The Fiat 500 is a nice little car, but to many people, that’s the problem — it’s little, too little. Those looking for a larger, more roomy version of the cute hatchback might find solace in the all-new Fiat 500L (‘L’ for large) that made its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Although it wears the ’500′ name, the 500L actually shares platforms with the larger Fiat Punto, rather than with the namesake 500 subcompact.
Sporting four doors (instead of just two) and with space for five passengers, the 500L is 162.9 inches (4,140 mm) long, 70 inches (1,780 mm) wide and 65.3 (1,660 mm) inches tall, allowing for a cargo capacity of 400 liters (14 cubic feet). According Fiat, that’s enough to hold up to five roller suitcases or a full-size pushchair.
In Europe, the Fiat 500L will be offered with two gasoline engines — a 0.9-liter turbocharged twin-cylinder unit and a 1.4-liter unit — and a 1.3-liter Multijet II turbo diesel.
Sales of the larger 500 hatchback will begin in the fourth quarter of 2012. Those looking for an even larger model will be further solaced by reports that a seven-seat model is in the works.
