Photo: SB-Medien
The 500L is like the ugly duckling everybody must acknowledge. That's because even though nobody wants to buy one, it still underpins many other cars that are popular. Under the new Fiat naming strategy, everything called "500" must be premium-ish, which is probably why the mid-life facelift looks so extensive.
These are the very first spyshots of the 500L facelift, captured as several fully camouflaged prototypes were sitting on a car transporter.
As you might expect, the changes brought about by the facelift are quite similar to those seen on the refresh of the regular 500. They have installed more LED signature lighting in the headlights and apparently increased the size of the fog lights. The shape of the lower air intake has also been changed, but we can't see what's going on due to all the heavy camouflage.
Around the back, the taillights have received a 3D effect that's so popular with carmakers these days. We might see an upgrade to modern LED graphics as well. What is very important is what they do with the infotainment system. Fiat has also hinted at special editions with musical or fashion themes.
Due to its MPV-like A-pillar glass, the 500L will never pull off the crossover look. However, we know that it's a little more practical than the 500X in some regards. The 500L is targeted at people who already have a family but want the style of a retro automobile, a cute Fiat, if you will.
No reports have come out regarding potential engine changes, but we can speculate by following the steps already taken by Fiat in recent years.
The 500L will increasingly rely on the 1.3 MultiJet II and the 1.6 MultiJet from the Tipo range. It will be very interesting to see what Fiat does in the gearbox department because the twin-clutch solution just isn't working, especially due to US customers. Instead, Fiat the 500L could go for full automatics, even though it doesn't need to.
As you might expect, the changes brought about by the facelift are quite similar to those seen on the refresh of the regular 500. They have installed more LED signature lighting in the headlights and apparently increased the size of the fog lights. The shape of the lower air intake has also been changed, but we can't see what's going on due to all the heavy camouflage.
Around the back, the taillights have received a 3D effect that's so popular with carmakers these days. We might see an upgrade to modern LED graphics as well. What is very important is what they do with the infotainment system. Fiat has also hinted at special editions with musical or fashion themes.
Due to its MPV-like A-pillar glass, the 500L will never pull off the crossover look. However, we know that it's a little more practical than the 500X in some regards. The 500L is targeted at people who already have a family but want the style of a retro automobile, a cute Fiat, if you will.
No reports have come out regarding potential engine changes, but we can speculate by following the steps already taken by Fiat in recent years.
The 500L will increasingly rely on the 1.3 MultiJet II and the 1.6 MultiJet from the Tipo range. It will be very interesting to see what Fiat does in the gearbox department because the twin-clutch solution just isn't working, especially due to US customers. Instead, Fiat the 500L could go for full automatics, even though it doesn't need to.
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