Fiat 500L Wins Best Value, Lowest Ownership Cost Award

The 2018 Fiat 500L offers the best value and has the best economic performance in its class according to the Automotive Science Group's (ASG) annual Automotive Performance Index (API) study. The Fiat 500L won the ‘Best Economic Performance Award’ in the 2018 study, beating out all of its 26 competitors which includes cars like the Subaru Outback and Volvo V60.

The ASG Best Economic Performance Award is given to the vehicle with the lowest cost of ownership in its class. The assessment is based on initial vehicle purchase price and forecasted fuel and operating costs.

The 500L is the lowest priced vehicle in its class with an MSRP of $20,995 and has the lowest cost of ownership when considering purchase and operating costs across the first 6.5 years / 87,594 miles of its lifecycle.

The Fiat 500L utilizes advanced design to keep it lightweight, yet strong. An example is the use of polycarbonate for the rear-quarter window. Polycarbonate is typically used in aircraft canopies, and the 500L is the first volume production car in the world to use it.

According to the study, ASG says the 500L lightweight maximizes operational efficiency. The 500L has the lightest vehicle architecture in its class, coming in at 590 pounds less than its average competitor. Fewer resources used add up to a reduced environmental footprint, increased operational efficiency and reduced life-cycle operating costs.

The 500L’s weight advantage, combined with its best-in-class retail price and a fuel economy rating, helped it achieve a combined total cost savings of 35 percent over the initial 6.5 years of ownership when compared with the average vehicle in its class.

Besides being economical, the Fiat 500L is also a terrific family car, having the interior room of a full-size car within its sub-compact outer dimensions. The versatile 500L has best in class cargo room and the most storage and seating configurations compared to its competition. Being an Italian car also means the 500L is fun to drive, with sure-footed handling, excellent high-speed stability, strong brakes and a lively engine that features 184 ft.lbs of torque - the most of any car in its class. No wonder it is the best selling car of its kind in Europe over the past five years.

The 2018 Fiat 500L has been revamped with the following updates and enhancements:

• Redesigned front and rear fascia design, bodyside molding design, wheel designs, daytime running light lens and rear side reflector design
• Standard ParkView rear backup camera
• New exterior paint colors available: Blu Denim, Arancio Pastello (Pastel Orange) and Bronzo Metallizzato (Metallic Bronze)

Revamped interior with features that include:

• Thin-film transistor (TFT) cluster display
• Improved center console with relocated cup holders, new gear shifter and new parking brake handle
• Additional USB port
• LED interior ambient lighting
• New steering wheel and HVAC control knob position
• Uconnect 4 system standard on all 2018 Fiat 500L models, and includes a 7-inch display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability

Discuss this article on the Fiat 500L Forum

Fiat 500L Design

Fiat 500L Examined

All Fiat 500L Articles 

*Update 6/18: Corrected number of competitors. There were 26, not the 27 that I originally posted.

Source:FCA, Automotive Science Group
Images: FCA and Author

Fiat Sales for April 2018

Fiat brand April sales numbers are in and show a 45 percent decline compared to the same month last year. In April, Fiat sold a total of 1,404 cars compared to 2,539 last year.   Sales of all models except for the 500L MPV were down last month, with 500 hatch and Cabrio models particularly having a rough month.  Production of these 500 models ended last September and what was once Fiat's best selling model is now scarce at dealers.  Production of the 2018 500 has begun and will arrive this summer, meaning the lack of cars will continue until then.

As mentioned, sales of all Fiat models were down except for the 500L MPV.  The versatile 500L has enjoyed a sales rally since last August and year-to-date are up 41 percent.

Discuss on the Fiat 500 USA Forum

Fiat News for April
Fiat displayed the new, 2018 Fiat 500 Urbana edition at the NY Auto Show last month. The 500 Urbana is similar to the 500 Turbo of previous years. We have images of the Urbana and all the details, including the differences between it and the older 500T.

2018 Fiat 500 Urbana Details

Fiat500USA.com got the inside scoop there will be an Urbana edition of the Fiat 124 Spider coming out for the 2019 model year. All the details here:

Fiat 124 Spider Urbana Coming!

Speaking of the 2019 Fiat 124 Spider, we also broke the news there will be a new color available in 2019. Additionally, we published a list of all the paint / color codes available on the 124 Spider for people's convenience.

