2014 Fiat 500L Preview

Introduction

The 2014 Fiat 500L is a new, 5-passenger multi-purpose vehicle offered in Pop, Easy, Lounge, and Trekking trim levels. The 500L, built in Kragujevac, Serbia, offers 42% greater interior volume than a standard Fiat 500, according to the automaker.

Exterior Features

The new 2014 Fiat 500L is 26 inches longer, 6 inches taller, and 6 inches wider than a standard Fiat 500. The Trekking trim level is styled to look similar to a crossover SUV, adding design cues that Fiat says give the 500L "rugged looks ... to support its adventurous personality."

Interior Features

Classified as a large car by the EPA, the 2014 Fiat 500L seats 5 passengers and carries 26.2 cubic feet of cargo. A tilt/telescoping steering wheel is standard, along with an electronic vehicle information center, 60/40-split folding back seat and a front passenger seat that folds in half to accommodate longer items.

Optional Features

All versions of the 2014 Fiat 500L except for the base Pop trim are equipped with aluminum wheels, and fog lights are available. Additionally, a Beats Audio premium sound system, navigation system, Uconnect smartphone pairing technology, and a panoramic sunroof can be added to the new 500L. Buyers can also choose leather seats that are heated up front.

Under the Hood

The 2014 Fiat 500L is equipped with the same turbocharged, 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that goes into the smaller Fiat 500 Abarth models. It generates 160 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 184 lb.-ft. of torque between 2,500 rpm and 4,000 rpm, and drives the 500L's front wheels through the buyer's choice between a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed dual dry-clutch automated manual transmission.

Safety

The 2014 Fiat 500L is equipped with 7 standard air bags, including a knee air bag for the driver. Traction control, stability control, and 4-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes are also standard, and the new Fiat 500L can be equipped with a reversing camera and rear park-assist sensors.

Technology

Fiat offers two different versions of Uconnect smartphone pairing technology for the new 2014 500L. The Uconnect 5.0 system includes a 5-inch touch-screen display, Bluetooth connectivity with music streaming capability, voice control for radio functions, and what Fiat calls a "media hub" for connecting portable devices to the system.

The Uconnect 6.5 system is equipped with a 6.5-inch touch-screen display and a navigation system. The media hub gains a USB port with this setup.

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