Fiat 500L first drive

[haven]

Autoblog has a thoughtful review of the 500L, Fiat's latest crossover-style small car. The author finds it much more satisfying to drive than the 500.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/2014-fiat-500l-review-first-drive/

This is hopeful news for ExPo readers because a slightly larger version called the 500X will provide the basic platform for the next Jeep subcompact crossover. Expect to see the tiny Jeep in 2014 as a 2015 model.

 

[WagoneerSX4]

I'm actually really excited for this thing. I've been waiting for another SX4-type car to come out and this might fit the bill for our next vehicle. Would be great for the significant other.

As long as it has AWD and a decent drivetrain package (ie not a CVT, a little diesel would be awesome but I doubt it).

 

[haven]

Allpar.com recently quoted Jeep CEO Mike Manley, saying that the mini-Jeep will be built in Italy in the same factory as the 500X. The new Jeep will be approximately 162 inches long. That's about the size of the first generation Toyota RAV4, or current Honda Fit.

I think Jeep plans to build a new Compass in USA alongside the new Cherokee. The North Toledo plant that previously made the Liberty was re-fitted to build the Cherokee. The new Cherokee is 182 inches long. The current Compass is 174 inches long, so I expect the new Compass to be about the same size.

 

[WagoneerSX4]

That's the perfect size for a nice compact crossover. If its as tough and well-engineered as the panda 4x4 it's going to be a nice little all-weather vehicle.

 

[haven]

The Panda is tiny in comparison, more the size of the Fiat 500. The 500X will replace the Fiat Sedici, which is a Suzuki SX4 wearing Fiat badges. The Sedici is also 162 inches in total length. (Trivia time: Sedici is Italian for 16 = 4x4. Capisce?)

 

[Redrock]

The 500L will not come with AWD, just a crossover-like appearance package. It will very much be a car, with no real rough road ability like the SX4. Basically, Fiat is positioning it as an alternative to the Fit, Matrix, and PT Cruiser. If you want more of a crossover, there will be a small crossover badged 500X and a small Jeep, both roughly the size of a Mini Countryman. Those will come with AWD and the Jeep may come with the Cherokee's low range.

 

[WagoneerSX4]

I was actually referring to the 500X that jeep will be rebadging, not the 500L. If the 500X comes over with Fiat's turbocharged 1.4L multi-air engine from the 500t that'd be great. I don't think the NA 1.4L 101bhp engine will cut it. Any word on powerplants yet for the 500X? I'm hoping they'll all be fiat 500 based. I assume any hope for an abarth version is out of the question. Maybe an SRT version?