So I was over at my local Fiat dealer here in Vegas and I was surprised to find a new red 500L sitting there in the showroom. I talked to the sales people about it and sat in it. The car is the first one but cannot be sold. It's traveling around the country to show dealers. They expect sales to start in June. Honestly, I like this car and I didn't expect too. The inside is similar to the latest Rav 4, which is bigger then the Mini Clubman. It's in the cross over category. The interior is a bit sportier than the Rav. It has the same engine but they are all Turbo's. The passenger seat can lie flat. It comes with Run flats and no spare tire. It has some really unusual front glass. They call it Panorama. You have the front windscreen, then the A pillars, and then 2 triangular slivers of glass before the side windows. It does look really "open". They also said it can be ordered with a large glass sunroof. I asked about price and they said it will be between 19 and 22K -- which I considered excellent for what it was. They are not being built in Mexico. I couldn't drive it but I would have to say, for the money and the looks, it should do pretty well. The dealer was very excited to have a new model to sell also.
The 500L is built in Kragujevac, Serbia (former Zastava/Yugo factory). Very roomy, it's targeted at young families. You can even order it with a tiny on-board Lavazza espresso machine. It's selling well in Europe, and a 7-seater 500L+ (recognizable by the longer rear overhang) is about to be introduced, although I believe the L+ won't be coming to the US.
Its cool that they have a car in Vegas, but not surprising. I live wayyy north in the valley and have been seeing both the 500e (electric) and the 500L test cars roaming the northern reaches of Vegas for months now (another one today actually) I support some projects out at NTS so that puts me out in the desert beyond Mt Charleston on Hwy 95. It was close to a year ago that I started seeing the new Viper and not long afterwards seeing a satin black disguised Alfa Giulietta. Heck we've even gotten pictures of the rebadged Chrysler Grand Caravan with Lancia emblems on it. They've not been shy about the 500e, it's not disguised in any way. The lack of tailpipe and bright silver trim pieces make it easy to pick out of a crowd. I'll also say the lil' bastard is QUICK too. I was a passenger in my friends Volvo T5 and we were driving along side the 500e gawking and admiring and the driver without even an hint of acknowledgment mashed the pedal and that thing was gone!
http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2013/05/fiat-500l-pricing-set Seems pretty bang-on in terms of pricing; a starting price of $19,100 USD plus destination looks very reasonable. The standard equipment looks attractive on all trim levels too.
pricing info released: 2014 Fiat 500L priced from 19,100 USD I'm probably just being hopeful, but I think the L being larger and having 4 doors will sell well in the US.
Just don't tell anyone it's made in Serbia in the old Yugo plant. I'll tell you something funny The sales person who showed me the demo showed me the non-gas cap feature. Then she asked, "I wonder how you put gas in it with a gas can?" I opened the rear and under the rear floor is the tool box. I opened the tool box and there was the white filler neck extension. I showed her how to use it. MAN! Was she impressed! I didn't tell her I learned this from owning a 458. That would have been too much.
It certainly is a more practical offering for those needing some extra space compared to the standard 500 but still wanting something slightly quirky and unique. I too hope it creates broader appeal for the brand and brings more customers into the dealer (er, studio) showrooms. My only concern is the engine/tranny combo. The 1.4 MultiAir is a gem of an engine, don't get me wrong, and it works brilliantly in a small, light car like the Abarth, but when placed into a larger, heavier vehicle, turbo lag can become a serious issue, especially when coupled to the dual-clutch transmission. The Dodge Dart uses the same engine and transmission as the 500L will use and suffers from a completely lethargic seat-of-the-pants feel imo.
This is one way to learn Italian... [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fBFm4OD2W0]Backseat Italians - YouTube[/ame]
