about small FIAT cars that have all-wheel drive (AWD), I would not be surprised if this little bugger has a six-speed manual and dual-clutch automatic transmission available. That would be Über cool for people who want something more charming than some of the sober AWD choices out there. This could be a Rocky Mountain hot hatch!
Yep, I am excited and so are you. It’s an oddball to look at, but it is better to be odd than forgettable. I think it’s slightly better looking than the base-model MINI Countryman.
I will keep you updated as the information on the 2013 FIAT 500L comes in.
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