New Color Available on 2019 Fiat 124 Spider

Fiat had a Spring Savings Sale in April offering substantial savings across the model lineup. We had the details, plus an important link to the Fiat Incentives page that should always be checked whenever you are in the market to buy.

Fiat 2018 Spring Sales Event

Fiat Brand Sales in the United States January through April 2018

Fiat 500	Current Month	Last Year	Vol Change	Current YTD	Last Year YTD	Vol Change
April 500 500L 500X 124	335     168     564     337     1,404	1201  115  758  465   2,539	-72%    46%    -26%    -28%    -45%	1644     563     2143     1068     5,418	5,221        399        2724           1426         9770	-69%     41%     -21%     -25%     -45%
March 500 500L 500X 124	439     173     607     325     1,544	1671  106  726  419   2,922	-74%    63%    -16%    -22%    -47%	1309     395     1579     731     4,014	4,020        284        1,966            961         7,231	-67%     39%     -20%     -24%     -44%
Feb 500 500L 500X 124	416     118     484     223     1,241	1131  72  640  302   2,145	-63%    64%    -24%    -26%    -42%	870     222     972     406     2,470	2,349        178        1,240            542         4,309	-63%     25%     -22%     -25%     -43%
Jan 500 500L 500X 124	454     104     488     183     1,229	1218  106  606  240   2,164	-63%    -2%    -19%    -24%    -43%	454     104     488     183     1,229	1,218        106        600            240         2,164	-63%     -2%     -19%     -24%     -43%

Fiat Sales Archives - All Fiat sales figures since the beginning

Fiat 500 Award Archives

Sources: FCA US LLC.
Images: FCA and Author

Fiat 500L Hits 500,000 Milestone

The 500,000 Fiat 500L rolled off the assembly line at the FCA plant in Kragujevac, Serbia yesterday. The fun to drive Fiat 500L MPV is known for packing full-size interior room within its sub-compact outside dimensions and for being the best selling car in its market segment in Europe.



Introduced in 2012, the Fiat 500L has been the top-selling car of its type for five years throughout the continent. Since 2017, Fiat 500L has gained a market share of approximately 22 percent in Europe and has exceeded 52 percent in Italy. In January 2018, sales in Europe were up 5 percent year-over-year.

Fiat 500L sales in the US have also been up an average of 30 % over the past six months compared to the same period a year ago.

The 2018 Fiat 500L has been given a makeover and features a redesigned exterior with new colors, plus a revamped interior offering numerous comfort and convenience enhancements.

2018 Fiat 500L Model Year Changes

The 500,000th Fiat 500L was produced on February 22, 2018, and was a 500L Cross 1.6 MultiJet 120 HP in two-tone Sicilia Orange with a black roof. The 500L factory at Kragujevac was opened in April 2012 following three years of renovations and a billion Euro investment, making it one of the most modern automotive production facilities in Europe.

Discuss on the Fiat 500L Forum

Read more:

2017 Fiat 500L Model Updates

More Fiat 500L Articles

2018 Fiat 500L Model Year Changes

Back in May, we broke the news that the refreshed Fiat 500L MPV would indeed arrive in North America for 2018. Fiat USA has now released images and details of the new North American 500L. The new 500L features a redesigned exterior, revamped interior plus numerous comfort and convenience enhancements. Expect to see the new 500L in dealerships this Fall.

Read May's report:

New, Refreshed Fiat 500L Coming to US

Already a fantastic family car, the 500L packs the room of a full-size car within its subcompact dimensions. Some attributes of the Fiat 500L:

• Best-in-class interior volume
• Best-in-class front head and shoulder room
• Best-in-class rear cargo space (with back seats up)
• Full-size car interior room
• Most standard torque in its class
• More than 40 available safety and security features
• Over 50 seating and storage configurations
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's 2014 Top Safety Pick
• Leather Steering Wheel in all models
• World's first use of Lexan side glass (D-Pillar) in a production vehicle
• Autostick mode for transmission
• European handling and driving dynamics

The Fiat 500L is a multi-purpose vehicle for those who want the versatility of a minivan but don't want to drive one.

