The 500L is not exactly the
prettiest model that Fiat makes. But this latest special edition is out to
rectify that. Called the S-Design edition, it’s based on the Fiat 500L Cross, but
upgrades its appearance in similar fashion to the previous takes on the 124
Spider, 500X, and Tipo five-door hatch.
That starts with the matte bronze paintjob,
contrasting with the gloss black roof and Myron accents on the molding, door
handles, mirror caps, tail light bezels, skid plates, and grille. The 17-inch
alloys are done up to match, the windows are tinted, and it comes with standard
fog lights, black fabric interior upholstery, and a long list of optional
equipment bundled as standard.
The young,
fashion-conscious customers at which this special edition is focused can also
opt for white, grey, green, black, or another shade of bronze – with or without
the black roof. Buyers will also be able to choose between the 1.4-liter
gasoline engine or 1.3-liter diesel – both kicking out 95 hp or the
more potent 1.6-liter diesel with 120 hp.
Despite appearances, the 500L has been a runaway
success for Fiat in European markets, topping the overall sales charts in Italy
and leading its segment in Serbia and Turkey. This special edition ought to
further distinguish the retro-styled minivan, particularly in countries like
Spain, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Portugal, and Greece, where the
500L sits among the top three models in its segment.
The story is quite different in North America. Last month, FCA sold just 136 examples of the 500L in the United
States, making it one of the company’s slowest sellers, behind only the Alfa
Romeo 4C and discontinued models like the Dodge Dart and Jeep Patriot.
