FIAT gets down with the kids with a limited edition 500L inspired by a legendary rapper
On the road: I’VE seen plenty of Dr Dre videos and I don’t recall ever seeing him behind the wheel of a Fiat 500L, so at first glance a collaboration between the US hip-hop producer’s former company and the Italian car manufacturer might seem a little odd. But when you think about it, with an interior the size of small concert venue the big Fiat is probably the ideal way of showcasing your bangin’ tunes.
The car combines the looks of the 500L Trekking with some urban tweaks for a MPV that stands out from the crowd. In addition, it’s kitted out with a premium Beats audio system – the trademark of the aforementioned Dre.
The car comes with two petrol engines – a new 120bhp 1.4 litre and a 105bhp 0.9 litre Twin Air Turbo - and two diesels, a 105bhp 1.6 litre MultiJet II and a new 120bhp 1.6 litre MultiJet II.
Our car had the latter diesel which was a punchy performer, but, like its stereo system, was a little on the noisy side under acceleration. The bluff exterior also leads to some wind noise.
The 500L handles surprisingly well for a big car, while the ride is firm, but not overly so.
On the inside: THERE’S an Alice in Wonderland feeling to the 500L. Everything is bigger than in other cars. The interior is cavernous for starters, there are huge windows, the steering wheel, gearstick and handbrake are all chunkier, the mirrors are the size of sideplates and the seats could have been taken from someone’s living room.
The design of the dash and centre console is logical and straightforward.
What do you get: TO set it aside from other 500Ls, the Beats version comes with a two-tone grey and black paintjob, in either gloss or matte. It also features 17ins alloys with red brake callipers, wheel arch extensions, side skirts and bumper inserts. Dual zone climate control comes as standard, there’s a matte grey dashboard panel, black leather upholstery featuring red embroidered 500 logos. The aforementioned Beats stereo system delivers 520watts through an eight-channel amp – more than enough to make your ears ring should you like your music turned up to 11. It might seem incongruous in an MPV of this nature, but the size and shape of the 500L allows the audio system to be heard at its best.
How practical is it: IF you find any cause for complaint about lack of space in the 500L then I can only assume you get regular work playing the giant in Jack and the Beanstalk. Headroom and leg room are impressive front and rear and there’s no problem accommodating three in the back.
The boot has 343 litres of space with the seats up, increasing to 400 if the seats are slid forward. Drop them and they roll up against the front, increasing the load area to 1,310 litres. The front passenger seat also folds flat for long items.
The boot itself has three levels, increasing its practicality. The only issue I had was with the weight of the boot door, but that might owe something to that the fact I am still recovering from a broken shoulder.
Running costs: THE 500L isn’t at the cheap end of the market, but it felt well built and, for my mind, value for money. Fiat says it’s possible to get close to 60mpg. I managed a less impressive 43mpg. CO2 emissions come in at 125g/km.
Verdict: OFFERS everything an MPV should, with some added extras.
Alternatives: Nissan Qashqai, Citroen C3 Picasso
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