2018 Fiat 500L Exterior Changes

Fiat has redesigned the front and rear fascias taking the Euro-chic 500L decidedly upmarket. The Fiat 500L has been the best selling car in its class since its introduction five years ago. The new design features more bright metal and revised trim.

• New front and rear fascia design
• Bodyside molding design
• Daytime running light lens and rear side reflector design

Three new exterior paint colors are available on the 2018 500L: Blu Denim, Arancio Pastello (Pastel Orange) and Bronzo Metallizzato (Metallic Bronze)

2018 Fiat 500L Interior Changes

• New steering wheel
• Improved center console with relocated cup holders
• New gear shifter and new parking brake handle
• Revised HVAC control knob positioning

• Thin-film transistor (TFT) cluster display
• Standard ParkView rear backup camera
• LED interior ambient lighting

• Uconnect 4 system* standard on all 2018 Fiat 500L models, and includes a 7-inch display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
• Additional USB port

2018 Fiat 500L Complete List of Features and Options

A Look at The Design of The Fiat 500L

2018 Fiat 500L Pricing

Pricing for the 2018 Fiat 500L starts at $20,995 or the same as 2017.  Pricing for 500L Trekking models go up $330 and Lusso models increase $200 over last year's pricing. Interestingly, 2018 500L Pop models are $795 less than the equivalent 2016 model.  Lusso models are a substantial $1885 less than they were in 2016.

• Pop: $20,995
• Trekking: $23,325
• Lounge: $23,895

(not including $995 destination

2018 Fiat 500L Exterior Colors

• Grigio Chiaro (Light Gray Metallic)
• Grigio Scuro (Dark Gray Metallic)
• Verde Bosco Perla (Forest Green Pearl)
• Rosso (red)
• Bianco (white)
• Nero (black)
• Giallo (yellow)
• Blu Denim (new for 2018)
• Arancio Pastello (Pastel Orange) (new for 2018)
• Bronzo Metallizato (Bronze Metallic) (new for 2018)

2018 Fiat 500L Interior Colors

• Dark Slate Gray (cloth)
• Gray (cloth)
• Nero (black) (leather)
• Grigio Carrera (gray) (leather)

Discuss on the Fiat 500L Forum

Read more:

2017 Fiat 500L Model Updates

More Fiat 500L Articles

*Uconnect 4 system includes performance improvements with faster startup time, enhanced processing power, vivid imagery, plus higher resolution and sharper graphics

Source and images: FCA US LLC

2018 Fiat 500L Features and Options

The 2018 Fiat 500L is one of the most versatile cars on the road today. With roomy, configurable seating, plenty of storage space and a staggering list of standard features, the 500L is the ultimate family car. Here is the full list of standard and available features and options for the 2017 Fiat 500L.

2018 Fiat 500L Features and Options List by Fiat500USA on Scribd

Discuss on the Fiat 500L USA Forum

2018 Fiat 500L Model Year Changes

Source: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC

New, Refreshed Fiat 500L Coming to US

We have confirmed a new, refreshed Fiat 500L MPV will arrive in North America for 2018. Fiat has released images and details of the new 500L which is set to debut in Italy the weekend of June 17-18. In Europe, the redesigned 500L is available in three trim levels/versions: Urban, Cross, and Wagon.

Although we have confirmation the redesigned 500L will indeed be available in the US, details on which versions are coming have yet to be released. The 500L Urban and Cross models seem to be roughly the equivalent to the previous available in the US Lounge and Trekking models. While it is highly likely the Cross will make its way over the Atlantic, the longer, 7-passenger 500L wagon is more of a question.

Since its introduction five years ago in Europe, the Fiat 500L has been the best-selling car in its class. The combination of room, versatility, and comfort making it a favorite in its segment. The best way to think of the 500L is to consider it a Minivan for those who would never drive one.

This is a very European car, meaning this family car is all about function and the driving experience. Stand out features in the 500L are the interior roominess of a full-size car and front and rear seats that adjust forward, back, recline and fold, giving 1500 possible ways to configure the seating arrangement. The 500L's versatility is unmatched.

A Look at the Design of the Fiat 500L

Strangely, all these family car attributes haven't resulted in any meaningful sales figures in this country, where it seems there is a preoccupation with form rather than function. Sources inside Fiat USA say the North American 500L will be redesigned to address this and take some of the quirkiness out of the car and upgrade the styling. Expect to see a more sophisticated look that fit more into North American tastes and expectations. Assumptions are the NAFTA car will look similar to the European one.

