Do you think 2013 is the year when there aren't any bad cars? Think again! Consumer Reports just posted some quick reviews of recently launched cars, and the 2014 Fiat 500L was one of them.
CR praised the generous interior space and the compact packaging. They said the ride is good but the steering doesn't have feedback. That's not really a problem for a car that's not supposed to be driven hard.
The 160 hp 1.4-liter turbo engine is pokey enough, certainly offering more than anything Fiat offers its European customers, but the gearbox is a problem. Fiat calls it Euro twin-clutch, which makes you think it's as good as VW's DSG, but it's actually dim-witted and confused.
The overall conclusion is that it's a good idea executed badly, typical Fiat behavior. Certainly, looking at the pricing of the car, we agree with their judgement. At $19,100, the cheapest 500L is more expensive than a Toyota Tacoma pickup, a Chevy Cruze sedan or a Ford Focus.
The 160 hp 1.4-liter turbo engine is pokey enough, certainly offering more than anything Fiat offers its European customers, but the gearbox is a problem. Fiat calls it Euro twin-clutch, which makes you think it's as good as VW's DSG, but it's actually dim-witted and confused.
The overall conclusion is that it's a good idea executed badly, typical Fiat behavior. Certainly, looking at the pricing of the car, we agree with their judgement. At $19,100, the cheapest 500L is more expensive than a Toyota Tacoma pickup, a Chevy Cruze sedan or a Ford Focus.