Fiat applies more crossover cues to 500L with new City Cross variant

Someone tell Fiat it already has the 500X in the lineup

Crossovers and SUVs are the hottest things right now in the automotive industry, and carmakers go out of their way to meet the demand for these vehicles.

Fiat already has an SUV in its lineup, the 500X — two if you count the Panda 4×4 as well. That doesn't stop the Italians from applying crossover cues to other models as well, with the 500L MPV being the most common choice.

Meet the Fiat 500L City Cross, which the automaker describes as a "city crossover looks for thrilling urban adventures." It's a new trim level that expands the recently-updated 500L range, bringing a more rugged appearance and new equipment.

Already available to order, the 500L City Cross distinguishes itself from other 500L models thanks to exterior updates including a more rugged-looking bumper with skid plate, a bold grille, and a 25-mm raised ground clearance. New black accents are also on the menu: the 17-inch alloys, mirror caps, plastic cladding, and contrasting roof.

The 500L City Cross is available in nine colors, including a new Sicilia Orange paintwork. Inside, the model gets black fabric seats with white stitching and the "500" logo, as well as a dashboard fascia in either black or white.

Standard equipment is generous and includes cruise control, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, 3.5-inch TFT color display for the Uconnect HD LIVE infotainment system, 60/40 split rear seat, and LED DRLs. The Uconnect HD Live interface with 7-inch touchscreen, Apple Car Play, and Android Auto is available as an option. All-wheel-drive is not on the list, however.

Buyers can have the 500L City Cross with the entire engine range available for the MPV — four gasoline units (including one LPG-compatible engine), and two diesels. The petrol range consists of a 95-hp 1.4-liter naturally aspirated engine, a 105-hp 0.9-liter TwinAir turbocharged unit, and a 120-hp 1.4-liter TwinJet turbo-four — with the latter also available in a bi-fuel LPG-gasoline version.

Diesel options include a 95-hp 1.3-liter MultiJet and a 120-hp 1.6-liter MultiJet.

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