Redesigned Fiat 500L Cross detail

Previous Fiat 500L Trekking front fascia detail

Highlights of the new, refreshed 500L are:

• Redesigned front and rear fascias.
• More convenience and technologies: Uconnect ™ HD Live 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen system, Apple Car Play, and Android AutoTM compatibility.
• New personalities: Urban and Cross.
• Cross version introduces a new Drive Mode Selector.
• 40% of all components are new.

The 500L Urban edition carries a sophisticated, high-class look with chrome details and trims with almost a jewel-like quality. The front bumper takes styling cues from the recently updated 500 hatch and Cabrio models and now sports LED running lights in the shape of the stylized zeroes in the 500 logo.

Chrome is used tastefully all around the car and gives the car an upmarket look. New body side protection mouldings replace the older design. The fog and reverse lights are on the underside of the bumper for increased effectiveness.

The new Cross version is geared towards crossover buyers with an athletic sporty persona and rugged good looks. There is a new bumper design featuring prominent front and rear skid plates and Cross rides an inch higher than the Urban edition. Brushed aluminum brightwork replaces the chrome trim used on Urban models.

Inside the Cross version is a new Drive Mode Selector that allows you to select three different drivetrain calibrations depending on the desired driving style and road conditions: Normal, Traction+ and Gravity Control. Normal is self-explanatory, while Traction+ gives enhanced take off traction in slippery conditions like snow, ice, and mud. It can be activated up to 30km/h. Gravity Control is borrowed from Jeep and allows descending steep slopes at a controlled constant rate.

All versions of the 500L get a redesigned instrument cluster that consists of a round speedo and tach on either side of a 3.5-inch TFT color display similar to the one used in the 500X crossover. The TFT in the center displays the trip computer as well as other useful vehicle information.

The lower part of the dashboard now features larger storage compartments and the introduction of new for Europe central armrest (NAFTA cars already had an armrest). The gear shift position is redesigned and placed higher up for greater driving comfort. Interior illumination has been improved with ambient lighting located in the central console and doors.
The rear park assist camera now has improved resolution in poor visibility.

A new steering wheel with chrome trim that resembles 500 hatch and Cabrio models has also been added.

Connectivity is an essential requisite in any modern car, and the 500L has this well covered with what looks like an endless list of available features.

• UconnectTM HD Live system with 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen
• Apple Car Play integration and is compatible with
• Android AutoTM.
• Hands-free Bluetooth interface, audio streaming,
• text reader and voice recognition.
• AUX and USB ports with iPod integration and controls on the steering wheel
• Rear parking camera.
• New TomTom 3D built-in navigation system.
• UconnectTM LIVE services for your smartphone:
• music streaming with Deezer and TuneIn, news from Reuters and connected navigation with TomTom LIVE, and you can keep in touch with your friends via Facebook Check-in and Twitter.
• Eco-friendliness and monitoring functions wherever you choose to go with eco:Drive and my:Car.

Keep in mind; these features will vary from market to market.

The new 500L can be had in 37 color combinations when you factor in the ten pastel or metallic colors it comes in combined with three types of available roof finishes: body-coloured, glossy black and white or matt black.

Exact availability in the US for the redesigned 500L has not been released, but it can be assumed it will be later this year or beginning of 2018. Along with the new 500L, the US is getting redesigned 500 hatch and Cabrio models that will arrive spring 2018. We'll be watching this closely.

Discuss on the Fiat 500L Forum

Read more about the Fiat 500L

Source and Images: FCA

Fiat at The 2017 Geneva Motor Show

The Fiat display at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Fiat 500 and highlighted the latest special editions of the Fiat brand.



Fiat 500 60th Anniversary
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the debut of the Nuova Fiat 500 on July 4, 1957. To commemorate that event, Fiat has introduced a 60th-anniversary special edition. Available as a convertible, the Fiat 500 60th Anniversary sports a new two-tone paint job known as Dolcevita: Three-layer White for the lower body and Pastel Ivory for the hood and pillars. A gray and burgundy pinstripe separates the upper and lower colors.

