Benvenuti amici!
Some time has passed since we featured an entry about the 500L. If you are new to the world of FIAT, the 500L is the latest 4-dr/5-dr model to come from FIAT Centro Stile. The most famous FIAT 4-dr/5-dr before it is most likely the Panda or the Grande Punto. FIAT has recently announced, for the Indian market, the Avventura (a coach that blends the style of the Punto with the utility of the Panda). But I digress. Back to the 500L.
It seems, since its North American introduction, I have read just about every bad opinion one can imagine about the various features of the FIAT 500L. I will not bother to repeat them here, as I subscribe to not one. Instead, I choose to focus on the use of '500' and the letter 'L'.
The first FIAT 500L
The very first FIAT 500L was not an entirely different model in the FIAT line-up. It was the 1968 update of the coach first introduced in 1957, as a reintroduction of the model produced from 1936 to 1955. The 'L' stood for Lusso/Luxury and was/is the ultimate version of that eras Cinquino.
The ultimate luxurious city car, 500 by Gucci
The 2007 third coming of the FIAT 500 offered the city car in three trim levels. Drivers did not wait a decade to see the ultimate Cinquecento, as FIAT (re)reintroduced the model in three trims levels; Pop (Base), Sport (Mid) and Lounge (Luxurious).
The inspiration for the 500L at Centro Stile
Surprisingly, the Italian automaker did not choose to practice the tradition of a letter signature for each trim/version of the first People's Car. Still, One can find official FCA print releases utilizing these signatures. Of course This adds a bit of confusion. In 2012, FIAT S.p.A. launched a brand new MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) called the 500L. Although the 'Elle' is not an updated version of the famous little 2-dr/3-dr, the design is admittedly based on a combination of the 600 Multipla and the 500G (Giardiniera).
Three generations of art: 500L Centro Stile Galleria
As the Multipla did with the infamous FIAT 600, the modern 500L borrows styling cues from the smaller model. Unlike the Multipla, the 'Elle' does this on a brand new, larger, platform and footprint. The 'L', therefor, in this model name is meant to signify 'Large'.
The vintage and modern family (designed by Dante Giacosa and Roberto Giolito respectively) movers share a solid focus on utilitarian philosophies over looks. But that isn't to say they are devoid of style and luxury. In fact, the extra space and doors offered in the Multipla & Elle are, for any lover of Italian automobiles, quite the luxury. No?
FIAT fits your growing life
FIAT fits your growing tastes
When official photos of the Elle hit the internet I read quite a few negative comments on various USAmerican websites & forums. The opinions I found most disturbing suggested Team Giolito should have followed the lead of its competitors and simply stretched the tiny 500, in order to fit the extra doors. The most sensible questioned the use of '500', stating it is a mistake to rebuild the brand reputation on one model.
From the inside looking out
A visit to our LS (Local Studio) and a few test drives were all it took for me to understand exactly how spot on the design of this model is. It definitely displays a brilliant use of space. The 500L is not a large vehicle, per se… at least not by North American standards. I have seen it on the street and it is very much still a FIAT, in relation to other vehicles. It is small & stylish. But is it a 500?
FIAT fits at every angle
The Designer-in-Chief: Roberto Giolito
The jury is still out on the controversial, in fan circles, use of '500' & 'L'. But the design approach and adherence to aged old philosophies are on point. This model looks and feels like a FIAT. It is arguably as much a 500 as the Multipla is a 600. But all that is irrelevant. What is relevant is whether this coach helps our automaker of choice re-establish itself on our shores. Reset. Rethink. Revolt...
Vivere.Amare.Guidare.
Ciao!
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