Spyshots: Fiat 500XL

Fiat continues its program of aggressive expansion, strangely pinning all its hopes on the 500 name, with a five-seater 500L and the 500X crossover. The latest addition to the range is this, the 500XL seven-seater people mover.

This car will be about six inches (15 cm) longer still than the 500L, which is itself longer than the 500. Reports indicate both this MPV and the B-segment Jeep ride on the Small US Wide platform.

When the 500XL enters production some time in 2013, it will have an extended range of colors and customization options. However, production should be limited to Europe, as the US reportedly doesn’t want a small seven-seater vehicle.

The interior is similar but not completely identical to that of the regular 500. The dash also appears to be covered in something like fake leather or fabric, instead of the shiny plastic you see on the 500.

❐ Check out the Fiat 500XL photo gallery