The interior also has retro details and color scheme, with seats in ivory leather with contrasting burgundy seams, a neat vinyl covered burgundy dash and unique dual-color car mats. A special "560" logo is included which is a red "6" and "0" inside the familiar 500 logo. Neat.



Other features included in the Fiat 500 60th Anniversary Special Edition

• Chrome mirror caps
• Special 16" lightweight alloy wheel
• Vintage Logos
• Unique 560 logos on B-pillar, chrome door sills
• Numbered limited edition nameplate on center console
• Leather gear stick knob and steering wheel
• 7" UconnectTM Radio Live touchscreen system with Bluetooth, Satellite navigator and USB and AUX IN ports;
• 7" TFT,
• Automatic climate control,
• Fog lights
• Rear parking sensors.
• Speed Limiter and Cruise control
• Apple CarPlay support
• Android Auto integration
• Rain & Dusk sensor
• Bi-Xenon headlights
• Tinted rear windows and
• Beats AudioTM

Engine choices are the 500's base 1.2L with 69 HP, the 0.9L TwinAir with 85 HP or the 95 HP 1.3L 16v Multijet II turbodiesel. The Fiat 500 60th Anniversary is available with either a 5-speed manual transmission (6 speed for TwinAir models) or the automated manual Dualogic gearbox with paddle shifters. There is no word if we'll get the 60th Anniversary here in North America.

Fiat S-Design Series
Fiat unveiled their sporty S-Design series at this year's show. The new S-Design is a high style, sporty trim level that will be available starting off on the 500X and Tipo 5 door models.

The 500X S-Design shown had new matte Alpi Green paint and distinctive "18" alloy wheels.

The 500X S-Design also features the following trim with a burnished finish:

• Side moldings
• Door handles
• Front spoiler
• Taillight trim
• Liftgate handle
• Mirror caps

Inside the 500X S-Design, you'll find dark colored trim along with special S-Design upholstery with copper colored 500 logos.

The Tipo 5-door S-Design shown was finished in Metropoli Gray, and Piano Black trims, new diamond pattern 18" alloy wheels and body colored door handles. The interior also gets special treatment with trim changes.

Fiat Fullback Cross
Fiat is showing off their compact pickup truck they sell in various markets. Built on the Fiat 500X/ Jeep Renegade Small Wide 4X4 platform, this sporty pickup is around 208 inches long, 72 inches wide and 70 inches tall or just a tad bigger than a late model Ford Ranger. The vehicle shown has a 2.4-litre common rail turbodiesel engine and develops 180 and 317 lbs-ft (!) of torque. Top speed is 111 mph. Two transmissions are offered: a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. The All-Wheel-Drive Fullback Cross has a Torsen center differential that can be locked and along with an electronic locking rear differential (E-Locker) when the going gets rough.

Sadly, it is unlikely we will ever see the Fiat Fullback Cross here in the US.

Fiat 124 Spider Europa
The new limited edition 124 Spider Europa celebrated the launch of the original version by Pininfarina at the Geneva Show some 36 years ago.

Painted in Passione Red, this well equipped Spider sports silver rear view mirror caps and a set of the highly desirable, 17" four-spoke alloy wheels, developed by Mopar as a tribute to the original Spider's. A numbered plaque on the center console and the 124 logo on the front grille round out the package.

Other Fiats Highlighted
The Fiat 500S is a sporty version of the 500 in Europe. The car has a distinctive look, with unique front and rear bumpers, built-in fog lamps, spoilers and side skirts. An exclusive "Satin Graphite" trim finish on door and trunk handles, mirror caps and wheel trim look good and would be a great addition to the NAFTA cars...

An interesting bit of trivia is in the last six months, the 500S models have accounted for about 15 percent of 500 sales in Europe.

The Fiat 500L has been the best selling in its segment every year since it was launched in 2013. At Geneva, Fiat displayed a fully equipped 500L Trekking complete with Traction+ and a 520 Watt Beats Audio entertainment system.

The Fiat 500L has the interior room of a full-sized car with the economy of a subcompact. The US 500L is one of the best values in family cars with the Trekking model now featuring a new lower price plus Fiat has added $1,700 worth of increased content over last year.

Discuss on the Fiat 500 USA Forum

2017 Fiat 500L Model Updates

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Images and source: FCA, brochure: authors